International students on an F-1 visa may not work off-campus during the first academic year but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. After the first year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment. Employment options for F-1 students are listed below.
All F-1 or J-1 students are eligible to begin on-campus work no earlier than 30 days before the start date on their I-20, must end before or on the end date of their I-20, and can only apply for state work-study jobs.
Check the Student Employment Center website for available positions.
On-campus employment by F-1 or J-1 students is permitted as long as the student works no more than 20 hours a week while school is in session. Students may be employed full-time during vacations and recess periods as long as they intend to register for the next term.
On-campus employment means employment performed on the premises of the school or at an affiliated off-campus location. On-campus employment may be of a type normally performed by students, such as work in the school library, cafeterias, computer center, or in a student's store, or employment that is part of a student's scholarship, fellowship, or assistantship.
Under no circumstances are students permitted to accept off-campus employment without the authorization of the Office of International Education and/or the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. To do so is to violate USCIS law and would seriously jeopardize your F-1 or J-1 visa status.
Students working on campus are exempt from having to obtain an employment authorization card from USCIS.
Curricular Practical Training (Internship/Co-op)
Cooperative education and internship programs allow students to obtain practical work experience in their field of study. In order for F-1 students to participate in off-campus work experiences, immigration regulations require students to receive academic credits for the work experience, unless it is a required component of their degree program. US Citizenship and Immigration Services refers to this kind of off-campus work experience as Curricular Practical Training.
Eligibility Requirements
- Undergraduate students must have completed nine months in F-1 visa status
- Graduate students can begin as soon as their program requires
- Students must be in legal F-1 visa status, in good academic standing, and making normal, satisfactory progress toward completion of their degree
- The type of employment must be directly related to a student's major
General Information
- CPT can be full-time (40 hours per week) or part-time (20 hours per week)
- The International Student Advisor approves CPT
- Students must apply at least two weeks before the start of the practical training
Helpful Website, Forms, and Documents
Optional Practical Training is a work benefit allowed to international students in F-1 immigration status who are enrolled in, or completing a degree program in, the US. Work can be done at one or several locations for any amount of hours at any rate of pay. OPT is not a "work visa" and does not require you to remain at one company for the entire OPT period.
You must complete the IUP-OIE OPT application process and receive a new I-20 recommending OPT before you apply with USCIS. If you apply with USCIS without OPT recommendation from IUP, your application will be denied and your fees forfeited. Authorization for OPT is granted by USCIS and can take two to three months to obtain. Therefore, it is important that you apply early; if possible, three months before the date you wish to start working. You may apply for post-completion OPT up to 90 days before your completion date, and USCIS must receive your application no later than 60 days beyond your completion date or 60 days beyond the end date of your I-20 (whichever is earlier), or, if you are a graduate student, no later than 60 days beyond the last day that you are registered as a student or the end date of your I-20 (whichever is earlier). You cannot apply more than 90 days before the start date you choose. You must send your application within 30 days of getting the new I-20 from the OIE. For more information on OPT, please click on the application link below and watch our short OPT video.
Pre-Completion Practical Training
Pre-completion practical training is permitted for F-1 students as long as the work is for no more than 20 hours a week while school is in session.
Full-time employment under this category is allowed during vacations and recess periods as long as the student intends to register for the next term. Time spent in pre-completion practical training will be deducted from the 12 months of full-time employment available for post-completion practical training. For example, if the student works 20 hours a week for four months, he/she would have two months deducted from the 12 months of post-completion practical training.
You must complete the IUP-OIE application process first and receive a new I-20 recommending OPT. Applications are then submitted to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services for final decision.
Post-Completion Practical Training
F-1 students are entitled to up to one-year post-completion practical training for each successive and higher degree. Time spent in pre-completion practical training is deducted from the 12-month period.
Students can apply up to 90 days before completion of the degree.
You must complete the IUP-OIE application process first and receive a new I-20 recommending OPT. Applications are submitted to US Citizenship and Immigration Services for final decision.
Helpful Forms and Documents
OPT 24-Month STEM Extension
The US Department of Homeland Security STEM Final Rule has been in effect since 2016. NAFSA: Association of International Educators provides a summary of the rule and current updates and background. Detailed information for students and employers can also be found on the DHS Study in the States OPT STEM Hub. This rule allows students in STEM-designated fields of study to apply for a two-year STEM OPT extension to continue training after post-completion OPT.
