F-1 EMPLOYING RECENT GRADUATES

Businesses frequently seek to employ students pursuing a full‑time course of studies in the United States or ex‑students who have recently graduated from a U.S. college or university.  Provided such student is in the typical visa status for students, F‑1, it may be possible for him/her to obtain permission to work.

The most common type of employment authorization is “post‑completion of studies practical training.” This is a period or periods of up to one (1) year total (granted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (the “CIS”) not the designated school official) to an F‑1 who has been engaged in full‑time study for at least nine (9) months and who has completed or will complete the requirements for a degree prior to beginning work.  The F‑l must apply during the 120 day window which begins ninety (90) days before and ends thirty (30) days after the date of completion of degree requirements (which may precede the date of graduation).  The employment must be directly related to the student’s field or study and appropriate for the student’s level of education.  Since the student must apply to the CIS, there may be a significant delay before the student receives authorization to begin employment.  Students contemplating such employment authorization prior to graduation should be encouraged to apply as soon as possible.