Hamilton College - International Student Services - Employment and Practical Training

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	Employment Off-Campus: Practical Training Optional Practical Training (OPT) F-1 students are eligible for 12 months of Optional Practical Training employment (OPT) during their course of study in the US. This 12 months may be used at any point after the completion of the first academic year. The OPT may be used part-time during the school year (not usual), for paid internships in the summer, and/or post-graduation (more commonly used). This is only a general review of the possibilities and basic rules. If you choose to use OPT before graduation (for example, for a summer internship) that time is DEDUCTED from the total of 12 months for which you are eligible. If you do not use any OPT prior to graduation, you are eligible for a total of 12 months of OPT to be used within 14 months of completion of the degree. Maintaining eligibility for most types of F-1 employment means that a student must obtain a position related to his/her major and limit his or her work to: 1) no more than 20 hours per week while school is in session, or 2) full-time work during school vacation periods. Students should not assume that they are eligible to work without first contacting the Coordinator of International Student Services and completing Form I-765, an application for an Employment Authorization Document (E.A.D.) with ICE. The E.A.D. can take up to 4 months to procure. *All F-1 students must familiarize themselves with the employment regulations and application procedures by consulting with the Coordinator of International Student Services.* The Coordinator of International Student Services will send e-mail reminders to international students in January about OPT information sessions. Students should be sure to attend one of these meetings in order to obtain the most up-to-date information about filing. Filing too late or completing the application form incorrectly could result in the denial of the application. To learn more about OPT and the specifics of filing I-765 application form, visit http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis (go to "Forms" then scroll down to form I-765) Remember, please do not work off campus, file an OPT application, or begin a job search before checking with Carol Drogus, Coordinator of International Student Services. An appointment can be made by phoning Regina Johnson at (315) 859-4022. You must bring the "OPT Intent" form with you to your meeting. Students applying for and utilizing OPT are responsible for familiarizing themselves with some important OPT requirements and reminders. Most importantly, students on OPT MUST NOTIFY THE DEAN OF STUDENTS OFFICE OF ANY CHANGE OF NAME, ADDRESS, EMPLOYER OR ANY PERIOD OF UNEMPLOYMENT WITHIN TEN DAYS. Internship with an International Organization Students maintaining lawful F-1 status may obtain written permission to engage in an internship by a "recognized" international organization, such as the United Nations and the World Bank. Students must maintain their F-1 student status while employed by such an organization. Students must check with the Coordinator of International Student Services to get an up to date list of organizations. April 2008 Interim OPT Ruling The interim OPT ruling allows students applying for post-completion OPT to apply for a 17 month extension (total of 29 months) under certain specific circumstances pertaining to their degree category and their employment. Students nearing the end of the OPT may also apply for the so-called STEM extension for an additional 17 months, provided they meet the degree and employment conditions. In addition, student caught in the so-called H1-B cap gap may also now automatically extend their OPT if their H1-B application is approved. Post-completion OPT is now also dependent on employment. Students must report periods of unemployment to Hamilton College, and a student on 12 month OPT may not accrue more than 90 aggregate days of unemployment. Students on a 17 month STEM extension may not accrue more than 120 aggregate days of unemployment in the 29 month period. Web Resources on the new OPT ruling: USCIS Questions and Answers Department of Homeland Security Announcement
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