DHS maintains a STEM Designated Program List where students can verify eligibility. IUP undergraduate degrees eligible for STEM OPT:
- Anthropology
- Biochemistry
- Biology (all programs)
- Chemistry (all programs)
- Computer Science
- Environmental Engineering
- Geography and Geographic Information Science
- Geology (all tracks)
- Mathematics (all programs)
- Medical Imaging (all tracks)
- Medical Technology
- Natural Science (all tracks)
- Physics (all tracks)
- Safety, Health, and Environmental Applied Sciences
IUP Graduate Degrees that are on the DHS STEM Designated Program List for STEM OPT are:
- Applied Archaeology, MA
- Applied Mathematics, MS
- Biology, MS
- Education, Training, and Instructional Technology, MA
- Geographic Sciences and Planning, MS
- Safety Science, PhD (certain conditions apply)
- Supply Chain Management, MBA
IUP Office of International Education 24-Month STEM Application Procedures and Tutorial
Eligible students may apply for a 24-Month STEM Extension up to 90 days prior to the expiration of their OPT EAD. The application must be received by USCIS before current EAD card expiration, so please plan ahead. Students must have a new I-20 recommending STEM OPT extension—do not file with USCIS until you have the new I-20.
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Visit IUP OIE's Reporting OPT Employment for SEVIS Record web page to update your current OPT employment and your current address.
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Fully review the IUP Office of International Education 24-Month STEM Extension Tutorial for detailed instructions on both the IUP OIE application process and submission to USCIS.
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Complete the OIE OPT 24-Month Extension Request Form and submit to OIE with supporting documents. OIE will issue you a new OPT I-20 with a 24-Month Extension recommendation.
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Submit a 24-Month Extension request to USCIS. (Detailed instructions available in the STEM tutorial.)
Eligibility for Second STEM Extension
The new rule allows a total of two lifetime STEM Extensions, the second after earning a new STEM-eligible degree at a higher level and obtaining a new, higher-level, 12-month OPT authorization.
Eligible Based on Previously Earned Degree
The STEM Extension may be on a previously earned STEM degree.
Updated STEM Definition and CIP Categories
STEM Definition and CIP Categories
Required Training Plan and Form I-983
Requires significant responsibility of the employer to provide a training plan related to the field of study, and attestations to wages and compensation being commensurate with "similarly situated US workers."
New Obligations for Students, Schools, and Employers
Six-month validation reports, annual evaluations, and submission of a new I-983 are now required. Employers must agree to Department of Homeland Security site visits, as well as provide attestations to wages and working conditions.
Types of Employment Allowed
Volunteer/unpaid, employment through employment agencies, and self-employment are not allowed. STEM-eligible employers must have e-Verify and EIN numbers and the student must have a "bona fide employer-employee relationship." Other types of employment are also problematic, including multiple employer arrangements, sole proprietorships, employment through "temp" agencies, employment through consulting firm arrangements that provide labor for hire, and other relationships that do not constitute a bona fide employer-employee relationship. DHS confirms that students cannot qualify for STEM OPT Extensions unless they will be bona fide employees of the employer signing the Training Plan, and the employer that signs the Training Plan must be the same entity that employs the student and provides the practical training experience.
Increased Unemployment
Students with 24-month STEM Extensions may have up to 150 days of unemployment during the total OPT period, including the initial 12-month OPT period and the 24-month STEM OPT period.
This F-1 employment benefit was created to address situations where a financial need beyond the student's control arises, which was unforeseen at the time of arriving in the US. To apply, a student must have been in F-1 status for at least two semesters.
If approved, off-campus work permission can be used on-campus as well as off-campus and allows students to work 20 hours/week while school is in session and full-time during recesses. This work permission is issued in one-year increments. Students can reapply after one year for an additional year of work authorization.
Eligibility Requirements
- Have maintained valid F-1 visa status for at least one academic year (nine months).
- In good standing as a student and carrying a full course of study (12 credits for undergraduates and nine credits for graduates) during the academic year.
- Able to demonstrate and document unforeseen, severe economic hardship and lack of available on-campus employment.
Possible Circumstances that can Cause Severe Economic Hardship
- Loss of financial assistance or on-campus employment without fault on the part of the student.
- The value of currency from the student's country dramatically decreased.
- Inordinate increases in tuition and/or living costs.
- Unexpected changes in the financial condition of the student's source of support.
- Incurring large medical expenses.
You must complete the IUP-OIE application process first and receive a new I-20 recommending Severe Economic Hardship work permission. Applications are submitted to the Citizenship and Immigration Services for final decision. If you would like to apply for Severe Economic Hardship work permission, please make an appointment to meet with an international student advisor. Your application materials will be reviewed, and the OIE will mail your application to the local service center.
Some J-1 non-immigrants enter the United States specifically to work while others do not. Employment is authorized for J-1 non-immigrants only under the terms of the exchange program. Please check with your sponsoring agency for more information on any restrictions that may apply to you working in the United States
All J-1 students are eligible to begin on-campus work no earlier than 30 days before their start date on their DS-2019 and must end before or on the end date of their DS-2019 and can only apply for state work-study jobs.
Check the Student Employment Center for available positions.
