Employment

• Graduate and teaching assistantships
• Fellowships
• Employment with a department, office, or unit at Rutgers
• Employment with an outside company located on campus that provides direct services to students (such as a fast food establishment or bookstore)

If you are unsure if a position qualifies as on-campus employment, please consult with an international student adviser Rutgers Global–International Student and Scholar Services before accepting employment.

1. If you have not already done so, complete the the online Check-In e-forms and Staying in Legal Status workshop on the RGlobal Portal (under Workshops in the left-hand menu).

2. Complete the online On-Campus Employment Workshop via the RGlobal portal (under Workshops in the left-hand menu).

• You will need to complete this workshop before moving on to step 2 and 3 below.

3. Submit your online request for the International Payroll Form (via RGlobal portal)

• This is to give to your on-campus employer to support them in adding you to the Rutgers payroll system. 

4. If you need a Social Security Number, first complete the On-Campus Employment Verification Letter with your on-campus employer. This letter must include an original, PEN ink wet signature from your employer. This means bring the original document that was signed - not a scanned copy or digital signature. Then submit your online request for the Social Security Letter (via RGlobal portal).

• You will use both of these forms at the Social Security Administration. 

5. Once you have a social security number, be sure to provide it to your on-campus employer. This is needed for your on-campus employment tax and W-9 purposes. You can update it here.

Important: Authorization for on-campus employment for F-1 students is automatically terminated once a student completes his or her degree requirements.

1. If you have not already done so, complete the online Check-In e-forms and Staying in Legal Status workshop on the RGlobal Portal (under Workshops in the left-hand menu).

2. Complete the online On-Campus Employment Workshop via the RGlobal portal (under Workshops in the left-hand menu).

• You will need to complete this workshop before moving on to step 2 and 3 below.

3. J-1 students must report all on-campus employment to ISSS so we can update your SEVIS record with each employment opportunity. Complete the Employment Verification Form for J-1 Students with your on-campus employer. This form must include an original, PEN ink wet signature from your employer. This means bring the original document that was signed - not a scanned copy or digital signature. Then submit it in the International Payroll Form request (via RGlobal portal)​​​​

NOTE - if you are a sponsored student, such as Fulbright, you must also submit a letter from your sponsor stating that you are approved to work on-campus.

4. If you need a Social Security Number submit your online request for the Social Security Letter (via RGlobal portal).

• You will use both of these forms at the Social Security Administration.

5. Once you have a social security number, be sure to provide it to your on-campus employer. This is needed for your on-campus employment tax and W-9 purposes. You can update it here.

Important: On-campus employment for J-1 students is only authorized during the time stated on the Employment Verification Form for J-1 Students. J-1 students must submit an updated Employment Verification Form for J-1 Students online through the RGlobal portal every time they change, add or extend a job on campus. You must submit an International Payroll Form Request each time you have new employment on campus. 

Please note: The following resources are not available to Rutgers Health students.

On-Campus Jobs Tips Sheet (Career Exploration and Success) >

Finding On Campus Employment for International Students >

Career Exploration and Success - International Student Resources >

Rutgers Handshake >

How to Make a Handshake Account >

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is practical work experience for F-1 students which is: 

• Required of all students in a specific degree program, or 
• Listed in the course catalogue as offering credit that directly counts towards degree credit requirements.  

CPT may, but will not always, include for-credit internships, cooperative education programs, independent study, or graduate research. 

Academic Units determine whether to incorporate practical training into the curriculum and stipulate when students may pursue practical training. F-1 students in programs that do not have the option of practical training for credit are not eligible for CPT. Not all programs give credit for practical training or allow for paid practical training. 

CPT is available only prior to completion of the academic program. CPT employment may not delay completion of the academic program. Depending on the school of enrollment, academic policy may require students to have a declared major prior to applying for CPT. Students should consult with their academic advisor for guidance. CPT is not approved for minors. You can ONLY begin working after you get the CPT I-20 from Rutgers Global - ISSS and the authorized employment period has begun.  

While CPT authorizations are approved by ISSS, USCIS will always have the final authority on your overall practical training eligibility and how prior work authorizations could impact future immigration benefits, such as OPT. When OPT applications are reviewed, USCIS has the authority to evaluate the details of your past employment, such as total hours worked per week (in all roles), dates worked, course relevancy, etc. to determine your eligibility. If such questioning arises, you are expected to provide the requested information. 

For job search tips and resources, please visit Career Exploration and Success.

To connect with an International Student Adviser about CPT, please visit our advising services webpage to join CPT/OPT Chat Sessions via Zoom, Employment 101 In Person  Workshops, Quick Question Advising, or make an advising appointment.  

Eligibility

F-1 students eligible for CPT are:

• Offered a paid or unpaid employment opportunity qualified for CPT

• Have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis while physically present in the US for one academic year (i.e. two full consecutive terms) unless your academic program requires immediate participation for all students (CONFIRM THIS WITH OUR OFFICE FIRST)

• Be in lawful F-1 status

• Maintaining legal status

• Approved to register for corresponding course/credit for the practical training for the semester/summer during which the student is engaged in practical training

CPT During Final Term

During your final term of study, you must be enrolled at Rutgers University and physically present on campus in order to comply with F-1 requirements. If you are enrolled part-time because you do not need a full course load to complete your remaining degree requirements, you must receive Reduced Course Load (RCL) authorization from ISSS. 

If CPT is the only course in your registration (with approved RCL), then the CPT experience must have an in-person requirement (in other words, the training takes place in-person, at the CPT site). If the CPT is remote and if your other courses do not meet the in-person requirements, then the CPT course needs to include an in-person requirement that can be explained on the CPT e-form.

If you are in compliance with these enrollment and physical presence requirements, then you may pursue CPT during your final term of study. Please note that the latest possible end date for CPT authorization during the final term of study is the last day of your degree completion date.

Full-Time versus Part-Time CPT

Part-time CPT: Employment for 20 hours or less per week is considered part-time. You must be simultaneously enrolled in classes full-time and be physically present on campus in order to maintain lawful F-1 status during fall and spring terms.

Full-time CPT: Employment for more than 20 hours per week is full-time. Please be aware that 12 months or more of full-time CPT will eliminate your eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT). During fall and spring terms, you must be enrolled full-time or have an approved Reduced Course Load (RCL).

In most cases, students may be authorized—with approval from Rutgers Global–International Student and Scholar Services—for part time CPT (20 hours per week or less) during the fall and spring semesters. F-1 students may be authorized for full time CPT (more than 20 hours per week) during the summer and winter break periods.

