Work Options

CPT allows for you to work off-campus if a class or program requires it. Examples of this include internships, student teaching, and practicums. 

You may only apply for CPT if you have an academic requirement that makes it a vital part of both your class and program. Many of our Master's Degrees require internships. Some examples include:

• Master of Arts in International Studies
• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Education
• Master of Science in Information Technology and Management

Instructions

• Log into your Immigration Portal and read the CPT request for more information
• Make sure you fulfill the listed immigration and DBU requirements
• Complete the application

Please note: you cannot start working until you have received
your CPT I-20. Further, you may not begin working until the CPT start date
listed on the I-20.

Your EAD (Employment AuthorizationDocument) for CPT is the CPT I-20 provided by the DSO after your CPT has been approved.

Day One CPT

Day One CPT is only for students who are entering the US for the first time and have enrolled in a degree which requires an internship during the first year of study. If you are transferring to DBU from another school inside the US, and you have completed one academic year (on any visa category), then you do not require “Day 1 CPT.” At DBU, the only program that requires an internship in the first academic year is the MSITM in Professional Development program.

OPT provides 1 year of work authorization for practical training related to your degree. It can be used at each academic level (associate, bachelor, master, and doctorate).

Post-Completion or Post-Graduation

This is the most common use of OPT. Most students save their OPT to work a year after graduation. Doctoral students may use OPT during the dissertation phase if CPT is not available.

Pre-Completion or During Studies

You may apply for part-time or full-time OPT while you study. This option is not common as it takes away from the possible 12 months of OPT. During required class times (fall and spring semesters), it allows part-time work authorization. Additionally, you cannot work on-campus while doing pre-completion OPT.

CPT is a better option for most students and our DSOs are available to advise students.

Requirements

• Log into your Immigration Portal and complete the "Graduating Students" request about 4 months before you graduate.
• Complete the OPT Request no sooner than 3 months before you graduate.
• Pay OPT fees to USCIS >>
• Make sure you are on the official university graduation list.
  • Only students on the graduation list will be allowed to apply for OPT. 

STEM extension

A 2-year extension may be available for students who complete STEM-related degrees (science, technology, engineering, and math)

Undergraduate STEM Degrees

Graduate STEM Degrees

Economic Hardship work authorization is available if you or your financial sponsor has sudden or unforeseeable severe economic hardships that leave them unable to support you at the time. 

This authorization takes time to apply for and get approval. Please talk with a DSO as early as you can to see if this might be a good option for you.

Details

• Up to 1 year of off-campus work authorization. Renewable if hardship continues
• Requires an application and fees to USCIS
• Must be able to prove the hardship meets certain strict conditions
• Will receive an EAD
• May work part-time (up to 20 hours a week) during class time, and full-time during breaks

Getting paid for any work is considered employment and requires work authorization. Volunteering is legal and we strongly recommend that you find opportunities to volunteer and serve your community. However, we advise you to talk with a DSO since volunteering or taking unpaid internships can qualify as employment in certain situations.

Here is a helpful webpage from the US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement to clarify what is and is not work. Reach out to one of our DSOs by emailing dso@dbu.edu before taking any opportunities.

• Do I need a Social Security Number (SSN) before I can start working?
  No, it is not required when you start, however most US companies will still require you to have an SSN before they allow you to begin working. If you have a job offer and need an SSN, please log into your Immigration Portal and find the request called "Social Security
  Number" for guidance.
• Can I work for a company in another country while I’m here?
  No. Because you are physically present in the USA even work done remotely is considered illegal.
• Is working online ok?
  No. Because you are physically present in the USA work online is considered illegal.
• Can I invest?
  You may invest as long as you are completely passive. Active trading or management of investments would be a work violation.
• Can I start working now, and wait to get paid until my EAD comes?
  No. You must have the official EAD in your hands before you may start working. Working without your EAD would be an Immigration and DOL law violation.
• Can I babysit or tutor if it is not reported to the IRS?
  No. Any kind of work without authorization is a violation of your status.
• Can I volunteer if they don’t pay me but provide housing, food, or scholarships?
  No. If you receive any kind of compensation for what you are doing then it qualifies as work, even if it were put in a non-money form.

This is not a complete list of options or questions. If you have another question, please contact a DSO before you accept an opportunity: dso@dbu.edu.