International
Students

You must have an unexpired passport to remain in the United States. If your passport is about to expire, please visit the closest embassy or consulate to renew it before it expires.

This is the most important document for an international student. Keep it updated by reporting any changes to the DSO throughout your stay at AMU. The I-20 form is needed to request your F-1 student visa, to enter the United States, and to make your stay legal. If you are traveling outside the United States while studying, the I-20 must have the "Travel Endorsement Signature" on the second page — without it, you will not be able to re-enter the country.

The F-1 Visa allows you to enter the United States as a full-time student. If you plan to leave and return to your home country, your visa must be valid upon re-entering. If the visa is expired, you will not be allowed back into the country. Canadian citizens do not need a U.S. Visa, but must present proof of Canadian citizenship, your AMU admission letter, I-20 form, and proof of financial support at the border. Always enter as an F-1 student, not as a tourist.

F-1 students with a valid visa are eligible to work on-campus. Freshman and sophomores can work up to 15 hours per week during the semester. Juniors and seniors can work for up to 20 hours per week during the semester. All students can work up to 40 hours per week during summer break. On campus jobs will be posted on AMU's jobs board.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a work authorization for F-1 students that allows participation in internships or practical training directly related to their field of study while still enrolled. These opportunities can be paid or unpaid but must be part of the student's curriculum, meaning the internship provides academic credit and involves close work with a faculty member.

Before Applying for CPT:

• Meet with the P/DSO to confirm CPT eligibility.
• Meet with your department internship coordinator, faculty advisor, or department chair to discuss the proposed internship, confirm it is directly related to your field of study, and plan how it will be coordinated for academic credit.

Academic Requirements:

• Undergraduate students are expected to be in their Junior or Senior year.
• Graduate students may participate in CPT in their first semester.
• Minimum 2.5 GPA required.

Work Hours:

• Part-time CPT: Up to 20 hours per week during the academic term.
• Full-time CPT: Up to 40 hours during official school breaks.

How to Apply:

1. Complete the CPT Internship Request Form (F-1 Students).
2. Attach: internship description, job offer letter, department chair or faculty approval letter, and course syllabus.
3. Submit the form and documents for review and SEVIS authorization.

After CPT Approval:

• Your I-20 will be updated with the CPT authorization including employer name, start/end dates, and part-time or full-time designation.
• You may begin work only on or after the start date listed on your I-20.
• You must stop working on the end date indicated in the CPT authorization.
• Full-time CPT for one year or more will affect post-completion OPT eligibility.
• Income earned during CPT is subject to federal and state taxes.

Pre-Completion OPT is employment authorization available to F-1 students that allows eligible students to work in the U.S. before completing their academic program in a position directly related to their major field of study. It may be a good option for students who do not qualify for CPT.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Maintained valid F-1 status.
• Enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year.
• Graduate students whose program requires immediate practical training may qualify earlier.
• Must continue maintaining full-time enrollment during the academic year.
• Requested OPT period must not extend beyond the program end date on the I-20.

How to Apply:

1. Request a Pre-Completion OPT recommendation from your P/DSO.
2. Receive a new Form I-20 with the Pre-Completion OPT recommendation.
3. Submit Form I-765 to USCIS within 30 days of the I-20 issue date.

Employment Requirements:

• Employment must be directly related to your major field of study.
• Do not begin working until the start date on your EAD card and you have the physical card in hand.
• Up to 20 hours per week while school is in session; full-time permitted during official school breaks.
• Pre-completion OPT cannot replace full-time study — the student must remain academically active.
• Income earned during Pre-Completion OPT is subject to federal and state taxes.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a temporary work authorization that allows F-1 students to work in the U.S. in their field of study after completing a degree for up to 12 months.

Before Applying:

1. Request OPT from your P/DSO.
2. Receive your new Form I-20 with the OPT recommendation.
3. Submit Form I-765 to USCIS within 30 days of the I-20 issue date. Late submissions may result in denial — contact the P/DSO immediately if you are unable to apply on time.

Employment Requirements:

• Employment must be directly related to your major field of study.
• Do not begin working until you have received and have the physical EAD card — even if approval shows online.
• You must work at least 20 hours per week.
• You may accrue no more than 90 days of unemployment during the OPT period.

After OPT Approval:

• Create and access your SEVP Portal Account (USCIS will send instructions after OPT is approved).
• Report all required updates in the SEVP Portal: employment info, how the job relates to your field, address, phone, and supervisor changes.
• Income earned during OPT is subject to federal and, in some cases, state taxes.

Travel While on OPT:

• Ensure your I-20 is signed on page 2 by the P/DSO before traveling (valid for 6 months).
• When traveling carry: valid passport, valid F-1 visa, EAD card, signed I-20, and employment verification letter.

STEM OPT allows F-1 students who studied a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) to work in the U.S. for an additional 24 months after their initial OPT period ends. The job must be directly related to the student's STEM degree and the employer must be registered with E-Verify.

Application Process:

1. Confirm your degree is on the DHS STEM Designated Program List.
2. Confirm your employer is enrolled in E-Verify.
3. Work with your employer to complete Form I-983 (Training Plan).
4. Submit the completed Form I-983 to your P/DSO for review.
5. Receive a new Form I-20 with the STEM OPT recommendation.
6. Submit Form I-765 within 30 days of the I-20 issue date. Apply at least 90 days before your OPT EAD expires.

Employment Requirements:

• Employment must be directly related to your STEM degree.
• You must work at least 20 hours per week.
• Employer must be E-Verify enrolled; self-employment is not permitted.
• You may only work for employers listed on your approved Form I-983.
• You may continue working up to 180 days after your OPT EAD expires if your STEM extension application is timely filed and pending with USCIS.
• Maximum 150 total days of unemployment: 90 days during initial OPT + 60 days during STEM OPT.

Reporting Requirements:

• Report immediately: employer name/address changes, hours dropping below 20/week, employment termination, or changes to Form I-983.
• Submit validation reports to your P/DSO at 6, 12, 18, and 21 months (12-month and final include Form I-983 self-evaluation).
• Failure to submit required reports may result in termination of your SEVIS record.

Travel While on STEM OPT:

• Ensure your I-20 is signed on page 2 by the P/DSO before traveling (valid for 6 months).
• When traveling carry: valid passport, valid F-1 visa, STEM OPT EAD card, signed I-20, and employment verification letter.