Student Employment

Working in the U.S.

Whether you are an international student in F-1 status or in J-1 status, various options are available for you to work in the United States. However, the options vary considerably, depending which visa you hold.

F-1 Students

On-Campus Employment

Students in F-1 status may work on campus without any additional authorization from the ISSO with the following limitation:

F-1 students are limited to working a total 20 hours per week on campus while classes are in session. Working more than 20 hours per week will result in a violation of your immigration status.
F-1 students may work full-time during official University breaks.

Students with an on-campus job must apply for a Social Security number (SSN) before beginning employment. Please visit the Student Employment page, and navigate to “Find a Job” > “Bring Your IDs to Clark” for information about the application process.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Employment off campus for international students in F-1 status is strictly regulated by the U.S. government. One way that you may be able to get work authorization is through using Curricular Practical Training (CPT). CPT is defined as “a curricular practical training program that is an integral part of an established academic curriculum. Curricular practical training is defined to be alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.” CPT authorization will allow you to accept off-campus employment when your established curriculum includes an internship, practicum, or professional experience component. CPT authorization is required for all work experience for academic credit or to fulfill an internship requirement, whether paid or unpaid.

Eligibility

To be eligible for CPT you must first complete two semesters of full-time study in the U.S. At Clark, full-time status each semester consists of at least three units of completion. The internship, practicum, or professional experience must be a required part of your academic program or for academic credit. The only exception to this rule is for academic programs where the curriculum requires practical training right away for ALL students — these programs are VERY limited at Clark.

Limitations

CPT authorization limits employment to part-time (no more than 20 hours per week) while classes are in session. You may work full-time during breaks (winter break, summer break, etc.). There is no limit on the number of times you may be authorized for CPT, but if you engage in 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you will lose eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Prior to beginning employment, you must receive authorization from the ISSO, who will record the employment in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). You will be issued a new Form I-20 with a notation that permits you to engage in CPT. CPT is authorized for a specific employer, for a specific time period, and to meet a specific academic objective. You must re-apply to the ISSO anytime you change employers, extend or shorten hours, or change the length of your employment period. You may only work for the employer specified in the CPT authorization section on page two of the Form I-20, and you must not begin work until you have received the CPT authorization from the ISSO. Working on dates that are not included in the CPT authorization or working before your CPT has been authorized is not permitted and may result in the termination of your F-1 status.

Allow five business days from the time we receive your CPT application and documents in the ISSO Portal to issue your new I-20 with CPT authorization.

Undergraduate Students

For undergraduates, all internships must be part of your essential academic program. If the internship is not already part of a class, you must apply to receive academic credit for the internship. Follow these steps:

After securing the internship, find a full-time faculty member to act as your faculty sponsor for your academic internship. You and your faculty sponsor will plan the academic portion of your academic internship (see this page for more information).
Apply to the Academic Internship Program through the Career Connections Center. Apply at least 10 days in advance of your internship start date.
Once you receive approval from the Career Connections Center for your academic internship, apply through the ISSO Portal to receive CPT from the ISSO. Please note: do this as soon as you receive your academic internship approval to allow enough time to process your application.
Wait to receive your I-20 before starting your internship. The ISSO cannot backdate CPT applications. You are not legally allowed to work in the United States until you’ve received your I-20 with CPT work authorization.

School of Professional Studies Students

All SPS graduate students must complete an internship to graduate; required internships are not eligible for academic credit. For more information on the SPS Internship Approval Process, please reach out to SPS directly.

Once you receive approval for your internship, apply for CPT through the ISSO portal.

Wait to receive your I-20 before starting your internship. The ISSO cannot backdate CPT applications. International students may not legally work at an internship, even an unpaid internship, without a new I-20 authorizing CPT.

