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Eligibility:

• • You must have been in F-1 status for at least one full academic year (nine months).
  • Demonstrate an unexpected change in your financial situation (e.g., loss of funding, unexpected medical expenses).
  • Document your financial hardship to justify the need for employment.

Work Hours:

• • During the academic year: Up to 20 hours per week.
  • During school breaks and vacations: Full-time.

Application Process:

1. 1. Consultation: Schedule a meeting with OISS to discuss your situation and determine eligibility.
   2. Documentation: Provide evidence of your financial hardship (e.g., letters from sponsors, bank statements).
   3. USCIS Authorization: Submit Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) to USCIS with the required fee and documentation.
   4. Approval: If approved, you will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) allowing you to work off-campus.

Important: USCIS approval is required before you can begin off-campus employment. The process can take several months, so plan accordingly.

Eligibility:

• • You must have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year.
  • You do not need a job offer to apply for OPT.

Types of OPT:

• • Pre-completion OPT: Work authorization granted before the completion of your program.
    • Part-time (up to 20 hours per week) while school is in session.
    • Full-time during breaks and vacations.
  • Post-completion OPT: Work authorization granted after completing your program.
    • Typically full-time (up to 12 months, with a possible extension for STEM graduates).

Application Process:

1. 1. DSO Recommendation: Obtain a recommendation from your DSO, who will update your SEVIS record and issue a new I-20.
   2. USCIS Authorization: Submit Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) to USCIS with the required fee and supporting documents.
   3. EAD Card: Upon approval, you will receive an EAD card authorizing you to work in the U.S.

Important Considerations:

• • You may apply for OPT up to 90 days before and 60 days after your program end date.
  • The total period of OPT is generally 12 months but can be extended for STEM graduates.
  • You must report your employment details to OISS, and any periods of unemployment are limited (90 days for post-completion OPT).

Use the OPT Calculator for better planning. 

Link for More Information: 

The J-1 program sponsor may authorize J-1 off-campus employment to help alleviate the problem. If you believe that you qualify for off-campus work permission, make an appointment with your J-1 program sponsor. Be prepared to discuss the exact nature of your problem. You may be asked to provide documentation of your situation so a determination can be made if offcampus work permission is warranted. If permission is granted, you may work 20 hours per week during the academic year, and full-time during school vacations. Your total employment from all sources cannot exceed 20 hours per week during the academic year.   

Eligibility:

• • You must be in good academic standing.
  • You can begin working immediately upon starting your program.
  • Employment must be directly with EIU or an affiliated entity (e.g., campus dining services, research labs).

Work Hours:

• • • During the academic year: Up to 20 hours per week.
    • During school breaks and vacations (e.g., summer, winter holidays): Full-time, which is defined by EIU as up to 30 hours per week.

Duration:

• • You can work on-campus as long as you maintain your J-1 status and are enrolled in a program of study.
  • Employment must cease upon the completion of your program of study.

Examples of On-Campus Jobs:

• • Library assistant
  • Teaching or research assistant
  • Campus dining staff
  • Student office assistant

Process:

1. 1. Search for Jobs: Check the EIU Handshake or visit departments directly to inquire about available positions.
   2. Apply: Submit your resume and any other required application materials.
   3. Verify Eligibility: Once you are offered a position, verify your employment eligibility with the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS).
   4. Begin Working

Start your on-campus job, keeping track of your hours to ensure compliance with the 20-hour limit during the academic year.

Note: On-campus employment does not require authorization from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) but must be reported to and authorized by OISS.

Career Services can help with job search strategies, resume and cover letter writing, and interview skills. You might also investigate job opportunities through professional associations related to your field of study. Finally, it is always a good idea to "network", or ask professors and other colleagues for job recommendations.