Many F-1 and J-1 students choose to participate in employment opportunities that are authorized under federal immigration regulations. These include:
- On-campus employment
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- STEM OPT Extension
- Academic Training (AT) for eligible J-1 students
The DHS Final Rule does not eliminate these employment benefits. However, it changes how periods of authorized stay are documented for many individuals and may affect the immigration processes associated with certain employment benefits.
| Employment Benefit | Available Under the Final Rule? | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| On-Campus Employment | Yes | No significant changes. |
| CPT | Yes | No significant changes. |
| OPT | Yes | An Extension of Stay (EOS) may be required, depending on your Admit Until Date (AUD). |
| STEM OPT | Yes | An Extension of Stay (EOS) may be required, depending on your Admit Until Date (AUD). |
| Academic Training | Yes | An Extension of Stay (EOS) may be required, depending on your Admit Until Date (AUD). |
The Final Rule does not change the basic eligibility requirements for on-campus employment.
Eligible F-1 students may continue to work on campus in accordance with existing federal regulations.
Students should continue to:
- maintain full-time enrollment (unless otherwise authorized);
- comply with hourly work limitations;
- obtain any required approvals before beginning employment.
Curricular Practical Training remains available for eligible F-1 students.
The Final Rule does not change:
- eligibility requirements;
- academic requirements;
- approval procedures; or
- the requirement that CPT be authorized before employment begins.
Students should continue working with their academic department and International Services to request CPT authorization.
OPT remains available. The Final Rule does not eliminate post-completion OPT. However, because the rule changes how authorized stay is documented for many students, the process surrounding OPT may be different for some applicants.
International Services recommends meeting with an advisor before submitting an OPT application.
To reduce disruption during implementation of the Final Rule, DHS included a temporary transition provision for certain OPT applicants.
Students who qualify under this transition provision may not be required to take additional immigration steps that could otherwise apply under the new rule.
Because eligibility depends on the timing of your application and your individual immigration history, International Services will review each case individually.
Important
The transition provision is temporary. Students applying after the transition period should expect that different procedures may apply.
The STEM OPT Extension remains available.
Students who meet existing eligibility requirements may continue to apply for a STEM OPT extension.
As with post-completion OPT, the Final Rule may introduce additional immigration considerations for some applicants depending on their admission history and the timing of their application.
International Services recommends meeting with an advisor well before your current OPT expires.
Academic Training remains available for eligible J-1 students.
The Department of State regulations governing Academic Training have not changed.
However, because the Final Rule changes how authorized stay may be documented for some exchange visitors, International Services recommends discussing Academic Training plans with an advisor before submitting an application.
Travel during a pending immigration application has always required careful planning.
Under the Final Rule, students and scholars should continue exercising caution when traveling while:
- an OPT application is pending;
- a STEM OPT application is pending;
- an Academic Training request is pending; or
- another immigration benefit application is awaiting adjudication.
The documentation required for reentry may vary depending on the type of application and its status.
Before traveling, consult International Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The Final Rule does not eliminate Optional Practical Training.
Yes. Students who meet eligibility requirements may continue to apply.
No. The eligibility requirements for Curricular Practical Training remain the same.
No. Academic Training remains available under existing Department of State regulations.
This depends on your individual circumstances.
The Final Rule establishes new procedures for certain periods of authorized stay, and DHS provided transition provisions for some current students. Whether additional immigration filings are required depends on factors such as:
- when you were admitted to the United States;
- whether transition provisions apply to your case;
- the timing of your OPT application; and
- any future implementation guidance issued by USCIS.
International Services will review your situation and advise you on the appropriate filing requirements.
Advisor Note
This is one of the areas where implementation guidance continues to evolve. Students should not assume that another student’s experience will apply to their own case.
Scenario 1: Applying for Post-Completion OPT
Situation: Student will graduate in May 2027 and plans to apply for post-completion OPT.
What to Expect: Student should attend an OPT workshop or advising appointment with International Services before submitting their application. Based on their immigration history and the timing of their application, International Services will explain any additional filing requirements that may apply.
Scenario 2: Applying for a STEM OPT Extension
Situation: Student is currently working on post-completion OPT and plans to apply for the 24-month STEM extension.
What to Expect: Student should begin planning 3 months before their current OPT expires. International Services will review their eligibility, discuss required documentation, and explain any immigration procedures that apply under the Final Rule.
Scenario 3: Academic Training
Situation: A J-1 student has been offered employment related to their field of study after graduation.
What to Expect: Student should consult International Services to determine whether they qualify for Academic Training and to ensure all required authorizations are obtained before employment begins.
Employment authorization remains an important benefit for many international students and exchange visitors. While the Final Rule changes aspects of how lawful stay is documented, it does not eliminate these opportunities.
International Services is committed to helping students and scholars understand how the new regulations apply to their individual circumstances. If you are considering any form of employment, we encourage you to meet with an advisor early in the planning process.