International Student Employment

Off-Campus Employment Opportunities

Students must have specific, government approval to work off campus. Many international students find wonderful off-campus employment opportunities; however, it requires greater planning than on-campus work.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment authorization that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion). However, all periods of pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the available period of post-completion OPT. Students may take advantage of OPT during summer and winter breaks throughout their undergraduate years; however, most students choose to save their twelve months of OPT for post-graduation. Either option is permissible, but students should first consult with Dean Hussey. 

All OPT must be directly related to your major area of study. If you are an F-1 student, you may be eligible to participate in OPT in two different ways: 

Pre-completion OPT: You may apply to participate in pre-completion OPT after you have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for one full academic year (two consecutive semesters at Bowdoin).  

If you are authorized to participate in pre-completion OPT, you may work (20 hours or less per week) while school is in session. You may work full time when school is not in session. 

Post-completion OPT: You may apply to participate in post-completion OPT after completing your studies. If you are authorized for post-completion OPT, you must work part time (at least 20 hours per week) or full time. 

How to Apply 

Step 1: Complete the OPT Request Form 

Complete the OPT Request Form and send it to Dean Hussey. Dean Hussey will review your request form and OPT eligibility. If eligible, you will be issued a new I-20 with the OPT Recommendation notated on page 2.  

Step 2: File Form I-765  

Properly file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization with USCIS, accompanied by the required fee and the supporting documentation (including the new I-20) as described in the form instructions. 

Note: You are responsible for submitting your OPT application to USCIS and USCIS must receive your OPT application within 30 days of the Issue Date listed on page 1 of your I-20 and within 60 days of your completion date. You must submit the I-765 while you are physically present in the US. 

Step 3: After Submitting Your Application 

After you apply for OPT, you will wait for USCIS approval. It can take months for USCIS to process your OPT application, although a Premium Processing option is available for a very high price. Check USCIS’s current OPT and STEM OPT processing times to see the current timelines. 

If your application is approved, you should receive an EAD card in the mail from USCIS. It is the EAD card which confirms your OPT approval, helps prove your ongoing F-1 status, and allows you to begin OPT employment once you reach the “Valid From” date printed on the card. 

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is another work authorization option available to F-1 visa holder at Bowdoin College to gain practical experience in their declared major academic program prior to graduation. Normally, students seek CPT-eligible internships during summers between their sophomore and junior years and/or junior and senior years. CPT employment is considered to be an integral part of an established curriculum and must be directly related to the student’s major. Full-time or part-time CPT may take place only in the summer. A good general principle is to approach CPT primarily from the curricular perspective, and only secondarily from the employment perspective.  Because USCIS uses a broad definition of employment – any activity for which a student receives a benefit which is monetary or otherwise – even unpaid internships require CPT authorization. 

Note: If you have 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you are ineligible for OPT, but part-time CPT is fine and will not stop you from doing OPT. 

How to Apply 

Step 1: Secure an Offer for Practical Training 

Seek a position that is directly related to your degree program (the major and degree level that matches your I-20). You must be offered the position before you submit your CPT application. 

Step 2: Complete the Summer CPT Request Form 

Fill out Parts II – IV of the Summer CPT Request Form and sign the Student Attestation section. 

Once you've completed all the necessary fields in the form, send it electronically to your employer for their review and signature. Your employer must sign and return the completed form to you.  

After you have received the form from your employer, submit it electronically to Bowdoin’s Designated School Official (DSO), Dean Danielle Hussey at d.hussey@yilunjianshe.com no earlier than 2 months before, and no later than 2 weeks before the start date. If the form is properly completed and clearly and substantively explains how the internship program relates to completed courses within your declared major(s), CXD Senior Associate Director, Meg Springer, and Dean Hussey will sign and approve.  

Step 3: Collect Your CPT I-20, Review and Sign 

Collect the new I-20 and review page 2 for your CPT authorization details. 

Verify that the dates, part-time/full-time, and employer name and location are correct. You can only work for the employer and dates you are authorized. 

Sign and date page 1 of your I-20 in blue ink if all the information is correct.  

On-Campus Employment Resources

All F-1 students are eligible to work on campus for no more than 20 hours per week when classes are in session and 40 hours per week during academic breaks. Working on campus is the easiest way for students to find employment while in the United States. Many international students seek out on-campus employment both during the academic year and summers as a result.

Bowdoin Student Employment is the key resource for finding work on campus during the academic year and school breaks. Check their website often to see available positions.

Career Exploration and Development can help you navigate through any searches for jobs, internships, and career opportunities, on and off campus. For specific guidance for international students, check out the International Students Work Authorization Guide.

Social Security Number

F-1 Students are eligible to obtain a social security number if they are in valid F-1 status and have been offered an on-campus job. F-1 Students can only start working on-campus after obtaining a social security number.

Once you receive an on-campus job offer, ask your supervisor to email a completed International Student Employee Data Sheet to seo@yilunjianshe.com and to Dean Danielle Hussey (d.hussey@yilunjianshe.com), Associate Dean of Students.

1. The Student Employment Office, the Dean’s Office, and your job supervisor will each provide you with a letter verifying your employment on-campus. Once you receive the letters, call (800) 772-1213, the Security Office in Portland, to schedule an appointment to apply for your social security card. Your appointment should not be earlier than 30 days prior to the start of your job.
   
   

2. Gather the documents you will need on the day of the appointment.
   
   You will need to bring:

   • Your Passport with the immigration admission stamp for proof of age and citizenship 
   • A photocopy of your passport photo page
   • A photocopy of the Visa page
   • Two photocopies of your I-94 document, which can be accessed and printed from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website;
   • Your most recent I-20 
   • A photocopy of your most recent I-20
   • Two photocopies of your I-901 (receipt of SEVIS fee payment);
   • Two photocopies of your 3 Letters of Employment (these are available for you in the Office of the Dean of Students)
   
   • Complete the Online Social Security Application, and for item #5, select "Legal Alien Allowed to Work".

    BE SURE TO use your proper U.S. address (your Bowdoin mailing address, including your SU Box) when completing the online application.

    BE SURE TO take a screenshot or print your Online Application control # after completing the application so that the representative can retrieve your online application when you meet with them.

   Please ensure that all of your information is accurate. Your name and date of birth must match what is on your I-20.
   
   

3. After you receive your official Social Security card in the mail, please email the Office of Student Employment at seo@yilunjianshe.com. We will initiate the hire for your on-campus position and connect you with the Payroll Office to schedule a meeting to complete your employment paperwork.
   
   
4. After you meet with the Payroll Office and your paperwork is complete, please inform your supervisor that you are ready to begin working on-campus.

If you need help with transportation to Portland, contact Dean Hussey.