School of Management Students

MBA, MSF, MSA, MSAA, MSMK, MSBA and MSMKA students must complete a qualifying internship in order to graduate; these required internships are not eligible for academic credit. After receiving an internship offer, a student should follow these steps:

Request approval in Handshake.
- Log into Handshake using Clark credentials
- Click “Career Center”
- Click “Experiences”
- Click “Request an Experience”
- Complete the form
- Click the green “Request Experience” button
- Upload offer letter on the next screen
Apply for CPT through the ISSO portal.
Wait to receive your I-20 before starting your internship. The ISSO cannot backdate CPT applications. International students may not legally work at an internship, even an unpaid internship, without a new I-20 authorizing CPT.

All Other Graduate Students

To obtain approval for CPT, apply through the ISSO Portal.

Regardless of your program of study, please allow five business days after you have submitted your documents to the ISSO for processing of your new I-20. Working prior to receiving authorization from the ISSO (new I-20 with CPT authorization) can have negative consequences on your immigration status.

For more details on Curricular Practical Training, please contact the ISSO directly.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to the student’s major area of study. A student must apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) for OPT employment authorization.

You are eligible for a total of 12 months of OPT per program level. Before you can apply, you must have been enrolled on a full-time basis for at least two consecutive semesters/one academic year. To be considered full-time, you must be enrolled in at least three units of credit.

Types of OPT

Pre-Completion OPT

Pre-completion OPT takes place before you complete your degree program. This may be an option if you wish to pursue a work experience that does not qualify for CPT authorization.
Pre-completion OPT is limited to no more than 20 hours per week while you are enrolled full-time and classes are in session. You may work full-time when school is not in session.
The U.S. government may take up to 90 to 150 days to approve pre-completion OPT. The ISSO strongly recommends that you apply as soon as you know you will have a job.
Pre-completion OPT counts as part of the total 12 months of OPT allowed. Part-time pre-completion OPT subtracts from the 12 months at one-half (1/2) the rate. (Four months of part-time pre-completion OPT would reduce your post-completion OPT by two months.)
An application for pre-completion OPT is for a specific period of time prior to completing your program. It requires a complete Application for Employment Authorization, including the filing fee. The application is sent to the U.S. government for processing.

Post-Completion OPT

When to apply

Pre-Completion OPT

Post-Completion OPT

How to Apply

Attend an OPT Workshop. This is mandatory and must be done before the ISSO will request your I-20 with OPT dates.
Apply for graduation at the Registrar’s Office.
Ph.D. students only: Obtain a letter from your academic adviser that confirms the date that your degree requirements will be met (dissertation defense or dissertation submission date).
Submit a request for Optional Practical Training through the ISSO Portal. Once submitted, you will receive further instructions on the process.

Additional Considerations

Requirements While on OPT

You must be engaged in practical training (working) at a job that is directly related to your field of study.
Your total working hours must be more than 20 hours per week.
You must report any changes of address or employment to SEVP using the SEVP Portal within 10 days of any change.
Keep proof of your employment for your records.
Limit time that you are unemployed to 90 days or less during your OPT. Unemployment days accrue throughout the 12 months of your OPT.

Travel While on OPT

Unless international travel is absolutely necessary, we advise that you remain in the United States while your OPT application is pending.

Once your OPT is approved, you should carry with you the following documents when you travel:

Valid passport
Valid F-1 visa
Printout of your most recent I-94 information
I-20 with OPT endorsement and travel signature that is signed within the past six months on P. 2.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD card)
Proof of employment (job offer letter, employment contract, etc.)

Travel while on OPT is riskier if you do not have proof of employment, as Customs and Border Protection officers at the Port of Entry may refuse your entry into the United States.

If you need to get a new F-1 visa while on OPT, please contact the ISSO prior to leaving the U.S. to make sure that you are prepared for your visa interview.

If you have questions about traveling while on OPT, please contact the ISSO.

Receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE)

If USCIS determines that something in your application requires further clarification they will send you a Request for Evidence (RFE). If you receive an RFE, you are required to respond by the deadline listed on the notification. You will also need to submit a copy of the RFE to the ISSO through the Request for Evidence (RFE) Upload request in the ISSO Portal.