You may also be limited to part time CPT in the summer if:

• Your program has a required summer term OR
• Summer is your final term

Exceptionally, with approval from Rutgers Global–International Student and Scholar Services, students may be eligible for full time CPT during the fall and spring semesters (or a required summer term, following these conditions:

• Undergraduate students in the last semester to complete a degree program and authorized for less than a full-time course load  

• Graduate students who have completed all course work, or are in the last semester to complete course work and are authorized for less than full-time course load 

• Students whose programs require participation in a full-time CPT during the fall/spring semesters. Students are expected to maintain full-time enrollment and maintain physical presence on campus during the fall and spring terms. These cases are rare and will be evaluated by ISSS to ensure compliance with F-1 regulations.

Please note that students who have received one year or more of full-time curricular practical training are ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) at the same educational level. Part-time CPT generally does not affect eligibility for OPT. If concerned, please contact an ISA. 

While CPT authorizations are approved by ISSS, USCIS will always have the final authority on your overall practical training eligibility, and how prior work authorizations could impact future immigration benefits, such as OPT. When OPT applications are reviewed, USCIS has the authority to evaluate the details of your past employment, such as total hours worked per week (in all roles), dates worked, course relevancy, etc to determine your eligibility. If such questioning arises, you are expected to provide the requested information. 

How to Apply for CPT

1. Complete the online Off-Campus Employment Workshop hosted on the RGlobal portal (under Workshops on the left-hand menu)
2. Consult with your school/program regarding academic eligibility for CPT
3. Submit your Curricular Practical Training (CPT) request online through the RGlobal portal.
   • Students in the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy completing rotations should instead submit the PharmD Rotation: CPT Authorization request
   • A new CPT request is needed for each individual job you will be performing, per semester
4. You will need to prepare the following for your request:
   • Job offer letter, printed on official business letterhead, showing the following:

• Job title and brief job description/duties of role
• Exact start and end date of employment 
• Number of hours of work per week - writing "full time" or "part time" is NOT sufficient
• Physical place of employment (street address, no PO boxes)
• If you will be working remotely, this should also be noted

NOTE: If your letter does not show ALL of the information above, your CPT approval will be delayed. You may instead use the CPT e-form, and an automated email will be sent to your employer so that they can provide the required details about your employment.

• Approval from your Academic Official (electronically via the CPT e-form), so discuss your plans with them first.
  • For undergraduate students, your Academic Official is your Academic Dean/Advisor
  • For graduate students, your Academic Official is your Graduate Program Director
  • For RBHS students, your Academic Official is your Registrar
    • Students in the School of Social Work should use the MSW Certification for CPT form
    • Students in the School of Social Work are also required to submit a Field Placement Confirmation form from SSW
    • PharmD students have their own PharmD rotation CPT e-form to complete on the RGlobal Portal
• Proof of registration for the CPT course appearing on your unofficial transcript (i.e. screenshot of web registration page showing your name, the relevant semester and course number)

1. Receive the new I-20 via email, with CPT authorization on page 2. Print it and sign with an ink pen. You can ONLY begin working after you get the CPT I-20 from Rutgers Global - ISSS and the authorized employment period has begun. 

Please note that you should submit a Reduced Credit Form along with a CPT application if you are registering below full-time credit load during a fall or spring semester.

Proof of Employment Authorization

When approved for CPT, an F-1 student receives an updated I-20 with the relevant CPT employment information displayed on page 2. Authorized employment may only begin after the student has received the updated I-20 from Rutgers Global–International Student and Scholar Services and the start date shown on page 2 has arrived.

You can ONLY begin working after you get the CPT I-20 from Rutgers Global - ISSS and the authorized employment period has begun. 

You must apply for a separate CPT for EACH separate off-campus employment opportunity. 

Changes to CPT

CPT is authorized for a specific employer for a defined period of time. Notify an international student adviser immediately if there is any change with your current CPT employment start/end date, address or number of hours per week. Ideally, changes should be reported to ISSS within 10 days.

If you would like to change employers or extend your CPT authorization into a new term/semester, a complete new CPT application must be submitted.  For CPT extensions during the current term/semester, contact an international student adviser for further guidance.  

CPT Dates

Fall and Spring CPTs are generally authorized for dates within the semester. However, based on the curricular requirement they may be approved until before the start date of the following term without requiring additional CPT related course enrollment. 

Summer CPT may continue until before the start date of the fall term. 

Winter CPT may continue until before the start date of the spring term.

Final semester CPT may continue until the last day of classes for the term in which the CPT is authorized.

Resources for Reporting Workplace Bias

If you experience bias or discrimination at the workplace, you can use the following resources to address the issue. 

1) Contacting your employer's Human Resources department

2) General overview of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in the workplace

3) Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to file a complaint (if applicable)

Please continue to monitor the Alerts page of this website for the latest updates and advisories: global.rutgers.edu/all-alerts

IMPORTANT ALERTS: 

1) Online OPT Application Alert: Do not submit an OPT application online from outside of the US and/or without a SIGNED OPT recommendation I-20. Once you pay the online application fee, the I-765 is considered filed immediately and will result in a denial if you applied from outside the US and without the OPT I-20. You must receive an OPT I-20 from Rutgers Global - ISSS BEFORE submitting your application online to USCIS. Our tutorial is below. 

2) Premium Processing is now available for OPT I-765 applications. USCIS provides the option for you to have your OPT application adjudicated within 30 calendar days from the date of request. Adjudication could be an approval, request for evidence, rejection, or denial - it does NOT guarantee you approval.

Premium processing is NOT mandatory. This is a personal decision you need to make based on your situation. You should carefully review all information on the USCIS Premium Processing webpage and the normal USCIS Processing Times webpage before making your decision. 

3) As of April 1st, 2024, the USCIS I-765 fee will increase. A paper/mailing submission will cost $520, online submission $470.

What is OPT?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is practical work experience for F-1 students directly related to their field of study and commensurate with their level of study. OPT enhances or enriches an academic or curricular experience.

Post-completion OPT is most common and refers to work authorization after completing coursework and/or degree requirements.

Pre-Completion OPT is less common and used before finishing program requirements. Pre-completion OPT may only be part-time while school is in session, if the student has not yet completed all required coursework.

