1. The document discusses changes to F-1 student employment options under a new interim final rule published in April 2008, including a 17-month extension for STEM OPT and H-1B cap gap relief. 2. It outlines the different types of F-1 employment (on-campus, off-campus, CPT, OPT) and requirements for each. 3. Students are warned that unauthorized employment is illegal and can result in fines, jail time, or deportation. They are advised to stay informed of the rules by visiting the International Student Services Office.

1. F-1 Employment Update Presented by: Amanda Majure, SEVIS Compliance Coordinator International Student & Scholar Services Office August 2008

2. Out of F-1 status? Not eligible for F-1 benefits… This includes EMPLOYMENT

3. Interim Final Rule Appeared April 8, 2008 in the Federal Register (79 FR 18944) Available on ISSSO website: http://issso.uh.edu/PDF/opt_29_month_rule.pdf Effective immediately (with comment period through June 9, 2008) Impacted F-1 employment and employers hiring F-1 international students

4. Main Points: STEM A 17-month OPT extension for students who have bachelors/masters/doctoral degrees in certain STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity Total of 29 months of OPT (OPT + OPTX)

5. Main Points: H-1B Cap Gap Extension of duration of status (D/S) and work authorization through October 1 F-1 international students

6. Main Points: Unemployment Limited periods of unemployment to maintain F-1 status

7. Main Points: Define OPT Types Pre-Completion OPT Post Completion OPT STEM OPT H-1B Cap Gap Extension

8. Main Points: Reporting Requirements Revised reporting requirements while on OPT: students employers designated school officials

9. Main Points: I-765 filing Adjusted time period for students can submit I-765 (application for employment authorization) Post Completion OPT OPT STEM Extension (OPTX)

10. F-1 Employment

11. F-1 Employment Categories ON CAMPUS OFF CAMPUS

12. On Campus Employment To qualify maintain full time status Not eligible for work-study or long term staff positions Only work at the campus listed on the I-20

13. On Campus Employment Full-time F-1 students with a current I-20 may begin working on campus immediately Fall/Spring Semesters ≤ 20 hours per week School breaks ≥ 20 hours per week

14. On Campus Opportunities Most jobs are only advertised in their respective departments Teaching, Research & Academic Support Assistantships (TA/RA/ASA) Typically these jobs offer in-state tuition Highly valued

15. Need ideas? Visit ISSSO for a list of departments who have previously hired internationals University Career Services

16. On Campus Employment & Social Security Numbers Bring to the ISSSO: Job offer letter from the employer Request from ISSSO: Social Security Letter (takes 5 business days)

17. On Campus Employment & Social Security Numbers Take to the Social Security Administration Office: Both letters (job offer + Social Security letter) Current I-20 (original) I-94 card Passport For estimated processing time please check with the Social Security Administration

18. Off Campus Employment CPT Economic Hardship OPT International Organizations Opportunities await you!

19. Off Campus Employment: International Organizations http://foia.state.gov/masterdocs/09fam/0941024x1.pdf

20. Off Campus Employment: Severe Economic Hardship Prove to DHS (documented evidence) Circumstances occurring AFTER obtaining F-1 status You must prove you are facing SEVERE economic hardship due to circumstances beyond your ability to control or predict

21. Severe Economic Hardship: Can you document…? Financial need: unpredicted and not under your control Loss of funding / financial aid Loss of on-campus employment Substantial fluctuations in the currency value or exchange rate Inordinate increases in tuition and/or living costs Unexpected changes in the financial condition of the student’s sponsor/source of support Medical bills Other substantial and unexpected expenses

22. Severe Economic Hardship: Requirements F-1 status for one full academic year Must prove on campus jobs are not available

23. Severe Economic Hardship: Benefits Part time during Fa ll/Spring semesters ≤ 20 hours per week Full time during school breaks ≥ 20 hours per week Employment is not limited to major

24. Severe Economic Hardship: Regulations Authorization is for 1 year Must re-apply each year Transferring out from UH? Severe Economic Hardship work authorization will be cancelled DO NOT work until receiving your Employment Authorization Documentation (EAD) card from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

25. Off Campus Employment: Practical Training Curricular Practical Training Optional Practical Training

26. Required internship for your degree program or part of your established curriculum Cooperative Education (COOP Program) Employment offered under cooperative agreement between an employer & university Required training needed for research Graduate students working on thesis/dissertation Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

27. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Renewable each semester Can be part-time Can be full-time CPT can be full time up to 1 year

28. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Requirements Maintained F-1 status Full Time for previous academic year (fall & spring semesters)

29. Optional Practical Training

30. Optional Practical Training (OPT) 12 months of employment Related to your major/area of study After completing your degree

31. Long Term Planning 11 mos. of F/T CPT Unlimited P/T CPT 1 full year of OPT 12 mos. or more of F/T CPT H-1B 6 Yrs Green card YES! NO

32. 1. On Campus Can begin immediately 20 hours or less per week during semesters (full time during school breaks) 2. Off Campus International Organizations Severe Economic Hardship CPT OPT Employment Review And remember….

33. Listen everyone. Listen everyone. Unauthorized employment is illegal & a serious violation of your F-1 status!!!

34. Consequences of Unauthorized employment Can result in: Fines Jail time Deportation Bar to re-entry Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has a zero tolerance policy

35. Remember your F.A.C.T.S. Full-time student F A C T S Authorized employment Carry current documents Transitions Stay in touch

36. For more information on your employment options and/or to apply for work authorization Visit ISSSO