Once you have submitted your Request for Evidence (RFE) Upload request to the ISSO Portal, A team member will review your RFE and inform you of next steps.

If it is determined that no evidence is needed from ISSO or from another Campus Partner, you will receive an email with suggestions about who can provide the requested evidence.
If it is determined you need documentation from ISSO or from another Campus Partner you will receive an email stating what additional documentation will be provided.
As the ISSO strongly advises you to consult with an immigration attorney for an RFE, the ISSO will also share immigration attorney resources with you.

RFE Review Process

All RFEs are unique, therefore, all supporting letters and documents are drafted based on the specific request of the RFE. The ISSO may have multiple RFE being reviewed simultaneously, therefore, processing times for RFEs vary based on:

The complexity of the RFE and number of required supporting documents
The number of Campus Partners that are asked to provide supporting documentation
The due date of the RFE

The typical timeline to receive your RFE materials is 10-15 Business days. Keep in mind this is an estimate, if the RFE is complex, it may lengthen the period of time it take to prepare the materials.

Once your materials have been completed, they will be uploaded to the document section of your ISSO Portal and you will be sent an email. Be sure to check your immigration document for any errors or missing information. It is your responsibility to ensure your immigration documents and supportive evidence are correct and complete before submitting them to USCIS. Please contact our office at isso@clarku.edu if you feel that your immigration documents or supportive evidence are incorrect.

Clark University and the ISSO can never guarantee OPT or STEM OPT Approval. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) ultimately provides the decision on your application. It is your responsibility, as the applicant, to ensure that your application and supportive materials are accurate and complete before you submit it to the US government. Incomplete applications could result in a delay in processing time or denial. Clark University in no event shall be held liable for any delay, denial, or mistake on your OPT or STEM OPT application. 

After Your OPT

When Your OPT Ends

When your OPT ends, you will have several options for what to do next:

You will be automatically granted a 60-day grace period that will begin the day after your OPT ends. You may not work or study during your grace period, and you may not re-enter the United States in F-1 status during this time. You must do one of the things listed below before or during your grace period in order to maintain your immigration status.
- You may depart the United States. If you leave after your OPT ends, you will not be able to come back in F-1 status with your documents from Clark.
- You can enroll in another degree program at Clark or another U.S. university. Contact the ISSO for more information about what is required in this case.
- You can change to another immigration status by requesting the change of status from the U.S. government. Many students are interested in the H-1B visa, which is a visa based on employment and is sponsored by the student’s employer. Learn more about the H-1B visa on the USCIS website.

STEM OPT Extension

Students in certain STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields may apply for a 24-month extension of their OPT if their employment meets certain qualifications.

Who qualifies?

A student who received a degree from an accredited U.S. institution in a major that is on the STEM Designated Degree Programs List. The six-digit code associated with the major listed on your I-20 must be on this list for you to qualify. The full list is available on the Student and Exchange Visitor Program website.
A student who is in a valid period of post-completion OPT and has maintained their status while on OPT.
A student who has previously earned a STEM degree in the United States from an accredited U.S. higher education institution can apply if the previous degree was earned from an SEVP-certified institution within the past 10 years, the qualifying employment is directly related to the STEM degree, and all of the above criteria are met.
Students can apply for a STEM OPT extension twice per lifetime.

How to apply?

The student must apply for the STEM OPT extension before the current post-completion OPT period ends. Applications can be submitted up to 90 days before the OPT end date.
Submit a request for STEM OPT Extension through the ISSO Portal, including Form I-983 with your employer.
The student and employer must work together to complete the Training Plan for STEM OPT Students, or Form I-983. Form I-983 and instructions can be found on the Study in the States website.

