Employment for International Students

F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions.

After the first academic year, F-1 students have alternative options to pursue if interested in off campus employement:

What is Curricular Practical Training?
There are very limited opportunities for F-1 Students to work while studying. Students in MBA programs, or in any program that does not require an internship or practicum are not eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Curricular Practical Training is an employment option available to F-1 students only when the practical training employment is considered to be an integral part of the curriculum or academic program. Use of CPT can impact a student’s eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

What are the requirements for engaging in CPT?
Permission must be requested from the university’s P/DSO for Curricular Practical Training (CPT). The P/DSO will determine whether the set of eligibility requirements and institutional program requirements have been met for a student interested in obtaining CPT. If yes, the P/DSO will authorize CPT in SEVIS, and the authorization prints on the student’s Form I-20. The training must occur before the student’s program end date on the Form I-20. The authorization is for one specific employer, and for a specific period of time. The Student must secure the training opportunity before an application for CPT can be submitted.

How do I apply for CPT?
Please review this Overview of the Requirements associated with Curricular Practical Training and the Curricular Practical Training Request Form in preparation for a conversation with the P/DSO. The P/DSO can be reached at iadmissions@ndnu.edu, or an appointment scheduled via calling 1(650) 508-3600.

Please review this webpage, the Overview of Optional Practical Training together with the Optional Practical Training Request Form in preparation for a conversation with the P/DSO.  This presentation also provides a summary of OPT for your consideration and includes good graphics to better understand timing considerations.  The P/DSO can be reached at iadmissions@ndnu.edu, or an appointment scheduled via calling 1 (650) 508-3600.

What is OPT? 
F-1 students who plan to work in the U.S. after completing their degree program can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), a temporary employment authorization that provides an opportunity to apply knowledge gained in the classroom to a practical work experience off-campus.

  • OPT is a benefit of your F-1 visa status and not a separate work visa or visa category.
  • You continue to be in F-1 student visa status while you are on OPT and must abide by all F-1 regulations during your period of OPT.
  • NDNU remains your visa sponsor. This is the last work authorization that will not need employer sponsorship until you have a Green Card.

Timing Considerations 

  • Most students are eligible to apply for a total of 12 months of OPT at each higher degree level.
  • OPT can only be used once per higher degree level even if you have multiple degrees per level (e.g. OPT based on a Bachelor’s degree and then OPT based on a Master’s degree).
  • The months of OPT must be used all at once, it cannot be broken up.
  • OPT must be used directly after graduation; it cannot be saved for later.
  • You cannot start work until you have received your EAD card and reached the start date on the card.

Eligibility  

  • Maintain valid F-1 student status at the time of application.
  • Be enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year in the U.S.
  • Be physically present in the U.S. when you submit your application.
  • Intend to work or volunteer in a professional development opportunity directly related to the major field of study.

Periods of Unemployment

  • F-1 regulations state that students who have been authorized for Post-Completion OPT must leave the U.S. before they accrue an aggregate of more than 90 days of unemployment. No 60-day grace period is allowed. Days of unemployment will be counted from the start date indicated on the EAD card.
  • If students volunteer or intern without pay at least 20 hours per week in their area of study (where this does not violate any labor laws), this time would not be counted against the 90 days of unemployment. However, these students must be able to provide evidence of their volunteer work.

How do I apply for OPT?

Please look over the associated information on this website and on the federal website as part of your preparation for this opportunity. Once you’re ready, you must:

  1. Request that the P/DSO at NDNU recommend the OPT.  For this, you’ll need to complete and submit the Optional Practical Training Request Form to the P/DSO at iadmissions@ndnu.edu. If you are eligible, the P/DSO will endorse your Form I-20 Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status and make the appropriate notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
  2. Properly file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization with UCSIS, accompanied by the required fee and the supporting documentation as described in the form instructions. The Optional Practical Training Application Guideline. The Guideline includes the links to Federal Forms G-1145, I-765, the I-94 arrival / departure documents as well as key instructions as to how to complete I-765. These documents are available to be completed online or can be downloaded and submitted by mail.

After Completing your OPT period
Once the Post-Completion OPT period is over, students have a 60-day grace period in which they are required to depart from the U.S. or change status. Employment or re-entry into the U.S. is NOT permitted during the 60-day grace period. If you will remain in the U.S. after the 60-day grace period, you must use one of the following options: Begin a new degree program at NDNU; transfer to another U.S. institution; or, change to another visa status.


Additional Considerations

  • You do not need to have a job in order to apply for OPT.
  • All work must directly relate to your field of study.
  • Students with degrees in NDNU STEM designated degrees (MS Technology Management, MBA STEM) may be eligible for a 24-month extension to their 12 month post-completion OPT.
  • You do not need paid employment (volunteering is ok).
  • You can work on multiple opportunities at one time.
  • OPT Start Date must begin within 60 days of your program end.

