Student Employment/OPT-CPT

F-1 students may work on-campus up to 20 hours while school is in session and up to 40 hours per week during University breaks and holidays. 

1. Find a job by word-of-mouth and visit each individual office or view job opportunities.
2. Complete application form. Click here for the appointment form.
3. Wait for approval from Human Resources before beginning work.

U.S. Taxes

F-1 students who work-on campus will be required to pay tax on your earnings. Please work with the LSUA Human Resources Office to ensure you complete the necessary paperwork. For detailed information on U.S. taxes, please refer to https://www.internationalstudent.com/tax/faqs/. 

• OPT must relate directly to Student’s Major of Study.  This must be documented in LSUA records and SEVIS in detail.
• Student does not have to secure training before applying for OPT.
• Student remains on current student visa with updated I-20 for up to 12 months.
• OPT for STEM graduates can be awarded for 24 months
• Authorization comes in the form of an EAD card (Employment Authorization Document) with official dates when the student is allowed to work.
• While applying for OPT it is not recommended that you leave the US until approval is granted.

Post-Completion OPT: Students may participate in Post-Completion OPT after degree completion and may work part time (20 hours or less per week) or full time (40 hours per week). 

Pre-Completion OPT: Part-time OPT is available before students graduate. Students allow to work up to 20 hours per week.

When to apply for OPT	Spring Graduate - Apply	Fall Graduate - Apply
No earlier than 90 days prior to program completion	By February 15	By September 15
No later than 60 days after program completion	No later than July 15	No later than February 15

1. Complete the I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
2. Meet with PDSO to change I-20 and update your email address.
3. Mail new I-20, I-765 along with:

• Application Fee (Check to see that the I-765 Filing Fee is current)
• Two identical color photos – passport style (2”x2”) taken in the last 30 days
• Copy of Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record 
• Copy of your passport (should not be expired).

*** This information must be mailed within 30 days of I-20 change! We suggest that you mail with tracking information

PLEASE NOTE:

• Wait time for approval can be 90 days or more.
• Once OPT is approved, you must update your employment information, address, phone number through a SEVIS portal.  Information regarding this portal is emailed to you once OPT is approved.
• Once OPT is completed, you have 30 days to leave the US. 
• If seeking another degree after OPT, you should have received acceptance prior to OPT ending.  Do not transfer your I-20 until OPT is completed. 
• If you return home after OPT and plan to begin another degree, if you are out of the country more than 5 months – you will need a new I-20 from next university.  SEVIS fee will be required.

 

CPT (Curricular Practical Training) is a type of employment authorization that allow F-1 students to participate in off-campus employment deemed an integral part of an established curriculum and must relate directly to a major area of study. 

• Students must maintain full-time and are expected to maintain physical presence on campus during fall and spring CPT. This requirement limits students to work on a part-time basis and usually work for their employers in the local area.
• Students must be enrolled in a CPT course and approved by an academic advisor.
• Training must be secured before CPT can be authorized.
• Training must occur before the program end date of Form I-20.
• CPT must be indicated on I-20 by PDSO or DSO.
• CPT authorization is up to one year. However each CPT is processed and authorized term by term.
• Time used for CPT is deducted from OPT eligible time.