Requirements while on the STEM OPT Extension:

Your employment must be directly related to your field of study.
The employer you are working for must be enrolled in E-Verify. The employer must also have an employer identification number (EIN) for tax purposes.
You must do the work that is described on your Form I-983. If there are changes to your job description on the I-983, you must submit an updated Form I-983 within 10 days of those changes.
You must work more than 20 hours per week for the employer listed on your Form I-983.
If you change employers, the new employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and you must submit a completed Form I-983 for the new employer within 10 days of your employment start date. You must also submit the Final Evaluation on Student Progress (P. 5 of Form I-983) for the previous employer.
Report any changes of address to the ISSO.
Confirm your address and employer with the ISSO six months after your STEM OPT begins, and again at 18 months after your STEM OPT begins.
Confirm your address and submit the Evaluation of Student Progress (P. 5 of the Form I-983) 12 months after your STEM OPT begins.
Submit the Final Evaluation of Student Progress (P. 5 of Form I-983) when your STEM OPT ends.
Keep proof of your employment for your records.
Limit time that you are unemployed to 150 days or less during your OPT. Unemployment days accrue throughout the 36 months of your OPT.
To report your employment use the ISSO Portal: use either the Report STEM OPT Participation request (for 12- and 24-month evaluations) and/or the OPT Employment Update request (for address and employment verifications every six months).

Travel while on STEM OPT Extension

We strongly advise that you remain in the United States while your STEM OPT Extension application is pending.
Once your STEM OPT is approved, carry the following documents when you travel:
- Valid passport
- Valid F-1 visa
- Printout of your most recent I-94 information
- I-20 with OPT endorsement and travel signature that is signed within six months on P. 2
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD card for STEM OPT extension)
- Proof of employment (job offer letter, employment contract, copy of Form I-983, etc.)
If you need to get a new F-1 visa while on the STEM OPT extension, please contact ISSO prior to leaving the U.S. to make sure that you are prepared for your visa interview.
If you have questions about traveling while on the STEM OPT extension, please contact the ISSO.

OPT Resources and Information

Resources for Filing for I-765 Online

This section provides resources on how to fill out the I-765 online if you are applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Detailed instructions for completing the I-765 are also available through the USCIS website.
There is also a Step by Step Guide from USCIS to assist you with filing your I-765 online.
The information contained on this page is for general information purposes only. Due to frequent government updates, Clark University may make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents on this page at any time without prior notice.

How to Apply for OPT

Your first step is to submit your OPT Employment request in the ISSO Portal, so you can receive your new I-20 with OPT Recommendation. To submit your request you will need to include the below documents in your request.

- I-94 Record, most recent (obtain online)
- Clark SEVIS Maintenance Fee Receipt, $100 payable through TouchNet

When gathering and scanning your supporting documents:
- We recommend having digital versions of all required documents ready in a folder to drag and drop into the USCIS system.
- Make sure the files are clear and readable, not encrypted or passport-protected, in English, and in one of the following accepted file formats: JPG, JPEG, PDF, TIF, or TIFF.
- Supporting documents include, but are not limited to:
  - Biographical page of your passport
  - F-1 visa
  - I-94
  - Copies of all previous l-20s
  - Passport style photo
  - Copies of any previous EAD cards
- Keep in mind USCIS must receive your application within 30 days of the date you are issued your OPT Recommended I-20
- To complete the I-765, you must be prepared to pay the $410 fee (once you are ready to submit your form, the system will automatically direct you to the secure Department of Treasury site, pay.gov, to pay your fee online)

Please note, these directions/resources are meant to help you in completing your application but should not be considered legal advice. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) ultimately provides the decision on your OPT application. It is your responsibility, as the OPT applicant, to ensure that your OPT application is accurate and complete before you submit it to the US government. Incomplete applications could result in a delay in processing time or denial. Clark University in no event shall be held liable for any delay, denial, or mistake on your OPT application.

Resources for Filing for the I-765 through Mail

This section provides resources on how to fill out the I-765 through the mail if you are applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Detailed instructions for completing the I-765 are also available through the USCIS website.