Off-Campus Employment Chat Sessions and In-Person Workshops

ISSS hosts chat sessions on CPT and OPT via Zoom. This is an opportunity for students to drop in and discuss their CPT/OPT questions with an International Student Adviser (ISA), as well as connect with other students who are also interested in off-campus employment. Below are the scheduled chat sessions with direct links to the Zoom room. 

Fall 2024 Dates:

Tuesday, October 29 - 4:00 pm

Tuesday, November 12 - 9:00 am

Tuesday, December 3 - 4:00 pm

Thursday, December 12 - 9:00 am

In-Person Workshops

CPT/OPT 101

Learn about the CPT and OPT process, eligibility, which forms to fill out with RGlobal, procedures, important dates, and filing your OPT application with the USCIS.

• Thursday, November 21
  • 2:30pm - 4:30 pm
  • Academic Building 2400

Before OPT & How to Apply

Eligibility: Requirements

F-1 students eligible for OPT are: 

• In F-1 status for at least one academic year

• In good academic standing

• Maintaining legal status

• Authorized for less than 12 months of full time CPT

  • F-1 students who have used one year or more of full time CPT are no longer eligible for OPT

  • Use of part-time CPT does not affect eligibility for OPT

Please note that you do not need a job offer to apply for OPT.

Previously used OPT: F-1 students may only be authorized for a maximum of 12 months of full time OPT during or following each advancing degree level. If you have already been authorized for OPT at the same degree level for which you are now applying for OPT, you are not be eligible for OPT at that same degree level again. 

The highest level of OPT that can be used is PhD. If you have already been approved for PhD level OPT, you are not eligible for any other OPT at any degree level. 

Example 1: You are currently pursuing a master’s degree at Rutgers. You also previously earned another master’s degree in the US. You already applied for and were approved for OPT based on that previous master’s degree. In this case, you will only be eligible for another period of OPT at the next advancing degree level (Doctorate), if applicable.

Example 2: You used OPT at the bachelor's level in the past. You now just finished a Master's. You can apply for OPT based on this Master's because it is a higher degree level than the bachelor's, and you have not already used OPT at the Master's or PhD level. 

If this situation applies to you, contact our office before moving forward with your application: isss-students@global.rutgers.edu

Eligibility: Duration

F-1 students may be authorized for a maximum of 12 months of full time OPT during or following each advancing degree level. Part-time pre-completion OPT accrues at a rate of 50 percent (e.g., six months of part-time OPT counts as three months of the total).

Some students may be eligible for a STEM OPT extension after completing the initial 12 months. Please check with our office to see if you are STEM eligible. 

Application Process 

1. Complete the Post-Completion OPT Workshop (for post-completion OPT) or the Off-Campus Employment Workshop (for pre-completion OPT) on the RGlobal portal (under Workshops on the left-hand menu).

If you are applying for pre-completion OPT, you will need to email our office to ask for a link to the e-form group on the RGlobal Portal.

2. Prepare your Post-Completion OPT application using ONE of our tutorials:

• tutorial to apply to USCIS online (last updated July 12, 2024) OR 
• tutorial to apply to USCIS by mail (last updated July 12, 2024)

Contact an adviser if you are applying for pre-completion OPT.

WARNING - please read the entire tutorial BEFORE taking any action on your application! Do not submit your application on the USCIS website until we have given you the new OPT I-20!

3. Submit the Post-Completion OPT e-form group via the RGlobal portal (under F-1 Practical Training). These e-forms will include:

• Confirming your academic coursework/degree completion with your academic school
• Reviewing your OPT application materials
• Scheduling an optional appointment with an International Student Advisor, if you have additional questions about the process. You may instead choose to join Quick Question Advising. 

4. Receive a new I-20 with OPT recommendation from our office

5. Submit your complete OPT application to USCIS

6. Wait for your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card to arrive in the mail

When to Apply

Pre-completion OPT applications can be submitted to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) up to 90 days before the proposed OPT start date. The application must be received by USCIS within 30 days of the date an international student adviser enters the OPT recommendation into SEVIS.

Post-completion OPT applications can be submitted to USCIS up to 90 days before the degree requirements completion date and up to 60 days after the degree requirements completion date. The application must be received by USCIS within 30 days of the date an international student adviser enters the OPT recommendation into SEVIS.

Once your I-20 expires (check the new program end date on page 1 of your I-20 after applying for OPT), you cannot work until you have the EAD card and the start date has arrived. The new program end date on your I-20 is your last possible day to work on-campus OR on pre-approved CPT. 

OPT PROCESSING TIMES

F-1 students who applied for OPT may face delays in receiving their EADs (employment authorization documents). F-1 students are not permitted to begin working until they get their EADs. They cannot travel outside the US and reenter without their EAD and a job offer. Lengthy wait times may result in loss of opportunities or jeopardize a student’s legal status in the U.S. In previous years, OPT applications have taken an average of 2-3 months to be processed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 

Follow these links for more information on processing times:
-- Check USCIS Case Processing Times 
-- Contact USCIS for a status update (if your OPT/STEM application has been pending for more than 90 days)

Once an OPT application goes to the USCIS, Rutgers has no control over the progress of the application. We would like to advise all our students who are considering applying for OPT, to plan well in advance.

OPT applications can be sent to the USCIS up to 90 days before the end of a student’s coursework, and for up to 60 days after. This means that with enough advance planning, a student can apply in a timeline such that they receive their EAD card in time and can begin working according to their plans. It may also help to inform potential employers about the possibility of a delay in receiving work authorization. Finally, it is important to note that students still have legal status in the U.S. during the OPT adjudication period as long as they filed in the correct time frame.

Premium Processing is now available for OPT I-765 applications

USCIS provides the option for you to have your OPT application adjudicated within 30 calendar days from the date of request. Adjudication could be an approval, request for evidence, rejection, or denial - it does NOT guarantee you an approval.

Premium processing is NOT mandatory. This is a personal decision you need to make based on your situation. You should carefully review all information the USCIS Premium Processing webpage and the normal USCIS Processing Times webpage before making your decision. 

Need more help?

Feel free to contact an international student adviser during our advising hours or via email us with any questions or concerns.

For job search tips and resources, please visit Career Exploration and Success. 

For a further overview of the basics of OPT, please see the USCIS page here. 

During OPT

Proof of Employment

When approved for OPT, an F-1 student receives an EAD (employment authorization document) card displaying the relevant validity period. Employment is authorized only after you receive your EAD card, and you may begin work on the start date listed on your card. 