On-campus employment for J-1 students is permitted as long as the student works no more than 20 hours a week while school is in session. Students may be employed full-time during vacations and recess periods as long as they intend to register for the next term.
On-campus employment means employment performed on the premises of the school or at an affiliated off-campus location. On-campus employment may be of a type normally performed by students, such as work in the school library, cafeterias, computer center, or in a students' store, or employment that is part of a student's scholarship, fellowship, or assistantship.
Under no circumstances are students permitted to accept off-campus employment without the authorization of the Office of International Education and/or the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). To do so is to violate USCIS law and would seriously jeopardize your F-1 or J-1 visa status.
Students working on campus are exempt from having to obtain an employment authorization card (EAD) from USCIS.
Academic Training
Academic training is work, training, or experience related to a student's field of study. You must have permission and documentation before starting a paid position.
Exchange Students
Exchange students qualify for academic training that equals the number of months they have studied: one semester exchange equals four months of academic training; one year exchange equals eight months of academic training.
Degree-Seeking Students
For degree-seeking students, training is permitted at any stage of study during or after and cannot exceed an overall period of 18 months or a period equivalent to the duration of their program. Doctoral students may qualify for up to 36 months of training. If you begin academic training after completion of a degree, it must begin within 30 days of the end of the program.
Helpful Forms and Documents
Eligibility
To be eligible, students must be in the U.S. primarily to study rather than engage in academic training.
- Academic training must be done with a specific employer or training site and directly related to the field of study. Description of training is required.
- Student must be in good academic standing.
- Student must receive written approval in advance from their international advisor for the duration of academic training.
Students may change employers and have paid or unpaid training—as long as documentation is provided from the Office of International Education to student for employer.
Full-time employment under this category is allowed during vacations and recess periods as long as the student intends to register for the next term. Time spent in pre-completion practical training will be deducted from the period of full-time employment available for post-completion practical training. For example, if the student works 20 hours a week for four months, he/she would have two months deducted from the 12 months of post-completion practical training.
The Office of International Education international advisor may authorize a student for this work permission because of serious, urgent, and unforeseen economic circumstances.
Examples of severe economic hardship include the following:
- Incurring large medical expenses
- The value of currency from the student's country decreased
- The student's sponsor has died or suffered an economic loss
- Other natural disaster in country
Please submit to the Office of International Education:
- Letter from employer stating job offer, salary, and starting and ending dates
- Letter from applicant to Office of International Education explaining how economic situation has changed since first receiving J-1 status
If approved, the Office of International Education will issue a letter permitting you to legally work off-campus. This can be given in one-year intervals and has to be renewed each year.
Resources
The Social Security Administration now requires all F-1 and J-1 students to supply evidence of employment before being issued a Social Security number. A Social Security number (SSN) cannot be issued for identification purposes or for a driver's license. It can take two to six weeks to be issued a SSN. You can be paid after you apply for an SSN.
Important Note: Students in their first semester at IUP must have been in the US for 10 days AND wait until one week after the drop/add period before applying. (Computer systems must be in sync.)
How to Apply for a Social Security Number
- Get an On-Campus Job: You must be employed or be starting employment in the near future. If a potential employer does not understand why you don't have a SSN, he or she can contact the Office of International Education (OIE). Students with graduate or teaching assistantships, please take a copy of your contract to the Social Security Office with the form listed below. To find an on-campus job, please go to the Job Board.
- Employer fills out Employer Section (PDF NoHandwriting): E-mail your employer-ask to complete page 3 of this form on the computer and print it: Social Security Work Authorization. All sections must be completed. Please have your employer contact HR / Payroll with questions.
- Office of International Education signs form: Please drop off your signed form at the Office of International Education and allow two days for signature.
- Go to Social Security Office: You will need to bring your Work Authorization Form, DS-2019 or I-20, passport, visa, and I-94. For paperless I-94, you can print it from the Customs and Border Protection website. If you have OPT/J2 work card, bring your work card as well. You will be required to complete a Social Security application form and meet briefly with an officer at the Social Security Office. During COVID, you must schedule an appointment in advance. You should be issued a card within two to three weeks.
What Immigrants and New Citizens Should Know About Social Security Numbers
By Jennifer Flanigan
Social Security Operations Supervisor/Indiana, Pa.
Whether you are a new US citizen or a noncitizen with authorization to work in this country, you need to apply for a Social Security card and number in order to work in the United States.
While most American citizens now have Social Security cards issued at birth, a noncitizen applying for his or her first Social Security card or number must prove identity, age, and citizenship.
Getting a Social Security card if you are a naturalized citizen
If you are a naturalized citizen, you will need to prove your citizenship with documentation from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly Immigration and Naturalization Service). You also must complete an application for a Social Security card, which you can find online at the Social Security Administration (pdf). You can bring your completed application into your local Social Security Office or Social Security Card Center along with official documents that show:
- US citizenship,
- Age, and
- Identity
All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.
