There are strict F-1 regulations pertaining to all types of employment including on- and off-campus jobs, and paid and unpaid internships.F-1 visa students must receive approval from an International Student Advisor/DSO prior to engaging in any type of employment.
F-1 visa students may be eligible for the following categories of employment:
- Community Service and Volunteer Work (unpaid)
- On Campus Employment
- Curricular Practical Training (Internship, Work Experience)
- Optional Practical Training (Internship, Work Experience)
Community Service& Volunteering
Volunteer in the Santa Barbara community
International students are permitted to engage in community service for non-profit entities. Any volunteer work with a for-profit entity must be authorized by the Advisor.
On-campus Employment
Work up to 19.5 hours per week on campus
International students who are interested in seeking on-campus employment should meet with their SBCC Advisor to discuss their eligibility.While we can provide a list of basic criteria required for on-campus employment, there may be other factors that can affect your eligibility.
Eligibility Criteria
- acumulative 2.0 GPA or higher (first-semester students use prior school GPA)
- current passport and I-20
- full-time enrollment
- zero balance on your account in Pipeline
- maintaining all F-1 visa requirements
Getting started
Log in to the "Job Connection" in Pipeline.Select Advanced Search to filter for "On Campus Jobs - General Employment". If there is a specific department you want to work for, inquire in person at the department.
After receiving a job offer
Go the Human Resources Office in the Student Services building (2nd floor) to pick up an employment packet. The Human Resources Office will verify your eligibility to work on campus with your International Student Advisor. If you do not have a U.S. Social Security Number, the Human Resources Office and your Advisor will provide you with instructions.
Do not work until you receive confirmation from the Human Resources Office that you may start working.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Earn credit working in your field of study
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) provides F-1 visa students who meet the eligibility requirements to pursue internship and work/study opportunities related to their major.Note: English Language Training Program students and Liberal Studies majors are not eligible for curricular practical training.
Eligibility Requirements
F-1 students may participate in part-time (20 hours per week maximum) Curricular Practical Training if they meet the following conditions:
- Complete two consecutive academic semesters with a minimum GPA of 2.5
- Complete at least one class successfully completed in their major
- Verify the practical training opportunity matchesyour major in Pipeline andyour Student Education Plan (SEP)
- You must be pursuing an associate degree
- The practical training opportunitymust recommended by the Department Chair, and be considered to be integral to the student’s academic program
- The opportunity must be eligible to earn academic credit
Application Instructions
You may not begin your internship or work experience until your Curricular Practical Training application has been officially approved by your International Student Advisor, and you have obtained an updated I-20 reflecting CPT authorization, and the start date of your work experience and CPT authorization have been reached.
- Review yourcurrent Student Education Plan (SEP)with youracademic counselor, and ask them to sign the Course Verification” form.
- Meet with your potential internship supervisor or employer to complete the attached “Verification of Practical Training/Employment Offer” form.
- Meet with the Department Chair for your major to request a recommendation for CPT on the attached “Department Chair Recommendation” form.
- When you have the above items completed, schedule an appointment with your International Student Advisor.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Work in your field aftergraduation
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an employment benefit available to F-1 students who complete an associate degree at SBCC. OPT is a work permit valid for up to one year and can be used anywhere in the U.S. for employment related to their major. Students should apply for OPT during their last semester.
Recommended application deadlines:
Graduation Term | Recommended Application Submission |
| Spring semester | February 15 |
| Fall semester | September 15 |
| Summer Session 1 | April 1 (must be registered for Summer I class) |
| Summer Session II | May 15(must be registered for Summer II class) |
You may apply as early as 90 days before graduation and up to 60 days after graduation. You do not need to have a job offer before you apply. It may take up to 90 days for your submitted application to be processed.
- Complete at least one academic year and be in good academic standing (min. 2.00 GPA).
- Enroll in your final semester of classes to complete an associate degree.
- You must beint he U.S. when you submit your application.
- A job offer is not required to apply.
