M-1 Visa

You may apply for practical training after you have completed your studies. If approved, you will be allowed to have one month of practical training for every four months of study you have completed. You will be limited to six months total practical training time.

You should submit BCIS Form 538 (Certification By Designated School Official), BCIS Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization), and your I-20 ID, signed by the designated school official (DSO) to the BCIS.

Your application should be sent to the BCIS no more than 60 days before your student status expires and no later than 30 days after your studies are completed.

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F-1 Visa

You may be allowed to work on-campus or off-campus (after the completion of your first year of study) under limited circumstances.

On-campus employment:
On-campus employment must either be performed on the school's premises, or at an off-campus location which is educationally affiliated with the school.The employment must be an integral part of the student's educational program. Employment authorized under this paragraph must not exceed 20 hours a week while school is in session.An F-1 student may, however, work on campus full-time when school is not in session or during the annual vacation.

Off-campus work authorization:
An F-1 student may be authorized to work off-campus on a part-time basis after having been in F-1 status for one full academic year provided that the student is in good academic standing as determined by the DSO. Part-time off-campus employment which has been authorized is limited to no more than twenty hours a week when school is in session and may work full-time during the holidays or school vacation.

Internship with an international organization:
An F-1 student who has been offered employment by a recognized international organization within the meaning of the International Organization Immunities Act (59 Stat. 669) must apply for employment authorization to the service center having jurisdiction over his or her place of residence. A student seeking employment authorization under this provision is required to present a written certification from the international organization that the proposed employment is within the scope of the organization's sponsorship.

Practical Training:
Practical training may be authorized to an F-1 student who has been lawfully enrolled on a full time basis for one full academic year. A student may be authorized 12 months of practical training, and becomes eligible for another 12 months of practical training when he or she changes to a higher educational level. An eligible student may request employment authorization for practical training in a position that is directly related to his or her major area of study.

Curricular practical training programs:
An F-1 student may be authorized by the DSO to participate in a curricular practical training program that is an integral part of an established curriculum. Curricular practical training is defined to be alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school. Students who have received one year or more of full time curricular practical training are ineligible for post-completion academic training. Exceptions to the one academic year requirement are provided for students enrolled in graduate studies that require immediate participation in curricular practical training. A request for authorization for curricular practical training must be made to the DSO. A student may begin curricular practical training only after receiving his or her Form I-20 with the DSO endorsement.

Optional practical training:
A student may apply to the Service for authorization for temporary employment for optional practical training directly related to the student's major area of study. The student may not begin optional practical training until the date indicated on his or her employment authorization document, Form I-766 or Form 688B. A student may submit an application for authorization to engage in optional practical training up to 90 days prior to being enrolled for one full academic year, provided that the period of employment will not begin until after the completion of the full academic year as indicated by the DSO.

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