How to Apply for OPT

Your first step is to submit your OPT Employment request in the ISSO Portal, so you can receive your new I-20 with OPT Recommendation. To submit your request you will need to include the below documents in your request.

- I-94 Record, most recent (obtain online)
- Clark SEVIS Maintenance Fee Receipt, $100 payable through TouchNet

Directions if filing by mail:
- You do not need to mail the Clark SEVIS Fee Receipt. Please mail all of the other application materials to USCIS
- Please be sure to sign your I-765 with a pen (not an electronic signature). If you sign your I-765 electronically, your application WILL BE REJECTED.
- Keep in mind USCIS must receive your application within 30 days of the date you are issued your OPT Recommended I-20
- Documents include, but are not limited to:
  - Complete and SIGNED Form I-765
  - Form G-1145 (optional)
  - Biographical page of your passport
  - F-1 visa
  - I-94
  - Copies of all previous l-20s
  - Passport style photo
  - Copies of any previous EAD cards

To send your application to USCIS, do the following:
- Shipping label instructions:
  Using the UEMS system, you will choose from FedEx, UPS or the United States Postal Service (USPS) to ship your package. All options give you a (more expensive) overnight option. FedEx and UPS generally have tracking information that is better
  than USPS. They also provide you with insurance for the shipment, but they are generally more expensive. You should select the option that you are most comfortable using.
- To create your label, follow these steps:A.) Go to https://study.eshipglobal.com.B.) If you have already created an account, log in. If you have not already created an account, follow the “Student Sign Up” link to create an account.) Once signed in, select the option to “Send documents to USCIS”D.) Enter your current mailing information in Sender’s Address.E.) In Receiver’s Address, select your preferred shipping method: For FedEx/UPS, select “USCIS Chicago Lockbox (Express Mail – Non USPS)” For USPS, select “USCIS Chicago Lockbox (USPS)”F.) In Shipment Information, select “OPT Application”, then click Continue.G.) Select your method of shipping based on how much you want to spend and how fast you want your application to arrive. Select Continue.H.) Enter your payment information and select Continue. It may take a minute to process.I.) On the next screen, select “Print Label”, Please print the label.J.) You will need to get an envelope to mail your application from the courier you selected

STEM OPT

What is STEM OPT?

The STEM OPT extension is a 24-month period of temporary training that directly relates to an F-1 student’s program of study in an approved STEM field. Click here for the list of STEM CIP Codes.
Eligible F-1 students with STEM degrees who finish their program of study and participate in an initial period of regular post-completion OPT (often for 12 months) have the option to apply for a STEM OPT extension. Students may not apply for STEM OPT extensions during the 60-day grace period following an initial period of regular post-completion OPT.

Who Qualifies?

To qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, an F-1 student participating in an initial period of regular post-completion OPT must:

Have a degree in an eligible STEM field from a Student and Exchange Visitor Program-certified school that is accredited when the student submits their STEM OPT extension application to USCIS.
Pursue their STEM OPT extension through an employer that is enrolled in USCIS’s E-Verify employment eligibility verification program.
Select a STEM OPT employer that provides the student with formal training and learning objectives.
Work a minimum of 20 hours per week per employer.

For more information about STEM OPT extension eligibility requirements, please visit the Study in the States STEM OPT Hub. For more information about applying for STEM OPT, please visit the USCIS website.

When to Apply

USCIS can receive your application 90 days before the end of your current OPT (EAD card).
USCIS MUST receive your application before your current EAD card expires.
If your application is submitted in time, your transition from Regular OPT to STEM OPT should be seamless.
You can continue to work up to 180 days while your application is pending. Your employer may want a copy of your receipt notice.
You should keep your STEM application receipt (I-797) to document that you have submitted it to USCIS.

STEM OPT Timeline Graphic

How to Apply

This section provides resources on how to fill out the I-765 online if you are applying for STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). Detailed instructions for completing the I-765 are also available through the USCIS website. There is also a Step by Step Guide from USCIS to assist you with filing your I-765 online.