Traveling impact on the OPT
An F-1 student who travels outside the United States for a temporary absence can be readmitted to resume employment for the remainder of the period authorized on their EAD card, if they show these required documents to re-enter the U.S. in F-1 status:

  1. Valid I-20– Page two should list your employer’s information and be signed by the P/DSO within the last six months.
  2. Valid F-1 Visa– If your F-1 visa is expired, you must apply for a new one at a U.S. embassy or consulate prior to your return. (Note: Canadian citizens do not need a visa.)
  3. Valid Passport – The expiration date should be at least six months into the future at any given time.
  4. Valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
  5. Evidence of a job offer or resumption of employment. If you are returning to the U.S without evidence of a job offer, you may show evidence of your job search, interview appointments, etc., as intention to use your OPT.

Additional Travel Considerations:

  • If you need to leave the U.S. before you receive your EAD, speak with the P/DSO. If your employer has filed for an H-1B on your behalf, check with your employer about any travel plans, as leaving the U.S. while an H-1B petition is pending may jeopardize your petition.
  • If your travel plans require a change of planes in a third country, you must check to see if you need a transit visa. Some countries (including the U.S.) require an entry or transit visa, even if you are only changing planes and resuming your travels after a brief time. Before purchasing your ticket, make certain you are aware of any travel requirements or restrictions.

Certain F-1 students who receive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees may apply for a 24 month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT) extension.

Eligibility for the STEM OPT Extension
At NDNU, MS Technology Management and MBA STEM program students may be eligible for a 24-month extension to their 12 month post-completion OPT.  

Applying for a STEM OPT Extension
If you are considering applying for an OPT extension via the online USCIS process, please first request a new I-20 using the OPT Request Form from NDNU’s P/DSO before you submit the application via the USCIS portal. Submitting an application to USCIS without a new I-20 from the P/DSO recommending you for STEM OPT will result in denial of your application and possible forfeit of STEM OPT.

You must:

  • Be maintaining valid F-1 status.
  • Be on a period of standard Post-Completion OPT.
  • Hold a degree in a field of study (indicated on the I-20) which qualifies as STEM eligible according to the official STEM Designated Degree Program List.
  • Have a job offer from an employer enrolled in E-Verify.
  • Demonstrate the job is directly related to a STEM field.
  • Confirm the job is paid.
  • Prepare and sign the Training Plan (Form I-983) together with your employer.
  • Apply before your current Post-Completion OPT expires.

Your employer must:

After receiving a STEM OPT Extension 

  • You continue to hold F-1 status sponsored by NDNU and your F-1 record remains active in the government database SEVIS.
  • Reporting requirements include periodic confirmation (every 6 months) that you continue to maintain your STEM OPT activity even if nothing has changed. Please use the STEM OPT Update Form to make this report to the P/DSO.

The responsibility to report information related to your STEM OPT extension rests primarily with you or your employer, but NDNU will continue to support you during this period and will remain responsible for maintaining your record and updating your information in SEVIS. Please note that NDNU must be informed:

1. Within 10 days of any change in the following areas:

    • Legal Name
    • Residential address
    • Employer name and address
    • Change in status of current employment
    • Loss of employment
    • Change of employers
    • End of employment
    • Change of status to a different visa category
    • Transfer to another F-1 program

2. Every 6 months regardless if there is a change or not in the areas listed above.

F1 students may also be able to work off-campus on a case-by-case basis as a result of special situations such as severe economic hardship or special student relief. Any international student that works will need to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) or an International Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Information on these requirements can be found here.

Important Information about getting an EAD to Legally Work in the United States (from USCIS).

Mark Dee

Magellan Solutions USA launched under the visionary leadership of Mark A. K. Dee, Chief Executive Officer – a consultant and service provider for healthcare administrative support, IT development, energy, call center, and business process outsourcing. Mark has served in various multi-level management positions in his 21 years of service in the United States Air Force (USAF). He performed as Immunology and Microbiology department manager, Medical Laboratory Assistant Director, Facility and Security Manager, and finally retiring in the military in 2008 as Superintendent/Assistant Chief of Operations of 330 personnel Medical Group. Mark has experiences in the services industries since he retired, including running a restaurant chain as the CEO. He has also developed other businesses in the Martials Arts studio and 3d-printing industries. He has a BS in Health Sciences and Hospital Administration, Board Certified in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Graduated in the Senior Executive Leadership School from the USAF, Master’s in Business Administration, and a Master’s of Science in Systems Management at Notre Dame De Namur University.

Chosen Cheng

Chosen Cheng is owner of CMC Group, a privately held engineering and marketing consultancy for small business startup ventures. He currently works with project teams developing patented award-winning solar roofing systems and patent pending drone-based augmented reality geological and thermal mapping solutions. He was formerly a Silicon Valley marketing and innovative corporate training manager. As an avocation and a way to “pay it forward” he enjoys teaching and career coaching college and graduate MBA students many of whom are pioneering first generation college students from underserved communities. He and his wife, a Notre Dame alum, celebrated their wedding reception at the Ralston Mansion in the 70’s and have two stupendously successful, married adult children who between them have four stupendously adorable grandchildren.