Keep documentation of your OPT employment history for your own records. You might need it for future benefits applications. The immigration regulations do not specify what documents are “proof of employment”. Examples of employment documentation could include:

• Offer letter from your employer
• Letter from your supervisor on official letterhead that confirms continued employment (or internship/volunteer service)
  If the connection between your field of study and your employment/practical training is not obvious, it might be helpful for the letter to explain how your practical training relates to your studies.
• Payment records
• Timesheet/activity log for unpaid practical training experience. Please be sure to review our page on unpaid work/volunteering to to make sure you are aware of other labor laws impacting these experiences. SEVP also has a helpful page on this. 

OPT Reporting Requirements

Please Note: USCIS issued a new policy guidance on September 30, 2019, titled, “Practical Training: Determining a Direct Relationship Between Employment and a Student’s Major Area of Study”. The guidance explains that students are responsible for providing a description of how their job duties relate to their major area of study. It also provides examples of a direct relationship with the course of study. You can learn about the guidance in detail here.  

If you move while the application is pending, you MUST tell our office via OPT Data Update e-form AND USCIS directly via their Address Update options. Failure to do so can result in your card not being delivered correctly.

Using our OPT Data Update e-Form via the RGlobal portal, you are required by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to inform Rutgers Global–International Student and Scholar Services about:

• All changes of U.S. address, phone number, and email address
• Any legal name changes
• The name and address of every OPT employer you have
• If your employment with any OPT employer is terminated or interrupted, the date of such termination or interruption

There is a 10-day regulatory deadline for reporting each item on the list above. Schools are then required to report this information to DHS via the SEVIS database. Please use the OPT Data Update Form Tutorial for detailed OPT reporting instructions.

Students on active post-completion OPT will receive an email regarding the SEVP portal. However, Rutgers Global - International Student and Scholar Services asks that you continue to submit all OPT information updates using the OPT Data Update e-Form via the RGlobal portal.  You should still create an SEVP portal account to review your information in SEVIS.

Permitted forms of employment on pre and post completion OPT:

• Regular paid employment in a position directly related to the student's program of study. For post-completion OPT, the work must be for at least 20 hours per week. Students may work for multiple employers, as long as it is directly related to the student's program of study.
• Payment by multiple short-term employers. SEVP says that "Students, such as musicians and other performing artists, may work for multiple [...] employers (gigs). The student should maintain a list of all gigs, the dates and duration."
• Work for hire. SEVP says, "This is also commonly referred to as 1099 employment where an individual performs a service based on a contractual relationship rather than an employment relationship. If requested by DHS, students should be prepared to provide evidence showing the duration of the contract periods and the name and address of the contracting company."
• Self-employed business owner. SEVP says, "Students on OPT may start a business and be self-employed. The student should be able to prove that he or she has the proper business licenses and is actively engaged in a business related to his or her degree program."
• Employment through an agency. SEVP says, "Students on post-completion OPT must be able to provide evidence showing they worked an average of at least 20 hours per week while employed by the agency."
• Volunteers or unpaid interns: SEVP OPT Policy Guidance states that, "Students may work as volunteers or unpaid interns, where this practice does not violate any labor laws. The work should be at least 20 hours per week for students on post-completion OPT. A student should be able to provide evidence, acquired from the student's employer, to verify that he or she worked at least 20 hours per week during the period of employment."

A Note on Self-Employment

Students who choose to report self-employment (e.g. freelancing, work for hire, self-employed business owner) during periods of Post-Completion OPT must obtain the proper business license. When applying for future employment authorizations (e.g. STEM OPT Extension, H1B, etc), USCIS may request students who were previously self-employed to submit tax ID information, business license, and other information such as contracts obtained or work performed.

Unemployment During OPT

During the initial 12-month period of post-completion OPT, no student (including STEM students) may be unemployed for an aggregate of more than 90 days. If a STEM student receives a 24-month extension, the limit on unemployment is raised to an aggregate of 150 days, applied to the entire 36-month period during which the student is on post-completion OPT.

Unemployment days start counting from your approved OPT start date (as indicated on your EAD card). To stop accruing days of unemployment, you must report (via the OPT Data Update e-form) your employment to Rutgers Global.  

Full-time employment is considered more than 20 hours per week. Students authorized for post-completion OPT may work part time (20 or less hours per week) or full time (more than 20 hours per week). However, students will continue to accumulate days of unemployment in SEVIS when working 20 or less hours per week. 

There is no unemployment limit for students authorized for pre-completion OPT.

International Travel During OPT

• Traveling abroad between submitting an OPT application and before receiving the USCIS receipt notice, or when waiting for a STEM extension EAD (after initial EAD has expired) could result in the loss of OPT and denial of readmission to the United States

• While on post-completion OPT or an extension, regulations allow F-1 students to re-enter the United States to resume employment
• While on OPT, please note that an F-1 visa application may be a high risk application and the chances of denial could be greater than normal

For more information on travel and visas, please visit our Travel and Visa Information page.

Special Note about Marijuana/Cannabis/CBD Industry

Please note that while there have been advancements in the legalization of marijuana in some states, it is still a Schedule 1 drug under the Controlled Substances Act and use of marijuana in any form is illegal under federal law.

Our office therefore cautions students to be wary of employment opportunities that exist within this industry, as it can potentially be viewed negatively towards immigration. We recommend consulting with an attorney if you have concerns.

Resources:

• Unless You're a Citizen, Legal Marijuana Isn't for You

• Marijuana can disqualify you for citizenship

• Legal Colorado Marijuana Workers Denied Citizenship Over Work

After OPT or Changing Status

End of Post-Completion OPT Authorization

Your OPT authorization ends when you start another degree program, when you change to another status, when you use the work benefit of a different status, if you have used too many unemployment days, when your EAD card expires, if an a STEM extension request is denied, or if your H-1B cap-gap extension is denied. Learn more about OPT extensions.

If you change to H1b at any time, please let our office know as soon as possible. If the Change of Status was showing on your SEVIS record, it could auto-complete.

After the successful and full completion of the OPT period, F-1 students have a grace period of 60 days within which to depart the United States, transfer to a new school or program, or apply to change your legal status (if eligible). If you are eligible for the 24-Month STEM OPT Extension, USCIS must receive your application before the expiration of your initial 12 months of OPT.

Resources for Reporting Discrimination at the Workplace

If you experience bias or discrimination at the workplace, you can use the following resources to address the issue. 