The information contained on this page is for general information purposes only. Due to frequent government updates, Clark University may make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents on this page at any time without prior notice.

Your first step is to submit your STEM OPT Employment request in the ISSO Portal, so you can receive your new I-20 with STEM OPT Recommendation. To submit your request you will need to include the below documents in your request.
I-94 Record, most recent (obtain online)
Clark SEVIS Maintenance Fee Receipt, $200 payable through TouchNet
Copy of your Current EAD Card
Completed I-983 Form

When gathering and scanning your supporting documents:

We recommend having digital versions of all required documents ready in a folder to drag and drop into the USCIS system.
Make sure the files are clear and readable, not encrypted or passport-protected, in English, and in one of the following accepted file formats: JPG, JPEG, PDF, TIF, or TIFF.
Supporting documents include, but are not limited to:
- Biographical page of your passport
- F-1 visa
- I-94
- Copies of all previous l-20s
- Passport style photo
- Copies of any previous EAD cards

Keep in mind USCIS must receive your application within 30 days of the date you are issued your OPT Recommended I-20.

To complete the I-765, you must be prepared to pay the $410 fee (once you are ready to submit your form, the system will automatically direct you to the secure Department of Treasury site, pay.gov, to pay your fee online).

Please note, these directions/resources are meant to help you in completing your application but should not be considered legal advice. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) ultimately provides the decision on your STEM OPT application. It is your responsibility, as the STEM OPT applicant, to ensure that your STEM OPT application is accurate and complete before you submit it to the US government. Incomplete applications could result in a delay in processing time or denial. Clark University in no event shall be held liable for any delay, denial, or mistake on your STEM OPT application.

J-1 Students

J-1 students are permitted to work in the U.S. only if they are maintaining valid J-1 status and have the written permission of their J-1 sponsor. There are two different types of employment for J-1 students:

Employment
Academic Training

For information about each type of employment and the procedures for obtaining authorization, see the sections below.

Please note: If you are a J-1 student and your J-1 sponsor is an external organization instead of Clark University (e.g., Fullbright/IIE), your sponsor must directly authorize you for employment and assist you with obtaining documents needed for Social Security applications. Please contact your sponsor for their directions/instructions.

Employment

Student employment is permitted only while you are pursuing your J-1 program objective. There are three types of student employment:

Employment based on a fellowship, assistantship, or grant (such as a teaching or research assistantship).
Employment that takes place on the premises of the campus (on-campus employment).
- On-campus employment may be with any Clark department or office but cannot be any job that requires U.S. federal work study (FWS) financial aid approval as a condition of employment.
Off-campus employment authorized due to serious, urgent, and unforeseen economic circumstance.

Eligibility and Restrictions

To qualify for J-1 student employment, you must be in good academic standing.
You must continue to pursue a full course of study while engaged in employment.
You can be authorized for more than one type of employment at the same time, but you cannot work more than 20 hours per week while school is in session; full-time (over 20 hours per week) is permitted during summer vacations.
Authorizations are granted for up to one year at a time or until the end of your J-1 program, whichever comes first. You must submit a new request if your employment will extend beyond one year.

Requesting J-1 Student Employment Authorization

Employment for Fellowship/Assistantships or On-Campus Jobs

Please submit an On-Campus Employment (J) Request in the ISSO Portal prior to beginning your job.
You will be asked to upload an Employment Letter, issued on University letterhead by the on-campus office or department.
The ISSO will review your request, and if approved, enter the employment information in SEVIS.
Please visit the Student Employment page, and under “Students Who Have Not Yet Worked on Campus” click on the Student Employment Verification Policy link to review the application process in full.

Employment for J-1 Severe Economic Hardship

If you are experiencing severe economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances, you must meet with an ISSO adviser to discuss your specific situation.

