EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS FOR F-1 VISA HOLDERS

1. EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS FOR F-1 VISA HOLDERS Ann Deppman, Associate Dean of Studies/ Director, Office of International Student Services Donna Russell, Assistant Director Career Services Oberlin College Fall 2012- Spring 2013

2. What is Employment? Employment: Any type of work performed, or services provided, in exchange for money, tuition, fees, books, supplies, lodging, or for any other benefit.  If you receive no pay or other compensation for work performed, but the activity is of the type generally viewed as deserving of compensation, the activity is considered employment, not 'volunteer work' and requires authorization.

3. On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Employment • On-campus • Part time (up to 20 hours per week) during the semester or Full time (more than 20 hours per week) during vacations. • No approval is required. • First year students are eligible. • Off-campus • Must receive prior authorization. • Must be recommended by a faculty member and connected to your coursework and field of study. • First year students are not eligible until then have completed one academic year of study (they can apply for the benefit the summer after their freshman year.)

4. Off-Campus EmploymentBefore Graduation Curricular Practical Training (CPT):CPT offers F-1 visa students the opportunity to obtain practical experience in their field of study as part of their undergraduate education. Students may use up to 12 months of full-time CPT employment before they start to lose eligibility for post graduation Optional Practical Training (OPT). At Oberlin, CPT is typically used to enable students to acceptWinter Term Internships or Summer Internships or employment , and also by Conservatory Students for off campus “gigs.”

5. Applying for CPT • Obtain a written job offer; and • A Faculty recommendation indicating that the employment is connected to the students field of study and is either: • Credit bearing • Recommended to support and enrich the content of specific credit-bearing course that the student is currently enrolled in or will enroll in for the subsequent semester; or • Recommended to support and enrich a private study that the student is currently enrolled in..

6. Off-Campus EmploymentAfter Graduation Optional Practical Training (OPT):OPT offers F-1 visa students the opportunity to obtain practical experience in their field of study by through a 12 month employment benefit. Certain STEM degree fields offer a possible 17 month OPT extension.

7. Applying for OPT REQUIREMENTS • Statement of intent, indicating the employment you will be seeking along with a faculty recommendation indicating that the employment is appropriate to your degree field and level of education. • $380 application fee. • 2 passport style photographs • Maintaining legal F-1 status • Completed one full academic year of study. TIMELINE • You can (and should!) apply 90 days before your program end date. For programs ending on May 31, 2013, the earliest you can apply is March 2, 2013. • It takes 3-4 months to receive your card; you can not start working until your card is in hand.

8. FAQs Related to OPT • Do I have to work while I am on OPT? • Yes, you are only allowed to have 90 cumulative days of unemployment. • What ‘counts’ as employment while I am on OPT? • Regular paid employment, gigs, work for hire, self-employed business owner, volunteer positions and unpaid internships can all ‘count’ as employment for OPT. • Can I travel outside the county while I am on OPT? • If you have a valid EAD card and a letter from an employer detailing your job offer or position, you should have no trouble reentering the United States. If either or both of these items are missing you are taking a risk if you leave the United States.

9. Internship/Job Search and Preparation Tips • Start early and note application deadlines for future years • Identify Employers: Directory of American Firms Operating in Foreign Countries, Directory of Foreign Firms Operating in the U.S., World Chamber of Commerce Directory • Network (3 F’s), Informational Interviews, Referral Cover Letter • Hiring cycles/application requirements vary by career fields • Generally, cannot work for the U.S. federal government, most U.S. state and local government entities or private employers receiving government contracts

10. What Can You Offer an Employer • Diversity; languages; global culture and economy • Experiences and skills: responsible risk-taking, cultural adaptability, resourcefulness • Self-assessment: values, interests, personal and financial needs, short and long term goals, unique strengths and qualities, challenges and what have you learned Keeping this in mind, you should be able to clearly articulate your career goals and your contribution to the company

11. When to Discuss Visa Status • Let the employer initiate discussion • Know the most current CPT and OPT work authorization and information for your status • Prepare a confident, direct statement: I have a student visa and I’m happy to discuss the process for hiring me… • If seeking longer employment, discussions about sponsoring visa petition should occur when you are offered the position

12. Resources • H1VisaJobs.com; myvisajobs.com • InternationalStudent.com; Goinglobal; Living and Working Overseas • Charles G. Koch Summer Fellow Program (public policy) • Pathways to Science • Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program • Smithsonian (history, social sciences, humanities) • Winston Foundation Fellowships (non profits)

13. Career Services Website

14. Resumes • Resume and Curricula Vita (CV) in the US • May need two resumes if job search in US and home country; prepared in each language • Do not list “English” as a skill for US companies, but emphasize strong English skills in relation to experiences (i.e. translation) • Avoid listing international contact information • Mostly accompanied by a cover letter

15. Difference in Resumes

16. Interviews • Prepare for interviews and learn US cultural values (i.e. eye contact, firm handshake) • Research the organization and demonstrate knowledge shows initiative and interest • Interviewer styles differ, be observant and flexible, anticipate direct questions about skills, competencies, accomplishments, challenges and experiences • Questions regarding age, race, sexual orientation, disabilities, national origin and martial status are illegal • Questions about the application process and follow-up is acceptable; send a thank you note

17. Career Services: Hours Advising Appointments | Stevenson Hall - Longman Commons Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM Appointments with a Professional Career Advisor. Call 440-775-8140 or visit the office to schedule. Drop-In Hours | Stevenson Hall - Longman CommonsMonday - Friday, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM15-minute unscheduled meetings with a Peer Career Advisor. Recommended for Oberlin students looking for an introduction to our services and resources, or who have a "quick question" such as a resume/cover letter review. Conservatory Advising | Robertson Hall, Rm. 130 MaryClareBrzytwa, Assistant Director of Career Services/Director of Conservatory Professional Developmnet