1) Contacting your employer's Human Resources department

2) General overview of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in the workplace

3) Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Some F-1 students may be eligible for an extension of their initial 12 months of OPT if they have received a degree in an eligible STEM field or have a pending or approved H-1B application. You must submit a new STEM OPT Extension application to USCIS with new STEM OPT recommended I-20 from Rutgers Global. 

STEM OPT PROCESSING TIMES
F-1 students who have applied for STEM OPT may face delays in receiving their EADs (employment authorization documents). Therefore these delays can result in loss of opportunities or jeopardize a student’s legal status in the U.S, especially if traveling outside the US and reentering without their EAD and a job offer. In previous years, OPT applications have taken an average of 2-3 months to be processed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Follow these links for more information on these times:
-- Check USCIS Case Processing Times 
-- Contact USCIS for a status update (if your OPT/STEM application has been pending for more than 90 days)

Automatic 180 day work extension: If you file your STEM OPT extension application on time and your OPT period expires while your extension application is pending, we will automatically extend your employment authorization for 180 days. This shows on your receipt notice. This automatic 180-day extension ceases once USCIS adjudicates your STEM OPT extension application.

Once an OPT application goes to the USCIS, Rutgers has no control over the progress of the application. We would like to advise all our students who are considering applying for STEM OPT to plan well in advance. STEM OPT applications can be sent to the USCIS up to 90 days before the end of the post-completion OPT period. This means that with enough advance planning, a student can apply in a timeline such that they receive their EAD card in time and can continue working according to their plans. It may also help to inform potential employers about the possibility of a delay in receiving work authorization. Finally, it is important to note that students still have legal status in the U.S. during the STEM OPT adjudication period as long as they correctly filed in the correct time frame.

Premium Processing is now available for OPT I-765 applications. USCIS provides the option for you to have your OPT application adjudicated within 30 calendar days from the date of request. Adjudication could be an approval, request for evidence, rejection, or denial - it does NOT guarantee you an approval.

Premium processing is NOT mandatory. This is a personal decision you need to make based on your situation. You should carefully review all information the USCIS Premium Processing webpage and the normal USCIS Processing Times webpage before making your decision. 

Feel free to contact an international student adviser during our advising hours or via email us with any questions or concerns.

Additional Information

24-Month STEM Extension

The STEM Extension is an extended 24 month period of OPT for F-1 students who have earned a degree in an eligible STEM field. This work authorization is an extension of a current period of post-completion OPT.

Eligibility for the STEM Extension

F-1 students eligible for the STEM extension if they:   

• Have earned a degree in an eligible STEM field as determined by the DHS-approved STEM CIP code
• Has not already utilized two STEM extensions and you have not exceeded 90 days of unemployment for the current OPT 
• Currently are on an approved period of post-completion OPT, ending within 90 days (i.e. EAD card has not yet expired. An F-1 student is not eligible to apply for the STEM extension during the 60 day grace period). Your application must be received by USCIS BEFORE the expiration of your current EAD card
• Work a minimum of 20 hours/week in a paid position directly related to their field
• Pursue their STEM OPT extension through an employer that is enrolled in USCIS's E-Verify employment eligibility verification program, as well as other additional STEM OPT Employer Requirements 
• Have not already been approved for 2 previous STEM OPT periods in their lifetime
• Applies in a timely manner, prior to the post-completion OPT expiring

A Note About Prior Degrees

Under certain circumstances, an F-1 student may use a prior STEM degree from a currently accredited SEVP-certified school to fulfill this eligibility requirement. To use a prior degree to qualify for the STEM OPT extension, the F-1 student must:

• Have received their most recent degree (which does not need to be STEM-related) from a currently accredited Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school
• Have received their prior, qualifying STEM degree* (at the bachelor's level or higher) within 10 years of applying for the STEM OPT extension with USCIS
• The qualifying STEM degree needs to be on DHS's STEM Designated Degree Program List at the time the student submits their application for the STEM OPT extension, rather than at the time that the student received the degree

If pursuing this option, you MUST make Rutgers Global aware of this plan before applying. The I-983 and STEM OPT recommended I-20 are impacted differently by this option. 

Permitted Forms of Employment

While on STEM OPT, you must be formally employed by an organization that commits to monitoring your progress and completing the Department of Homeland Security’s reporting requirements. There must be a bona-fide employee/employer relationship, and therefore some work arrangements may not qualify. This is up to USCIS. In addition, supervision cannot be from another F-1 visa holding student. Other notable forms of employment on STEM are:

• Multiple employers- Students can work for more than one employer, but all employment must at least 20 hours/week, related to student's degree, and all employers must be enrolled in E-Verify. An I-983 is needed for each employer. 
• Self-employment- 
  • Although the final 24-month STEM OPT rule does not directly prohibit a student from registering in E-Verify and acting as his or her own employer (i.e., self-employment), DHS has interpreted the general conditions of the regulation and the Form I-983 (e.g., employer reporting, training, supervision, wage attestations) to prohibit self-employment and to prohibit a student from signing the Form I-983 as employer/supervisor. Please speak with an adviser for more information, if this may apply to you. 

    • 81 FR 13072 par. 447:

      "The rule also requires that a student must have a bona fide employer-employee relationship with an employer to obtain a STEM OPT extension. In response to comments received, DHS clarifies that students may be employed by start-up businesses, but all regulatory requirements must be met and the student may not provide employer attestations on his or her own behalf."

• Agency Employment/consulting firm- We strongly encourage you and your employer to review the USCIS OPT page related to this topic before completing the I-983. Only the E-verified employer that provides the actual training relevant to the student’s qualifying STEM degree is authorized to sign and complete Form I-983. 

Special Note about Marijuana/Cannabis/CBD Industry

Please note that while there have been advancements in the legalization of marijuana in some states, it is still a Schedule 1 drug under the Controlled Substances Act and use of marijuana in any form is illegal under federal law.

Our office therefore cautions students to be wary of employment opportunities that exist within this industry, as it can potentially be viewed negatively towards immigration. We recommend consulting with an attorney if you have concerns.

Related Resources:

• Unless You're a Citizen, Legal Marijuana Isn't for You

• Marijuana can disqualify you for citizenship

• Legal Colorado Marijuana Workers Denied Citizenship Over Work

Students Working at Rutgers while on STEM OPT

Students that work at Rutgers for their STEM period should consult with University HR for assistance in filling out their I-983 with employer information. Please review the following resource from HR regarding the I-9 and e-verify. 

