International Student Career Opportunities

F-1 and J-1 students are eligible to work on-campus while attending classes. The work does not need to be related to your field of study. You must maintain legal F-1 or J-1 status while engaging in on-campus employment. 

Benefits

• Earn extra $$
• Work experience looks good on a resume
• Meet new people and make friends
• Develop communication skills and various other skills
• Learn to manage your time and juggle many projects at once
• Recommendation letters and personal references for future employment or education

Definition of On-Campus Employment

• On-campus employment includes work done as a teaching or research assistant as well as jobs in the university library, gym facilities, laboratories, and administrative offices.

Requirements

• You must be enrolled full time during fall and winter semesters
• You may work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session
• You may work full-time on-campus during official university holidays
• You may not engage in on-campus employment after the program end date listed on your I-20

You are not eligible for the NMT work-study program. The work-study program provides jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay for education expenses. Under the work-study program, a percentage of a student's earnings is paid through federal or state funds, and the remainder is paid by the student's employer.

What to Consider

• Preferably, the job should be one which looks good on resume and provides learning experiences and valuable skills (communication skills, computer skills, etc.)
• Try to choose a job which might eventually lead to a better job. For example, work as a grader, then go on to become a teaching assistant (TA).
• It is quite possible for an international student to be hired as a Graduate Teaching Assistant (TA) or as a Research Assistant (RA). Both TAs and RAs generally receive tuition and a stipend.  You may receive a TA or RA award either from your department or another department on campus. 

Where to Look for On-Campus Jobs

• Departments (check posting boards and contact academic departments and professors for job possibilities)
• NMT Career Services Office -- Fidel 262 
• Handshake
• Library, Gym, Golf Course, Child Care Center, OSL and many more

Applying for On-Campus Jobs

• There is no central hiring office for student jobs. You must visit each individual office and ask for information there.
• Be sure to ask about application deadlines or any required meetings.

Tips for Getting a Job

• Don't be afraid to ask for what you want
• Have a great resume
• Have confidence
• Approach prospective employers
• Practice answering questions employers might ask
• Good personal hygiene and appropriate dress

U.S. Taxes

When you get an on-campus job, you will be required to pay tax on your earnings. You may qualify for exemptions if your home country has a tax treaty with the United States. Please work with your employer and the Tax Compliance Office to ensure you complete the necessary paperwork.  For detailed information on U.S. taxes, refer to Taxes and Social Security.

Documentation Needed After Getting a Job

When you get an on-campus job, you will need to complete the following forms:

• NMT Student Work Authorization Form (pick up at Financial Aid Office)
• I-9 Form (Employment Eligibility Verification) from Tax Compliance Office
• State and federal withholding allowance certificate (W-4) forms
• Direct Deposit Authorization Form if you would like to have your paychecks directly deposited into your bank account

At NMT, CPT is only available to students in good standing who are enrolled full time. Students authorized for CPT during the summer semester may be register for less than full time.  Students may request authorization for part-time or full-time CPT. At all times, students must continue to make satisfactory progress toward completing their degree program. Satisfactory progress is defined by each academic department. Remember, you are required to maintain valid F-1 status, including full time enrollment  during the fall and spring semesters. This means you must be simultaneously enrolled in classes full-time and be physically present on campus in order to maintain lawful F-1 status during fall and winter terms. As an F-1 student, your primary purpose in the U.S. is to earn a degree. CPT is a benefit of maintaining your F-1 status, so it is important to prioritize your studies. If you are considering full-time CPT, please understand its likely impact on your academic progress and proceed cautiously. You should also ask permission from your academic/faculty advisor or graduate coordinator. CPT is authorized for a particular position with a particular employer for a specific length of time. CPT involves the approval and participation of a NMT faculty member who certifies that the job is a REQUIRED part of the student’s education and who will oversee the student’s progress.

A student on CPT will need to be enrolled for a Co-op class that is in the catalog of the faculty advisor’s department. The student and the faculty advisor will determine how many credits the student will receive for the Co-op class.

CPT may be either part-time (less than 20 hours per week) or full time (more than 20 hours per week). CPT has some bearing on Optional Practical Training (OPT); see the International Advisor for details. CPT requires consultation with the International Advisor, Academic Advisor, Center for Graduate Studies and the student’s employer.

CPT employment must cease before the date of degree completion. Continuing CPT after this date is illegal and is a violation of status.