Arthur Chait

Entrepreneur, Executive, Engineer, Investor, Professor, Mentor. Founder & CEO EoPlex Inc. ($31 million VC funded startup acquired by ASTI Singapore). President Stanford Research Institute (SRI) Consulting Division (800 staff worldwide). SVP Flextronics (responsible for $8 Billion in global accounts). President Zitel Software. Principal Booz Allen. R&D Director Halliburton. Adjunct Professor Menlo College, Visiting Professor Universidad Francisco Marroquin (Guatemala), Mentor Draper University, Judge Startup Chile. BS Engineering Rutgers, MBA Strategy University Pittsburgh.

Kelly Cansler

Kelly completed both her BS (Finance/Economics) and MBA from NDNU. She utilized her business education to launch an insurance agency in 2008 with Farmers Insurance. It’s grown into multi-million-dollar agency, organically and through acquisition. She has been recognized by Farmers Insurance being ranked within the top 10% of agents nationwide, but also as a speaker, trainer, and mentor within the Farmers Insurance Community. Kelly is extremely connected with local businessowners through several networking channels.

Cliff Burnette

Cliff is the senior vice president and chief human resources officer at Rambus, a global chip and IP provider that advances data center connectivity and solves the bottleneck between memory and processing. Cliff has over 20 years of experience leading global human resources operations for publicly traded companies with expertise in employee relations, organizational development, and compensation strategy. Prior to Rambus, Cliff worked for several other high-tech companies in the semiconductor and medical device space and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Marketing from Texas State University and a master’s degree in Human Resources Management and Organization Development from the University of Texas at Austin.

Memo Morantes

Memo Morantes has been a San Mateo County resident for more than 45 years. He has been a three-term San Mateo County Board of Education incumbent, a Redwood City/San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce board member, a Sequoia Hospital Foundation member, a co-chair of the Latino Leadership Council of San Mateo, and a civic/community activist. 

Sheryl Young

Sheryl serves as a director for Philanthropic Ventures Foundation, which provides $10M each year for innovative teachers and social entrepreneurs throughout the Bay Area. Prior Sheryl served as CEO of Community Gatepath and AbilityPath.org. She has over 30 years of managerial experience in operations, finance, and marketing. Young is a graduate of the Stanford University Graduate School of Business Executive Program for Non-Profit Leaders, earned an M.A. of Public Health from UC Berkeley, an M.A. in Special Education from Ball State University and a B.A. in Political Science from Purdue University.

Brian Schumacker

Brian manages South San Francisco-San Bruno’s wastewater treatment plant and with a dedicated staff of over 40 professionals who safeguard community health and protect the fragile San Francisco Bay ecosystem. Brian holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration, both from Notre Dame de Namur University. Brian has also earned the highest levels of professional certifications in wastewater treatment.

Mario Rendon

Mario Rendon serves as District Director for State Assemblymember Kevin Mullin. He develops the communications, public relations and constituent service strategy for the office and supervises a small team that represents Mr. Mullin in the 22nd Assembly District within San Mateo County. He has over twenty year’s experience working with elected officials at the local, state and federal level developing public policy.

Jerry Hill

Jerry’s public service started with his local neighborhood association that progressed to the California State Assembly and Senate where he authored legislation resulting in laws on issues related to consumer protection, utility safety, coastal protection, public health, education and the environment. Jerry was born and raised in San Francisco, receiving his BA from the University of California, Berkeley and a Teaching Credential from San Francisco State University.

Magda Gonzalez

Magda was most recently the City Manager for the City of Half Moon Bay, California. Prior she was the City Manager of East Palo Alto, California and Assistant City Manager, Redwood City. Magda was President of Cal-ICMA, representing the Local Government Hispanic Network and serves on the Board of Directors for the San Mateo Credit Union and the Latino Leadership Council of San Mateo County. Magda is also a member of ICMA and the State Bar of California and received several awards and recognitions, including Career Excellence Award (WLG) and the Ethical Hero Award from Cal-ICMA.

Jeremy Dennis

Jeremy currently serves as Portola Valley Town Manager. Previously, he’s worked for elected officials at all governance levels, including twice as District Director for local assemblymembers. He worked as the Palo Alto Long Range Planning Director, and for San Mateo County in management roles. Jeremy has a Masters in Urban Planning from the London School of Economics, and graduated from UC Davis studying US History/Political Science.

Kate Comfort-Harr

Kate is Executive Director of HIP Housing, a nonprofit specializing in creative affordable housing solutions throughout San Mateo County. Kate is a frequent speaker on a wide array of affordable housing topics and is passionate about the cultivation of collaborations between the private, public and social sectors. She serves on the Board of Directors for the San Mateo Credit Union and was awarded the Chamber San Mateo County’s 2020 Business Woman of the Year Award.

Jeff Cox

Program Director for Master of Public Administration

Jerome Nadel

Jerome Nadel is Internationally experienced design-led marketing executive (CMO and GM) with a track record of improved market position, revenue growth, and M&A. He is an advance degreed psychologist and user experience product/service design expert, board member and advisor. Jerome recently retired from Rambus as where he was CMO and GM of the security software division that he led the sale to Visa. He has had a variety of chief marketing officer and chief user experience officer roles at companies including Human Factors International, SLP InfoWare, Gemplus, and Sagem. He started his career in the IBM Human Factors Labs. He is also an avid cyclist with National and multiple California State Champion titles.