How to Apply for the STEM Extension

1. Prepare your STEM OPT application using ONE of our tutorials:

• Applying to USCIS Online: Preparing Your STEM OPT Application (online) (last updated May 8, 2024)
• Applying to USCIS by Mail: Preparing Your STEM OPT Application (mailing version) (last updated May 8, 2024)

Contact an adviser if you are applying for STEM using a prior degree.

WARNING - please read the entire tutorial BEFORE taking any action on your application! Do not submit your application on the USCIS website until we have given you the new STEM OPT I-20!

3. Submit the STEM OPT Extension e-form via the RGlobal portal (under F-1 Practical Training). You will need to upload your degree and completed I-983 on this e-form. 

4. Receive a new I-20 with STEM OPT recommendation from our office

5. Submit your complete OPT application to USCIS

6. Wait for your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card to arrive in the mail. If you file your STEM OPT extension application on time and your OPT period expires while your extension application is pending, USCIS will automatically extend your employment authorization for 180 days. This automatic 180-day extension ceases once USCIS adjudicates your STEM OPT extension application. 

STEM Extension Reporting Requirements 

If you move while the application is pending, you MUST tell our office via OPT Data Update e-form AND USCIS directly via their Address Update options. Failure to do so can result in your card not being delivered correctly.

Using our OPT Data Update e-Form via the RGlobal portal, you are required by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to inform Rutgers Global–International Student and Scholar Services about:

• All changes of U.S. address, phone number, and email address
• Any legal name changes
• Any change in STEM OPT employer or employment information
• If your employment with any STEM OPT employer is terminated or interrupted, the date of such termination or interruption
• Any employment changes that makes your previously submitted I-983 outdated

During the STEM OPT extension period, updates to employment information may require submission of an updated Form I-983 reflecting the change. 

There is a 10-day regulatory deadline for reporting each item on the list above. Schools are then required to report this information to DHS via the SEVIS database. Please use the OPT Data Update Form Tutorial for detailed OPT reporting instructions.

In addition, STEM OPT students must complete and submit annual self-evaluations (page 5 of the Form I-983) describing the progress of the training experience.  The “Evaluation on Student Progress” must be completed 12 months after the STEM OPT start date; the “Final Evaluation on Student Progress” must be completed whenever ending a STEM OPT job and/or at the end of the 24 month STEM OPT period. The entire Form I-983 (Pages 1-5) with your completed self-evaluation must be submitted via the STEM Validation Report E-form on the RGlobal Portal. 

Every 6 months, you must work with Rutgers Global–International Student and Scholar Services to confirm that your record in SEVIS accurately reflects your current circumstance. This is a time sensitive reporting requirement. Please check your inbox for an email from our office requesting OPT verification for DHS reporting every six months and respond as soon as possible to confirm your address and employment information. We have been made aware that the USCIS is asking for students to provide proof of the verification when applying for H1-B or permanent residency.

Students on active STEM OPT will have access to the SEVP portal.  However, Rutgers Global - International Student and Scholar Services requires that you continue to submit all OPT information updates using the OPT Data Update e-Form available on the RGlobal portal. You can still use the SEVP portal to review your information in SEVIS.

Review the Study in the States website for a summary of STEM Extension reporting requirements here.

Additional Resources

STEM OPT FAQs

STEM Extension Reporting Requirements and Important Reminders

Study in the States - STEM OPT

USCIS - Optional Practical Training for STEM Students (STEM OPT) (includes information about: staffing agencies, DHS site visits, client sites, unemployment days, working with the STEM application is pending, and more)

USCIS, I-9 Handbook for F-1 Nonimmigrant Students

H-1B and Cap-Gap Extensions

The H-1B cap-gap extension is a period in which an eligible F-1 student’s status is extended to bridge the gap between the end of F-1 status and start of H-1B status on October 1 of each year. 

Eligibility for the H-1B Cap-Gap Extension

If an international student has a valid EAD card at the time of H1-B application submission, and your application is selected in the lottery, employment authorization is automatically extended. If you have an expired EAD card but is still in your 60-day grace period at the time of the H1-B application submission, and your application is selected in the lottery, legal status to remain in the United States is extended, but employment authorization is not.

Our office requires the H-1b receipt/approval notice to create a cap-gap I-20, as this confirms that USCIS recognizes the application and pending/approved.

How to Apply for the H-1B Cap-Gap Extension

The H-1B cap-gap extension is automatic, so there is nothing to do in order to apply. F-1 students whose employers have filed an H-1B application on their behalf should contact their international student adviser to request a Cap-Gap I-20 if their H-1B application has been selected in the lottery and their OPT is ending before September 30.

If you are eligible, you may also apply for the STEM extension while your H-1B application is pending. An international student whose H-1B application is approved via USCIS Change of Status, you must submit a Close SEVIS Record e-form (via the RGlobal portal) when the new H-1B status becomes active on October 1. If the Change of Status was showing on your SEVIS record, it could auto-complete.

If your application was approved via Consular Processing (aka you need to travel abroad, apply for the H-1b visa, and return to the US to start the H-1b status), the closure of the F-1 status should be processed after that re-entry on H-1b status occurs. Please contact an adviser for more information on this timeline. 

If on active STEM OPT when the H-1b becomes effective, our office will ask you for final I-983 evaluation(s) in addition to closing your SEVIS record/ending your F-1 status.

If your H-1b is cancelled/withdrawn prior to the expected status start date, you must let our office know right away. This could impact your work options/status.

Additional H1B Resources

Study in the States, Cap Gap

USCIS, Extension of Post Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) and F-1 Status for Eligible Students under the H-1B Cap-Gap Regulations

Resources for Reporting Discrimination in the Workplace and Employer Non-Compliance

If you experience bias or discrimination at the workplace, you can use the following resources to address the issue. 

1) Contacting your employer's Human Resources department

2) General overview of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in the workplace

3) Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Employer Non-Compliance

By signing the I-983, the employer confirms they will abide by all mandatory reporting requirements. If a student feels these obligations are not being met, they can follow the steps here to report the employer non-compliance to SEVP. 

ISSS hosts chat sessions on CPT and OPT via Zoom. This is an opportunity for students to drop in and discuss their CPT/OPT questions with an International Student Adviser (ISA), as well as connect with other students who are also interested in off-campus employment. Below are the scheduled chat sessions with direct links to the Zoom room:

Fall 2024 Dates:

Thursday, September 19 - 4:00 pm

Tuesday, October 1 - 9:00 am

Thursday, October 10 - 9:00 am

Tuesday, October 29 - 4:00 pm

Tuesday, November 12 - 9:00 am

Tuesday, December 3 - 4:00 pm

Thursday, December 12 - 9:00 am

CPT/OPT 101

Learn about the CPT and OPT process, eligibility, which forms to fill out with RGlobal, procedures, important dates, and filing your OPT application with the USCIS.

