Employment

Employment for International Students

On-Campus Employment

  • F-1 and J-1 students are allowed to work on campus as part of their visa benefits.
  • U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement states that international students may work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and up to 40 hours per week during official school breaks. Learn more here.
  • At the University of Lynchburg, most student workers are allocated 10 hours per week. Ask your supervisor about working hours during breaks.
  • You must maintain status (enrolled full-time, in good standing) to be eligible for on-campus work.
  • Job listings can be found on the Student Employment page.
  • Important: You can only work at on-campus locations. (For example, you may work at Mission House Coffee if it’s on campus but not at any off-campus branches.)

Steps to Apply for On-Campus Work

  1. Complete the Student Employment Application.
  2. Search Hornet Headquarters (log-in required) for available jobs.
  3. Once offered a position, the Student Employment Coordinator will process your application and give you an employment offer letter.
  4. Email the International Student Advisor to schedule an appointment (and provide a copy of your job offer letter).
  5. Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).
  6. Give a copy of your SSN card to the Student Employment Office once you receive it.
  7. Begin working only after completing all previous steps.

Social Security Number (SSN)

After You Have Been Offered Employment

  1. If on-campus, the Student Employment Coordinator will give you an offer letter.
  2. Email the International Student Advisor to schedule an appointment and give them a copy of your offer letter.

Before Going to the Social Security Office

  1. Print your I-94 from the CBP website.
  2. Complete the Social Security Application online (then print) or print and fill it by hand.

What to Bring to the Social Security Office

  1. Passport
  2. I-20
  3. I-94
  4. Social Security Application
  5. Letter of employment verification (the International Student Advisor writes this after receiving a copy of your job offer letter)

Find info about the Lynchburg Social Security Office (use zip code 24501).

Taxation for F-1 Students

  • All international students must file tax documents with the IRS annually, regardless of employment status.
    • Employed students must file a tax return.
    • Unemployed students must still file the required paperwork.
  • The University of Lynchburg partners with Sprintax to help non-residents file taxes in the U.S.
  • Creating a Sprintax account for live chat support and guidance is recommended.
  • The International Student Support Team will send out tax filing reminders and host a spring tax workshop each year.

CPT (Curricular Practical Training)

  • Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is for F-1 students and must be directly related to your major field of study.
  • CPT is considered “integral to the curriculum,” such as an internship, practicum, or field placement. It can be on or off campus.

Regulations & Eligibility

  • CPT must follow federal regulations and the University of Lynchburg policies regarding internships/experiential learning.
  • You must have been lawfully enrolled full-time for one academic year (unless you’re in a grad program requiring an earlier internship).
  • Not for students in an English language program.
  • You must have a confirmed internship/training offer.
  • CPT only applies to training inside the U.S.; internships/training in your home country don’t need CPT approval.

CPT Application Process

  1. Submit the Curricular Practical Training Advisor Form (completed by your academic advisor).
  2. Include a Training Offer Letter from your employer.
  3. Your DSO will review to confirm eligibility.
  4. If approved, the DSO will authorize CPT in SEVIS for a specific employer and issue a new I-20.
  5. Work may begin on or after the CPT start date and must end by the CPT end date.
  6. You must complete this process before any off-campus work to follow federal regulations.

OPT (Optional Practical Training)

  • Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an extension of F-1 status that lets you work in the U.S. to gain experience in your major field of study.
  • Work must be related to your field and your degree level.
  • OPT must be recommended by your DSO and approved by USCIS (Department of Homeland Security).
  • Authorization can take 3–5 months to obtain.
  • You have up to 12 months of OPT per degree level.

Applying for OPT

  • You may use some or all 12 months before graduating (Pre-Completion OPT) or save it for after graduating (Post-Completion OPT).
  • For Post-Completion OPT, you can apply as early as 90 days before your I-20 end date. USCIS must receive your application no later than 60 days after your I-20 end date.
  • To be eligible, you must have:
    1. Maintained full-time student status for at least one academic year.
    2. Valid F-1 status at the time of application.

Three Types of OPT

  1. Pre-Completion OPT: Part-time work (max 20 hrs/week) while classes are in session, can be full-time during official breaks.
  2. Post-Completion OPT: Begins after you finish your degree requirements. Must be at least 20 hours/week.
  3. STEM Extension (24 months): For eligible STEM majors only.

Filing the I-765 Form

  • Pre-Completion OPT Code: C3A
  • Post-Completion OPT Code: C3B
  • STEM Extension OPT Code: C3C
  • Apply early; you do not need a job offer to apply for OPT.

Selecting a Start Date for OPT

  • For Post-Completion OPT, your start date must be within the 60-day grace period after your program ends.
  • Once you submit your application, you cannot change the OPT start date.
  • You cannot begin working until you have the EAD card and the start date on the card has arrived.

Responsibilities While on OPT

  • You remain under F-1 status through the University of Lynchburg.
  • Update your DSO with:
    • A copy of your EAD card
    • Any changes in address, phone, email
    • Employer name, address, EIN (recommended), start/end dates, supervisor name/contact
    • If your visa status changes, provide proof to the DSO, so your SEVIS record can be updated.
  • If you finish or leave early, notify your DSO within 10 days.

Health Insurance

  • After graduation, you are not covered by the student health plan past July of your graduation year. If your employer doesn’t offer health insurance, contact International Student Support to continue coverage with EIIA.

STEM OPT Extension (24 months)

  • F-1 students with a STEM degree from a SEVP-certified school may be eligible for one 24-month extension after Post-Completion OPT.
  • This extension can be granted more than once if you earn multiple qualifying STEM degrees at higher levels. Learn more at the STEM OPT HUB.

Eligibility

  • You must have a STEM-designated degree (check the CIP code on your I-20 against the DHS STEM list).
  • Your employer must be in E-Verify.
  • You must work at least 20 hours/week per employer.
  • Employers must provide formal training objectives (Form I-983).

Reporting Requirements

  • Employer: Must inform the DSO if you leave or are terminated within 5 business days. See more info here for employer reporting.
  • Student: Must check in with the DSO every 6 months and complete annual self-evaluations on Form I-983.
  • Students have an additional 60 days of unemployment during STEM OPT, on top of the 90 days allowed during the initial OPT.

Cap-Gap OPT Extension

  • Extends F-1 status beyond your academic program or OPT end date if:
    1. An employer files Form I-129 (H-1B petition) for you with a start date of October 1.
    2. Your OPT end date is after the petition filing date and between April 1 and September 30.
  • Learn more about H-1B petitions.

Travel While on OPT

When traveling after completing your degree, you need:

  1. Travel Signature on I-20 (less than 6 months old)
  2. Letter from employer (to show current or upcoming employment)
  3. Financial documentation if your job is unpaid or low-paying
  4. Valid F-1 visa (renew if expired)
  5. OPT, EAD Card,
  6. Valid passport
  7. It’s recommended to carry a diploma or transcripts or a certification of completion.

Renewing Your F-1 Visa Stamp While on OPT

  • If you do not travel, an expired visa is okay if you stay in the U.S.
  • If you leave and re-enter, you must renew your F-1 visa at a U.S. embassy/consulate. You’ll need the same documents listed above, plus your diploma or completion certificate.
  • After re-entry, print your I-94 to confirm it says F-1, D/S.

Immigration Status After OPT

When your EAD card expires, you have 60 days to:

  1. Depart the U.S.
  2. Transfer to another school
  3. Begin a new program of study at the University of Lynchburg
  4. Change to another nonimmigrant or immigrant status

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