Severe economic hardship may be the result of unforeseen events such as unexpected medical expenses, financial hardship experienced by your J-1 funding sponsor, economic crises in your home country, or similar situations.
You must be able to provide documentation of the change in your financial situation.
This type of employment authorization, if approved, allows you to work off-campus up to 20 hours per week while school is in session (or over 20 hours per week during summer vacations), in any job that will help you with your financial needs.
Authorizations are granted up to one year or until the end of your J-1 program, whichever comes first. You must have authorization from the ISSO before beginning employment.

Academic Training

Academic training is designed to provide J-1 visa holders with employment experience to complement their program of study in the United States.

Work must be directly related to your field of study, and it must be appropriate for someone with your level of education.
You may engage in academic training during your degree program and/or after the completion of your degree program as long as the total amount of training does not exceed the prescribed time limitations indicated below.

Eligibility

Time Limitations

How to Apply for Academic Training

Please submit an Academic Training (J-1) request in the ISSO Portal. You will need to upload your employment letter and obtain approval from your academic department through submitting a recommendation request in the Portal.

If your Academic Training will occur after completion of your degree program, your DS-2019 will be extended and you will need proof of financial resources adequate to support yourself during your Academic Training.

The ISSO will review your request and update you SEVIS record and DS-2019 with the approved Academic Training and program extension and change in financial information (if needed).

Additional Employment Topics

Entrepreneurial Activities

Clark offers a growing range of programs and courses focusing on entrepreneurship. However, international students are advised to proceed with caution when considering participation in certain entrepreneurial activities. International students are limited by F-1 and J-1 employment regulations in actually operating a business in the United States. Employment, including self-employment, without proper authorization is a serious violation of lawful immigration status.

It is not always clear what activities are considered employment in the U.S. and therefore require authorization. The ISSO strongly encourages students to seek independent legal advice from a licensed immigration attorney before engaging in activities that may be considered employment. Students may email the ISSO to request a list of immigration attorneys.

The normal pathways to employment authorization for F-1 and J-1 students offer limited options for self-employment. Consult the ISSO for more information.

F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT): Immigration regulations permit self-employment.
F-1 STEM OPT Extension: Self-employment not permitted. A “bona fide” employee-employer relationship must exist
F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Self-employment is not permitted; a clear employer-employee relationship must exist.
J-1 Academic Training: Self-employment is not permitted; a clear employer-employee relationship must exist.

Employer-Employee Relationship

With the exception of Optional Practical Training, self-employment is not permitted by the employment authorization regulations for international students. An employer-employee relationship is defined differently in many states, but generally the Federal Government looks at the employer’s ability to hire, pay, fire, supervise, or otherwise control the work of the employee when defining an employer-employee relationship.

Starting a Business

International students may be interested in starting a business while they are student. However, the ISSO cautions students to investigate each opportunity carefully as many of the activities involved in starting a business may be considered employment, which must be authorized in advance. Developing or providing products or services without authorization is a violation of your immigration status.

Consult a licensed immigration attorney for more information.

Passive Income versus Active Income

International students must not be actively involved in making money in any way in the United States without prior authorization through Optional Practical Training (OPT), curricular practical training (CPT), Academic Training (AT) or student employment. Active income is considered employment, which must be authorized.

However, certain passive income generating activities may be permissible as long as no employment is taking place. Consult a licensed immigration attorney for more information.

Volunteering in the US

International students may be interested in volunteering (conducting work without pay) for an organization in the US. Students must confirm that any volunteer opportunity is truly voluntary, and would not be considered unauthorized employment. Students may generally volunteer for a public agency for civic, charitable, or humanitarian purposes.

Refer questions regarding volunteer opportunities to the ISSO or a licensed immigration attorney.

Please note, these directions/resources are meant to help you but should not be considered legal advice. Clark University in no event shall be held liable for any employment violations.

Contact Information

International Students and Scholars Office

Office Location

142 Woodland St.
Clark Office of Global Engagement at Corner House
Worcester, MA 01610
1-508-793-7362
isso@clarku.edu
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Office Hours

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Monday – Friday