CPT may not be used during the student’s last semester of their educational program and students must have completed one full academic year at NMT before beginning CPT.

Who Can Apply

A degree-seeking F-1 student who:

• Has been enrolled full-time for one full academic year at NMT in valid U.S. immigration status:
• Academic year = Consecutive Fall and Spring semester enrollment;
• An NMT student who changed education levels and was issued a “change of level” I-20 (not “Initial attendance”) may qualify;
• A student who has an approved change of status to F1 may qualify depending on their previous visa status and full-time enrollment for one academic year. Please see an International advisor for clarification. 
• Is maintaining valid F-1 status.
• Has an offer for a practical training opportunity directly related to their major, REQUIRED for degree and degree level as listed on the I-20.
• Is enrolled in an appropriate course for CPT as determined by the International Advisor and the Students Advisor.

Step 1: Secure an Offer for Practical Training

Seek a position that is directly related to your degree program (the major and degree level that matches your I-20). You must be offered the position before you submit your CPT application. Important: remember that CPT applications require thorough review so please select an employment start date that allows for  processing time. 

Step 2: Obtain a job offer letter from your employer. 

The International Office is required to report certain elements of your CPT employment offer in SEVIS. 

Step 3: Send the job offer letter to the career advisor who will be authorizing your CPT. 

Your Career Services Advisor needs to be able to complete a verification for the International Advisor and they need to see the letter you received in order to do so.

Step 4: Fill out CPT application paperwork.

Find the CPT paperwork here.

You will fill out the CPT application in coordination with your employer and academic advisor.   You must email your employment letter and application to Career services.

Please remember to submit complete and accurate information so your application can be approved in a timely manner. 

Only completed CPT applications will be reviewed. Incomplete CPT applications will be rejected and must be resubmitted once it has been properly completed. CPT applications that are resubmitted will be subject to the 15 business day processing.

Students will receive an email from International Advisor when your I-20 with CPT authorization is available. Collect the I-20 via r preferred method and review page 2 for your CPT authorization details.

Verify that the dates, part-time/full-time, and employer name and location are correct. You can only work for the employer and dates you are authorized.

Sign and date page 1 of your I-20 in blue ink if all of the information is correct.

Your employer should ask to see your I-20 with CPT authorization to complete the new employee paperwork.

CPT Time Limits

You may be approved for CPT multiple times during your degree program. At all times, you must continue to make satisfactory progress toward completing your degree program. Satisfactory progress is defined by each department. The CPT MUST BE REQUIRED by your degree program. You must also meet the CPT eligibility requirements each time you request authorization.

If you are authorized for 365+ days of full-time CPT, you are not eligible for post completition OPT at the same degree level. Please click here for the regulations. 

Accumulating part-time CPT generally does not affect your eligibility for post-completion OPT. However, please know that U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) will review an OPT applicant’s entire CPT history when determining OPT eligibility.

Part-time and full-time practical training is defined by immigration as:

• Part-time CPT- 20 hours or less per week
• Full-time CPT- more than 20 hours per week

Your CPT must be authorized for either part-time or full-time. If there is a change in the number of hours per week you work that will change your part-time or full-time authorization, you must have new CPT authorization before you change your work schedule. A change in part-time/full-time CPT authorization requires a new CPT application.

You must be simultaneously enrolled in classes full-time and be physically present on campus in order to maintain lawful F-1 status during fall and winter terms.

Shorten Your Authorized CPT Dates

If you need to shorten the dates of your CPT authorization, you must email the International Advisor  with your request and confirmation of the new dates from your employer and academic/faculty/career advisor. It is not possible to change your CPT dates after your CPT authorization has ended. 

Extend Your Authorized CPT Dates

If you need to extend the dates of your CPT authorization, it is your responsibility to contact the International Advisor. In most cases, course enrollment must first be verified before CPT authorization can be granted. If the CPT experience will extend beyond the semester for which you have been authorized, you may request an extension. 

To request a CPT extension, students must submit a CPT request form from Career Services . This  form will require an advisor to verify that the CPT request is a REQUIRED  requirement of the academic plan.

You may request authorization for part-time or full-time CPT. At all times, you must continue to make satisfactory progress toward completing your degree program. Satisfactory progress is defined by each  department. 