• Tuesday, October 22
  • 2:30pm - 4:30 pm
  • Academic Building 2400

• Thursday, November 21
  • 2:30pm - 4:30 pm
  • Academic Building 2400

Work must be primarily in-person. J-1s on Academic Training may work remotely no more than 40% of the time (e.g., two days out of five) 

• Pre-completion Academic Training: training that begins and ends during your enrolled coursework/studies.
• Post-completion Academic Training: training that continues on or begins after your completion of coursework/studies and requires an extension of the DS-2019. As a result, financial support and health insurance must be verified before extended. Post-completion Academic Training applications are due before completion of coursework/studies and before your current DS-2019 expires. 

The criteria and procedure outlined here are specific to J-1 students sponsored by Rutgers. Students sponsored by another J-1 exchange visitor program (i.e. IIE/Fulbright, VEF, etc.) should contact their sponsoring agency for additional information.

​​J-1 students interested in acquiring AT authorization should review the information below and then contact Carissa McCarthy for an appointment to discuss the application.

For job search tips and resources, please visit University Career Services International Student Resources.

Students that do not have a Social Security Number (SSN) will need to apply AFTER they receive the AT authorization and new DS-2019 from Rutgers Global-ISSS. 

All J-1 students, even while on Academic Training, are required to report any serious incidents or problems encountered during their time in the United States to Rutgers Global –ISSS, in accordance with the Department of State’s guidelines. The examples provided in these guidelines are not meant to be exhaustive (i.e., there may be other serious situations, not listed, that have or could endanger the health, safety, or welfare of an exchange visitor or otherwise could be expected to bring the Department of State, the Exchange Visitor Program, or the sponsor's exchange visitor program into notoriety or disrepute).

J-1 students eligible for AT are:

• Primarily in the United States to study rather than engage in academic training
• In good academic standing and inside the U.S. upon arrival
• Maintaining legal status
• Offered a paid or unpaid position related to their field of study before the expiration of the student’s DS-2019
• Able to show proof of insurance and sufficient funding for the duration of the AT period requested

NOTE: J-1 students who are considering to apply (or have applied) for the waiver of INA 212(e), please be aware that once the Waiver Review Division has approved your waiver request, the ISSS office is unable to extend your program beyond the current end date on your DS-2019. 

J-1 degree-seeking students may be authorized for AT for up to 18 months, or an amount of time equal to length of the program, whichever is less. Students pursuing post-doctoral research, may be authorized for an additional 18 months (total 36 months) of AT.

The maximum length of time a J-1 non-degree student can be approved for AT is equal to the time already spent in their J-1 program. J-1 non-degree students are limited to a total stay of 24 months (inclusive of all study and AT time).

Part-time or full-time academic training is permitted during or following the completion of the J-1 student’s program. All academic training is counted as full time, even if employment is on a part-time basis.

J-1 students in STEM fields please see HERE.

The U.S. Department of State (Department) has extended the Academic Training STEM Extension until June 30, 2026, which allows undergraduate and master level students in STEM fields to be eligible for up 36 months of academic training. 

• This would give "undergraduate and pre-doctoral degree-seeking students" in STEM fields eligibility for up to 36 months of academic training, which is the same amount that J-1 PhD students currently have in any field.
• Students eligible for this special STEM academic training extension are eligible only for "up to" 36 months of authorization or the period of the full course of study in the United States, whichever is less. 
• Non-degree seeking students are not eligible to apply for this special STEM academic training extension

1. Review this website, confirm you understand the Eligibility Requirements, and contact Carissa McCarthy at carissam@global.rutgers.edu for an appointment.
    
2. Obtain an official job offer letter from your prospective employer including:
   1. Name and address of employer on letterhead
   2. Start and end dates of the training/employment
   3. Salary amount, or if the position is unpaid and job title
   4. A list or explanation of major job responsibilities and if there is any remote work, explain the remote and in-person schedule
   5. Signature (ink or electronic) from employer and date
       
3. Request a complete description of your health insurance benefits and a letter from your employer indicating the date your benefits will begin. This information may be included in the letter described above. If no health benefits are provided by your employer, you are required to show proof of alternate health insurance coverage for the full period you are authorized for AT.
    
4. Discuss your plans with your Academic Official or Graduate Program Director for evaluation and approval, as they will need to submit electronic approval later.
    
5. Submit your completed application online through the RGlobal portal. A completed AT application includes:
   1. Official job offer letter
   2. Proof of health insurance coverage
   3. Proof of funding to cover living expenses, if employment is unpaid or salary insufficient to cover total expenses. If your AT salary covers your your living expenses and/or tuition, you do not need to show additional funding (unless needed for dependents. etc). To verify the amount of required living expenses, please review the Certification of Funds form.
   4. Name and email address of your academic official, who will respond to the request to confirm your academic program.
       
6. Pick up new DS-2019 that includes the AT authorization information and your AT letter, after receiving an email from an international student adviser saying it’s ready.

You must apply for AT BEFORE the expiration of your DS-2019 and the completion of degree requirements. Applications should be submitted at least two weeks before your anticipated start date.

AT must be granted by the program sponsor (Rutgers) in writing BEFORE the student is permitted to begin the training. AT is authorized for a specific job(s) within specific start and end dates, as indicated on an updated DS-2019. This updated DS-2019 with specifics of your AT is proof of employment authorization that you must present to your employer.

AT allows for more than one position at a time, as long as ALL positions are related to your degree and field of study. However, separate AT requests are needed for EACH and EVERY position.

While you are on AT, you are obliged by law to notify Rutgers Global–International Student and Scholar Services of all changes in your U.S. address, telephone number, or email address within 10 days of the change taking effect.

J-1 students are required to report any serious incidents or problems encountered during their time in the United States to Rutgers Global – International Student and Scholar Services, in accordance with the Department of State’s guidelines. The examples provided in these guidelines are not meant to be exhaustive (i.e., there may be other serious situations, not listed below, that have or could endanger the health, safety, or welfare of an exchange visitor or otherwise could be expected to bring the Department of State, the Exchange Visitor Program, or the sponsor's exchange visitor program into notoriety or disrepute).

