If you are an international student pursuing a degree at Olin, chances are you can be employed in the United States in an area related to your field of study, both before and after graduation. Your resources regarding these issues are the Washington University Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) and the International Career Advisor at Olin. To obtain authorization to be employed, you need to file an application through the International Office. Here are some of the options that may be available to you:

As an international student at Olin, you probably hold an F-1 (student) visa. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) permits students in this category to be employed by U.S. employers through the "Practical Training" program. This program is made available to F-1 student visa holders so that international students can work in the U.S. and gain experience related to their field of study. Chances are you will be eligible to work in your field during the summer between your school years-or part-time during the academic year starting with your second year in school. In order to do so, you must obtain authorization for Practical Training from the USCIS, through the Office for International Students and Scholars at Washington University. Another option is "Curricular Practical Training", under which you enroll in a for-credit independent study class, get an academic advisor, and have your proposed work approved by both an Olin faculty committee and the Office for International Students and Scholars.

J-1 Visa holders can also usually work in their field of study through the "Academic Training" program. Applications are made through the Office for International Students and Scholars.

Full-Time Employment After Graduation

In most cases, if you are an international student at Olin with an F-1 visa, and you are completing your degree, you will be eligible to work in your field for up to 12 months after graduation-without having to change your visa status. This option is available to international students through the Practical Training program allowed by the INS. Again, for this option, you must secure authorization from the USCIS, through the Office for International Students and Scholars.

J-1 students can usually obtain approval from the Office for International Students and Scholars for up to 18 months of training in their field of study.

Continuing Employment After Your Practical Training Expires:
The H1-B Specialty Worker Visa

After your practical training permit expires, it will usually be possible for you to obtain a temporary specialty worker (H1-B) visa. An H-1B visa, intended for professional employment, will allow you to continue to be employed for three to six more years. Your employer must be willing to apply for the H1-B visa process involving a commitment of time and money on their part. The employer applies through the Department of Labor and the USCIS. There is a limited number of H1 visas issued every year. So the application should be made as soon as possible. Employers may wish to seek expert advice to complete the process. Once the H1-B visa has expired, there are several options available for continuing employment; expert advice should also be obtained to explore these possibilities.

Documenting Employment Authorization

Engaging in employment before receiving the appropriate proof of work permission is a violation of status and could constitute irreparable damage to your immigration record. To avoid working illegally, be certain that you hold one of the following documents by the time you commence with your practical/academic training experience:

(F-1) Optional Practical Training (OPT): An Employment Authorization Card/Document ("EAC" or "EAD"), a driver-license-sized card issued by USCIS bearing your photo, name, and employment authorization start/end dates

(F-1) Curricular Practical Training (CPT): A new I-20, issued by OISS, bearing the employer name and address as well as the employment authorization start/end dates

(J-1) Academic Training (AT): A letter, issued by OISS, bearing the employer name and address as well as the employment authorization start/end dates

For More Information

For more information about options and guidelines for Practical Training, about the application timeline, or to apply for a Practical Training permit, we encourage you to contact the Office for International Students and Scholars and/or the International Career Advisor at Olin:

Ms. Simona Tripodi Weston Career Center Olin Business School Washington University Campus Box 1157 One Brookings Drive St. Louis, MO 63130-4899

Phone: 314-935-7619 Fax: 314-935-4027 Email: tripodis@wustl.edu