Remember, you are required to maintain valid F-1 status, including full time enrollment during the fall and spring semesters. This means you must be simultaneously enrolled in classes full-time and be physically present on campus in order to maintain lawful F-1 status during fall and winter terms. As an F-1 student, your primary purpose in the U.S. is to earn a degree. CPT is a benefit of maintaining your F-1 status, so it is important to prioritize your studies. If you are considering full-time CPT, please understand its likely impact on your academic progress and proceed cautiously. You should also ask permission from your academic/faculty advisor or graduate coordinator.

Summer enrollment  is required if your CPT authorization is for the summer (generally May-August).  The CPT course can be 1-3 credits during the 8-week summer term. Confirm summer enrollment requirements with your academic/faculty advisor and your employing department if you are a graduate assistant.

You must intend to enroll full-time during the following fall semester.

During your CPT authorization, you must:

• Report change in U.S. residential address in International Advisor within 10 days.
• Report change in permanent foreign address in International Advisor within 10 days.
• Complete your CPT course.
• If you are unable to complete your CPT course, or you are unable to complete your CPT experience, contact ISS and your academic/career advisor immediately.
• Keep proof of your CPT experience for your permanent records.

Stop working on the end date of your CPT authorization on page 2 of your CPT I-20.

You do not need a new I-20 at the end of CPT. The I-20 is still valid until the program end date on page 1, as long as you continue to maintain your fulltime enrollment. 

After your CPT authorization, you must:

• Report change in U.S. residential address to International advisor within 10 days.
• Report change in permanent foreign address in International Advisor within 10 days.
• Complete your CPT course.
• If you are unable to complete your CPT course, or you are unable to complete your CPT experience, contact ISS and your academic/career advisor immediately.
• Keep proof of your CPT experience for your permanent records.

You are required to file taxes on any taxable income earned.

OPT is employment in the student’s degree field for the purpose of gaining additional knowledge in the student’s area of study. OPT requires the approval of the International Advisor, the Academic Advisor and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), which is a branch of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). OPT is available for graduate and undergraduate F-1 students in good academic standing as well as maintaining good F-1 status. There are several types of OPT, making an appointment with the International Advisor is necessary to determine which type of OPT to use.

The application process for OPT can be confusing, never mail anything to the USCIS unless it has been approved by the International Advisor. Approval of OPT by the USCIS may take up to 120 days. Students cannot begin work until the EAD (Employment Authorization Document) has been issued to the student.

For additional details on OPT and CPT, contact the International Advisor.

Process for OPT Applications

1. Meet with the International Program Coordinator (Fidel 262) to request an OPT/ I-20
2. The International Program Coordinator will review your documents, and then send your OPT recommendation to SEVIS electronically to generate a new I-20. The OPT recommendation will be printed on page 2 of the new SEVIS I-20 and the end date of the I-20 (page 1, item 5) may be changed (1 - 2 weeks).
3. The International Program Coordinator will notify you when your new I-20 is available.
4. Bring your NMT ID to the International Programs Office (Fidel 262) to pick up your new I-20.
5. As soon as you pick up the I-20, sign your name (page 1, item 11).
6. Make a copy of your complete application.
7. Send your complete application and required documents to USCIS. Refer to Sending your Completed OPT Application to USCIS, below.
8. USCIS will send you a notice for the receipt of your I-765 EAD (OPT) application (2-3 weeks). Once you have received your receipt notice, you can track the status of your individual case using the case status search feature of the USCIS Web site. You may elect to receive email alerts about your case status from this Web site.
9. USCIS will approve or deny your OPT. If approved, they will mail your EAD to you. (3 months average processing time). Approximate processing times for the various applications and petitions that the immigration service centers adjudicate are published on the case status section of the USCIS Web site.

Different Kinds of OPT and Application Timelines

There are two kinds of OPT, Pre-completion and Post-completion. To understand which type to request, you need to figure out your completion date.

Definition of Completion Date

The completion date is generally established as the last day of the last month of the final term in which you will register to complete academic requirements.

Pre-completion OPT

Employment begins and ends before the completion of the academic program.