See AlsoLatest List of CGHS Empanelled Hospitals in Kolkata 2023 | CGHS Empanelled Hospitals in Kolkata pdf download | List of CGHS Approved Hospitals in West Bengal 2023EEG (Electroencephalography): The Complete Pocket GuideMedical Eval Examples15 Best Niches for Online Courses in 2020 (and How to Find Yours)- Employment must be directly related to your field of major. OPT employment regulations are strictly enforced.
- The USCIS processing center takes 3 to 5 months to process OPT employment applications. Apply early if you hope to start working soon after you graduate!
- Travel to another country is not recommended while OPT is pending and/or if you do not have full-time employment. Travelers with a pending OPT application or who do not have proof of valid employment may be denied admission to the U.S.
- You cannot begin working until you have successfully completed your degree requirements and received your Employment Authorization Document.
- Your OPT authorization period must begin within 60 days after you graduate. The expiration date on your Employment Authorization Document will be 12 months after the start date or less and cannot exceed 14 months after you graduate.
Step 1. Gather the required documents listed below and save them as individual files on your computer in PDF format. See Acceptable Formats for requirements.
- Associate Degree Application Form: Complete the Petition for a Degree with your Academic Counselor.
- Copy of your Passport .
- Copy of your F-1 Visa.
- A copy of your I-20 if you had any prior employment authorization such as CPT or OPT, (even if it was while you attended another school).
- A copy of your "Most recent I-94 record". You can look it up online at www.cbp.gov/I94/.
- A digital image of your 2 x 2 passport-style photograph. It must meet the U.S. Department of State's photo composition & digital image requirements. Already have a photo that meets the requirements? Check out the Dept of State's photo-cropping tool. You can also have your photo taken at Costco, CVS, FedEx, or the Post Office, or use an online service like https://www.ivisa.com/photos
- OPT Federal Regulations Agreement form. Read carefully and submit online. This form is required to request your OPT I-20 from your Advisor.
- A copy of your signed SBCC OPT I-20. You will receive this from your Advisor during Step 3 below.
- Application Fee: Be ready to pay a non-refundable application fee (currently $410; subject to change without notice) with a credit card when you submit your OPT application during Step 3 below.
Step 2. Create an account with USCIS online and fill out your Form I-765 application online and upload the required documents. Follow these instructions: How to fill out Form I-765 application.
IMPORTANT: Do not submit your application until you attend your OPT appointment receive your OPT I-20 from your Advisor in Step 3 below. You may not make changes to your application after you submit it. Applications missing the OPT I-20 may be automatically denied.
Step 3. Book an appointment with your Advisor to request your OPT I-20 & review your application. Send a copy of your signed OPT Federal Regulations Agreement form to your Advisor and request an OPT appointment.Your Advisor will help to review your application, issue your an OPT I-20, and answer any questions you have. Be prepared to submit your payment online with a credit card during your apppointment.
Email a screen shot of the confirmation screen with your application receipt number to your Advisor.
(Video) 5 tips you should know before attending Sbcc- You will receive Form I-797 Notice of Receipt at the mailing address you listed on your OPT application; submit a copy to your Advisor. When you receive it, check it for accuracy. Contact your Advisor right away if there are any mistakes. This is the ONLY time we can request corrections. If you do not receive the Notice of Receipt within 3 weeks, contact your Advisor for help.
- Check your USCIS account periodically for updates.
- If you change your mailing address after submitting your application, submit the Online Change of Address Form for a currently filed petition.
- Review the OPT Next Steps page on our website for how to buy medical insurance, tips and resources to support your OPT job search, and what to do when you receive approval and your OPT EAD card.
You must begin working within 90 days after your OPT authorization period start date. You may be unemployed for a maximum of 90 days total.
See AlsoBest LVN Programs In Texas | Accredited Schools OnlineTop 25 Bachelors of Science in Nursing Schools20 Top Schools for Nursing Specialties - Nursing School HubTop 11 Praxis Practice Test Secrets To Pass Quicker Easier: Updated 2020(Video) SBCC Registration VideoUpdate and maintain your OPT employment status and your address, phone number and email in your SEVP Portal account. You will recieve a link to set up your SEVP Portal Account after your OPT is approved.
Let your Advisor know your plans at the end of your OPT authorization period or if you decide to end it early.