In order to be eligible for a change of employer or extension of AT, your DS-2019 must be valid.

If changing employers while on post-completion AT, there CANNOT be a gap in employment dates. Post-completion AT must be continuous.

If you need to extend your authorized academic training period, you will need submit a completed AT application at least two weeks prior to the expiration of your DS-2019.

Leaving or Departing the U.S.

After the completion of AT, J-1 students have a grace period of 30 days within which to depart the United States.

• Log in to the RGlobal portal
• Click J-1 Student Services
• Click Close SEVIS Record

Transferring Out

Students who have been admitted to a new school (not Rutgers), can asked to have their J-1 status transferred to the new school. This requires the "release" of a student's J-1 record so they can receive new DS-2019. Please contact the ISSS office for more details and instructions at ISSS-students@global.rutgers.edu. 

Changing Status

If you have changed your legal status and are (or will no longer be) a J-1 student, please follow the instructions below and submit proof of your new visa status.

• Log in to the RGlobal portal
• Click J-1 Student Services
• Click Close SEVIS Record

The U.S. federal government and state governments have developed labor laws to protect American and international workers from unfair work practices. In general, if a person is providing any type of service or activity normally performed in exchange for money, tuition, fees, books, supplies, room, food or any other benefit, he or she is an employee protected by labor laws. Therefore, even if an international student is not paid for the work performed, he or she is still considered an employee and must have work authorization.

Generally, interns are considered employees and must receive compensation for their work. Employees may not volunteer services to for-profit private sector employers. There are very limited exceptions to this requirement, as specified the "Internship Programs Under the Fair Labor Standards Act" document from the U.S. Department of Labor.

It is important to note that New Jersey Wage and Hour Regulations are even stricter that the Fair Labor Standards Act. The New Jersey Wage and Hour Regulations (N.J.A.C. 12:56 et seq) cover this topic:

• 12:56-2.1: Definitions (employee, except trainees, and volunteer)
• 12:56-18: School-to-Work Program

If an international student finds a unpaid internship which he or she believes does not require work authorization in compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act, a letter from the employer specifically clarifying this matter must be provided to the student’s international student adviser before starting the position.

A volunteer is a person who donates his or her service for religious, charitable, civic, or humanitarian purposes to nonprofit organizations. Because volunteers give their service freely without any anticipation of compensation, they are not considered employees of the nonprofit organizations that receive their service. Therefore, international students do not need work authorization to participate in a volunteer experience.

For more information about volunteer opportunities at Rutgers and in the New Brunswick community, please see Rutgers Off-Campus Living and Community Partnerships Give Where You Live opportunities.

For more information about volunteering under the Fair Labor Standards Act, please visit this website.

If you are an F-1 student, you are eligible for severe economic hardship employment if you are:

• In F-1 status for at least one academic year
• In good academic standing
• In good legal status
• Taking a full course of study and are demonstrating that acceptance of employment will not interfere with their full course of study
• Able to demonstrate that employment is necessary to avoid severe economic hardship due to documented unforeseen circumstances beyond their control that arose after obtaining F-1 status
• Able to demonstrate that on-campus employment is unavailable or otherwise insufficient to meet the needs that have arisen as a result of the unforeseen circumstances

If authorized by USCIS, F-1 students who are eligible for economic hardship employment are limited to no more than 20 hours per week when school is in session and can be unlimited during vacation periods. Employment may be authorized in periods of up to 12 months at a time. See below for application instructions and documentation requirements.

Instructions and Requirements

How to Apply

Review this website for eligibility information and make an appointment to discuss your situation with an international student adviser. 

• Be prepared to share documentation regarding your situation, such as a letter explaining the circumstance of the economic hardship and supporting materials documenting the unforeseen nature of the economic hardship.
• If appropriate, your adviser will share information regarding necessary application materials and the next steps in the application process.
• F-1 students must request a recommendation for economic hardship employment from an adviser at Rutgers Global–International Student and Scholar Services and then submit an application for work authorization to USCIS for approval. 
• Applications to USCIS for economic hardship employment authorization require payment of a filing fee and take approximately three months for processing.

Proof of Employment Authorization

When approved for severe economic hardship employment, F-1 students receive an employment authorization document (EAD) card displaying the relevant validity period. Employment is authorized only after you receive your EAD card, and you may begin work on the start date listed on your card.

Authorization for economic hardship employment is automatically cancelled if you transfer from one school to another or fail to maintain status.

J-1 students eligible for off-campus employment because of economic circumstances are:

• In good academic standing
• In good legal status
• Taking a full course of study and demonstrating that acceptance of employment will not interfere with their full course of study
• Able to demonstrate that employment is necessary because of documented serious, urgent and unforeseen economic circumstances that arose after obtaining J-1 status

If authorized by USCIS, employment is limited to no more than 20 hours per week when school is in session and can be unlimited during vacation periods.  For J-1 students, the limit of no more than 20 hours per week is cumulative of all types of J-1 student employment (on and off campus). Employment may be authorized in periods of up to 12 months at a time.

See below for application instructions and documentation requirements.

Instructions and Requirements

How to Apply

Review this website for eligibility information and make an appointment to discuss your situation with an international student adviser. 

• Be prepared to share documentation regarding your situation, such as a letter explaining the circumstance of the economic hardship and supporting materials documenting the unforeseen nature of the economic hardship. 
• If appropriate, the adviser will share information regarding necessary application materials and the next steps in the application process.
• J-1 students may be authorized for off-campus employment directly by a Rutgers Global–International Student and Scholar Services adviser.

Proof of Employment Authorization

When approved for off-campus employment because of economic circumstances, a J-1 student receives a written letter documenting the specific employment and validity period. Employment is authorized only after you receive your employment authorization letter and you can start work on the date listed in your letter.

Authorization for economic hardship employment is automatically cancelled if you transfer from one school to another or fail to maintain status.

• Working over 20 hours/week on campus while school is in session
• Working off campus without Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), or Academic Training
• Begin working before CPT, OPT, or Academic Training authorization
• Working beyond time authorized on CPT, OPT, or Academic Training

• Termination of legal status, for which you will need to apply for reinstatement in the U.S. or return to your home country to obtain another U.S. visa
• Accumulating unlawful presence in the U.S., which can result in arrest, deportation, or barred from entering the U.S. in the future
• Denial of further employment or practical training from ISSS or USCIS
• Possibly denial of future USCIS application (change of status to H-1B, Permanent Resident, etc.)