Earliest time to apply:

• If a student has not completed a full academic year: 90 days before completion of full academic year
• If student has completed a full academic year: 90 days before OPT start date

There are three types of Pre-completion OPT:

Type A: During the student's annual vacation

• Student must intend to register for the next term
• OPT may be part- or full-time

Type B: While school is in session

• Student must be registered full-time
• OPT may be part-time only

Type C: After completion of all course requirements (excluding thesis/dissertation)

• After completion of all course requirements excluding thesis/dissertation
• If Type C OPT is part-time, student must be registered full-time
• If Type C OPT is full-time, student need not be registered

Post-completion OPT

Employment begins after completion of academic program.

Earliest time to apply:

• Up to 90 days before program end date

Deadline for Application to be Received by USCIS:

• Up to 60 days after program end date
• Within 30 days of date DSO recommends in SEVIS. You can judge this by the date in Item #10 on page 1 of your OPT recommendation I-20
• If you plan to travel outside the U.S. after your completion date, you must submit the I-765 first (even if you plan to return within 60 days) and obtain the Receipt Notice in order to re-enter

PhD candidates who wish to request a post-completion OPT start date earlier than the standard completion date should contact an International Center advisor for guidance.

Documents Needed to Request a New I-20 with OPT Recommendation from the International Center

To apply for OPT, you must complete and provide the following documents to the International Center:

• Legible copies of immigration documents
  • copies of all I-20’s from your CURRENT degree level (pages 1 and 2) (not those of your dependents)
  • copies of paper or print-out of electronic Form I-94 (please click on the link for instructions)
• Any previous Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
• Unofficial transcript (available from BanWeb)
• A letter from your academic advisor

Instructions for the Academic Advisor

The academic advisor letter must meet these criteria:

• On NMT departmental letterhead
• Indicate the degree level at which the student will be applying for OPT
• The final term in which student is registered for required credits

Submitting Your Request for an OPT I-20

Once you have compiled all of the required documentation for an OPT I-20, you may submit your request to the International Program Coordinator (Fidel 262)

Sending Your Completed OPT Application to USCIS

Once you've requested an OPT recommendation through the NMTInternational Programs Office and received your new I-20, you will need to prepare and submit the following list of items to USCIS:

• G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance
• Base Fee for I-765, payable to the US Department of Homeland Security.  Personal check, Cashiers check or money order is acceptable.  If you use a personal check, wait for the check to be cashed before closing your bank account.  Only include the I-765 filing fee do NOT include the biometrics fee
• Two full-face passport-style photos. The photos must be identical and in color with a plain background. They must be no more than 30 days old when the I-765 is filed at USCIS. Photos can be obtained at Walmart or the US post office on the Plaza. Put photos in an envelope. You should attach the fee and the photo envelope on top of the entire application (on the upper left-hand corner). Please do not staple the fee and the photos. Use a pencil to gently write your name and I-94 number on the back of your photo.
• Original USCIS Form I-765. Don not include the Instruction pages.
• Photocopy of the new I-20 with OPT recommendation.
• Photocopies of all your previous I-20s from your current degree level.
• Photocopy of paper or print-out of electronic Form I-94 (please click on the link for instructions).
• Photocopy of previous EAD, if applicable.
• Photocopy of most recent F-1 visa page (except Canadians) OR approval of change of status to F-1 (I-797) if applicable.
• Photocopy of your passport pages showing your biographical information and its expiration date. Keep in mind that if the photo in the passport is not clear or varies widely from your current appearance, a clear copy of another form of identification, such as a state-issued drivers license or identification card will also have to be sent.

Mailing to USCIS

• Refer to the Department of Homeland Security’s website for the correct mailing address. The address you wish your EAD card sent determines where the application should be mailed.
• Mail your application using a trackable method and keep record of your application’s delivery.
• Ensure your application is received by USCIS less than 30 days after your OPT I-20’s issuance date.
• We recommend you make a copy of the application for your own records before mailing to USCIS. 

NOTE: The International Programs Office advises against using the “e-file” option because it makes you subject to additional requirements.

If you change your mind

If after requesting an OPT I-20 from the International Center, you decide not to send your application to USCIS, you must notify us. Please send an email to international@nmt.edu telling us that you plan to not apply for OPT and indicating the date you intend to leave the U.S. (must be within 60 days of I-20 completion date). If you do not notify us, we will be unable to adjust your SEVIS record to accurately reflect your situation. You will also continue to be billed for health insurance.

Travel Outside the U.S. and Reentry

For important information on travel during OPT, please, contact the International Programs Office at international@nmt.edu or 575/835/5060