Even if you already have a Social Security number when you become a naturalized US citizen, you should still contact Social Security to update your status.
Getting a Social Security card if you are a noncitizen
All noncitizens needing a Social Security number must prove their immigration status and also show proof of age, identity, and work authorization from the Department of Homeland Security. To prove your age, you must show your birth certificate if you have it or can easily get it. If not, we can ask for other documents, such as your passport.
As proof of immigration status and identity, Social Security will ask for your unexpired passport and current immigration documents from the Department of Homeland Security, including a:
- Permanent Residence Card or Form I-551,
- Arrival-Departure Record or Form I-94 with an unexpired passport, or
- Work permit card - Form I-766 or I-688b
These documents must be current, meaning they cannot be expired. And, again, all documents must be either originals or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.
If you would like more information about Social Security cards and the requirements needed to get one, just visit the Social Security Number and Card website. If you do not have access to the Internet, you can call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the publication Your Social Security Number and Card, or Social Security Numbers for Noncitizens.
SSN for Identification
- Social Security numbers will not be issued for proof of identity, cell phones, utilities, or reservation of housing.
- It is not lawful for businesses to require a Social Security number for identification. Explain that you are not eligible for a SSN or are waiting to receive a SSN. Ask if you can provide an alternative form of identification (passport, international driver's license, notarized statement).
- There is a notary public at the HUB I-Card Office. This service is free for IUP students. Call 724-357-1314 for more information.
SSN for a Driver's License or Pennsylvania Identification Card
If you do not have a job currently, you cannot be issued a Social Security number.
To obtain a driver's license or Pennsylvania ID card:
- Request a driver's license letter from the Office of International Education.
- Fax or mail this letter along with SS5 form and copies of your passport, visa, I-20/DS-2019, and I-94 to the Social Security Office and request a "Social Security Denial Letter." The denial letter will be mailed to the address listed on your application.
- Take this letter to the Driver's License Center with other required documents.
An International Student Tax Packet will also be available by March 1 each year at the Office of International Education or by emailing intl-education@iup.edu.
Information below is for general information only. OIE staff are not able to answer specific tax questions. Please consult IRS website and forms or a certified tax professional for more detailed information.
Income tax returns are due to be filed by April 15* for income earned in the previous calendar year.
*April 15 or the following business day. Confirm directly through the IRS.
If you did earn any US income (received a paycheck, including teaching assistants, graduate assistants, on-campus work, or authorized off-campus work) during the previous calendar year, there are three types of income tax returns international students must file: federal, state, and local taxes. F-1 students who have been present in the US for five years or more need to file taxes as a resident for tax purposes. Residents for tax purposes need to file IRS 1040, PA-40, and local taxes. Free online filing is available at the sites listed below. Do not use GLACIER if you are filing as a resident, as this service is only for F and J students and scholars who file as non-residents for tax purposes.
The Office of International Education will not be able to answer specific tax questions other than to review basic filing instructions. Please read the following information carefully and contact the numbers provided. Students can also contact an accountant or tax agency, to complete tax forms.
Our workshops give an overview of how to use tax filing software. As possible, we will schedule when Glacier representatives are available to assist students. GLACIER is an online program to assist international students with filing their federal income tax returns. A password is available in the Office of International Education. Glacier holds regular workshops to offer live support and answer questions.
If you did not earn US income during the previous calendar year:
- You must file Form 8843
- Instructions and mailing address are included on this form.
If you did earn US income during the previous calendar year (see forms and instructions below):
- File IRS Form 8843 and all other relevant IRS Forms (attend tax preparation workshop or guidance in packet). We purchase access to GLACIER tax preparation software to help prepare these documents for you: See Office of International Education for password information.
- File IRS Form PA-40 online or paper application.
- File local taxes with Berkheimer tax innovations online or paper application.
Federal Tax Forms and Instructions
- To download forms for mailing: Forms & Instructions | Internal Revenue Service (irs.org)
- Help: IRS website or call the Pittsburgh IRS Office: 844-545-5640
Pennsylvania Tax Forms and Instructions
- File Online MyPATH - File a Personal Income Tax Return (You must have a Pennsylvania license or ID to file online)
- Download forms to file by mail: Personal Income Tax Forms (pa.gov) (for use if you do not have a Pennsylvania license or ID)
- Help: Pennsylvania Department of Revenue website
Local Tax Information
- Berkheimer, 610-599-3139 - online form
The Office of International Education recommends all international students filing as nonresidents use GLACIER, a software program that assists F-1 and J-1 students with filing their tax returns. International Education has purchased access for students. A packet with instructions and password information is available at the office.