EMPLOYMENT-CPT-OPT
(Immigration regulations allow F-1 students to work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during fall and spring terms and up to 40 hours per week during vacation breaks). (However TAMU-Commerce policy only allows graduate assistants to work up to 20 hours per week and student workers up to 19 hours per week). Off-campus employment is illegal unless authorized by an international student adviser. Unauthorized employment is a serious offense and grounds for deportation.
Finding a Job
Graduate assistantships are the most profitable on-campus jobs. Student worker positions are also available. See the GA website. First, check the "regular" student listings on the employment section of the Human Resources page of the university website. (International students are not eligible for "work-study" positions.) Other opportunities may also be found in: dining services, library, Memorial Student Center (MSC), recreational center (MRC), children's learning center, student services and academic departments. Off-campus employment is allowed for students who have been authorized for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training(OPT) or Economic Hardship. See the corresponding sections for further information on these off-campus opportunities.
Most students who are eligible for CPT or OPT will be looking for positions off-campus. Newspaper and online job boards can be used but there is often a low reply rate. Many companies have openings that are not advertised, so if there is a specific company in which you are interested, check their job postings for openings. If you know someone within a company who can recommend you, you will have the greatest chance for serious consideration.
In general, American companies expect you to apply for employment through a Human Resources or Personnel Department. Most companies have specific application forms to complete but take copies of your resume to attach. You may also be required to take typing or clerical tests, if appropriate for the position to which you are applying.
After submission of your application, you may or may not be contacted by the company. It is acceptable for you to contact the personnel department after a few days and periodically thereafter if you have not been contacted. Excessive contact, such as calling every day or trying to convince the hiring staff how important the job is to you is seen as a negative trait in American culture.
If the company is interested in you, you will probably be contacted for an interview. Some jobs require two or more interviews. Contact the campus Career Center for information regarding what to wear, how to act and how to prepare for the questions you will be asked. It is generally considered unacceptable for interviewees to ask about money issues until the employer opens the subject or until late in the hiring process. As a nonimmigrant, you will also want to be prepared to reduce any fears the employer may have about work authorization. Be sure that you understand CPT/OPT guidelines and have contact information available should the employer want to contact your international adviser regarding employment issues.
Campus Resources for Career Assistance
Many students, American and International, do not realize that a number of free resources are available to students who want assistance with career issues. The Counseling Center provides free testing for students who need help determining what careers suit them best. The Communication Skills Center and Career Center staff can help students write stronger resumes and application letters. The Career Center also provides job search and interview skills information, including opportunities to practice interviewing before meeting with a prospective employer. For more information regarding the services provided by each office, see their respective websites or contact them directly.
Social Security
All workers in the US must have a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Number (ITN) in order to receive wages legally. As of 10/13/2004, the Social Security Administration will issue SSNs to international students only after they obtain legal employment. This must be documented by a letter of eligibility from an international student adviser plus a letter of employment from the student's employer. If at least 10 days have passed since the student entered the US allowing the student’s immigration record to be updated with port of entry information, it will take about two weeks to receive the card after submission of the application at a Social Security office. Students can begin work before obtaining a SS card but will not be able to receive wages until the card is issued.
For more information regarding Social Security issues, attend the ISSO information session, provided early each semester, or read the Social Security website.
CPT
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows students who have internship or research courses to obtain part-time or full-time paid work experience outside the classroom. Because it works like a lab, CPT employment dates are synchronized with a specific CPT course. Employment cannot begin before or extend beyond the dates of the course. CPT must be authorized BEFORE employment can begin. For full details, see the CPT webpage.
OPT
Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows students to gain part-time or full-time paid work experience in their degree field for up to one year. Pre-Completion OPT occurs prior to graduation and Post-Completion OPT occurs after. Because Pre-Completion OPT allows only part-time employment, Pre-Completion OPT is rarely recommended by the ISSO.
12-Month OPT Information:
17-Month OPT Information:
Economic Hardship
Students who have been in status for at least one academic year and who have faced extreme financial hardship due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the student's control may be eligible to apply for an economic hardship work authorization. Authorization allows a student to work part-time off-campus while maintaining his or her full course load. Applications are expensive, take several months to process and are often denied so this is not a viable option for most students. To determine if you are eligible for this authorization, please speak with an international student adviser.
