On-campus employment is when a student is employed by the University of Redlands or a company that provides services directly to students on campus (Harvest Table).
F-1 students are allowed to work on campus without approval from the OISS team. J-1 students do require written permission from OISS to work on campus.
Students can find on-campus employment opportunities in the student employee portal (found in My Redlands or self-service https://myredlandsapps.redlands.edu/StudentEmployment/). Once offered a position, students must complete the proper paperwork with Human Resources. International students who do not have a Social Security number may need to apply for one. See information in the Social Security section for instructions on how to complete that process.
Curricular Practical Training is an opportunity for students to gain important professional experience through a placement that is an integral part of an established curriculum and must be directly related to a student’s major area of study. It may be defined as: alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education or other type of internship or practicum (required or optional). CPT placements are always associated with a credit-bearing course that requires students to draw on their placements to deepen their learning within their degree program. CPT is authorized through the Office of International Students and Scholars.
Eligibility Guidelines to apply for CPT:
If at any time, the student’s GPA drops below the requirement, their employment status may be jeopardized and they may need to forfeit their position.
The Office of Global Education authorizes CPT after verification that a student meets the eligibility requirements for CPT, has an appropriate job offer, and has enrolled in a class requiring employment. The authorization is placed on the second page of the I-20; no Employment Authorization Document from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services is required. **Please allow 5 - 7 business days for CPT processing once submitted**
While you are completing authorized CPT, you must maintain your F-1 lawful status each semester. This includes:
CPT is approved for a specific employer, location of employment and time period. You must request approval for any changes two weeks before extending your current CPT end date, working at a different location or for a new employer. Completing new forms and obtaining new authorization is necessary.
F-1 students with 365 days or more of full-time CPT are not eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Accumulating part-time CPT has no effect on OPT eligibility. Part-time CPT is classified as 20 hours per week or less. Full-time CPT is classified as more than 20 hours per week.
Optional Practical Training gives F-1 students the ability to work for a year or more after graduation in a job or internship related to their major. It allows students to gain practical training and experience in their field.
Students can submit their OPT application no more than 90 days before their program end date.
You should receive an I-797C receipt from USCIS with 30 business days that confirms the receipt of your application. If you do not receive this notification within 30 days you should contact contact USCIS Customer Service to confirm your mailing address. Your receipt will have a case number (beginning with three letters followed by 10 numbers). You’ll need to keep the original receipt for your records as it is the only way to track your application at the USCIS Service Centers.
On average, student’s applications are adjudicated within 90-120 days. You can check current general processing times for the Form I-765 based on service center. You can also use your receipt number (found on your I-797C receipt notice) to track the status of your specific application. Students who have submitted an OPT Application with USCIS in a timely manner may remain in the U.S. after their 60 day grace period ends to await adjudication.
If your processing time is "outside normal processing times" you can submit the USCIS e-request on the USCIS website. You will need your receipt number, date when you filed your request, what type of application you filed and an email address to submit your e-request. You may also contact the USCIS Customer Service Center using the phone number of your Receipt Notice.
What is a Social Security Number?
A Social Security Number (SSN) is required to earn wages, file taxes, and receive some types of government services in the U.S. A Social Security Number is a nine-digit number issued to US citizens, permanent residents, and temporary workers by the Social Security Administration. Like your passport this document should be stored in a safe location and not carried on you.
You will need to obtain a Social Security card if you have an internship or employment in the U.S. The application is available at the local Social Security Administration Office or its website (www.ssa.gov). Before you visit the Social Security Office, pick up a letter of endorsement from the International Student and Scholar Advisor.
Telephone: 1-800-772-1213
Open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How to obtain a Social Security Number?
F-1 Students: F-1 students are only eligible for a SSN if they have a job offer through on-campus employment or authorized off-campus employment and will be receiving wages.
J-1 Students: J-1 students are eligible to apply for a SSN after they have completed visa check-in requirements and receive approval from the International Student Advisor.
Please visit the Office for more information.
General steps for getting a Social Security Number
You must wait at least 10 days from your arrival before going to the SSA office.
Any international student who works in the United States should file federal and state income taxes. The University of Redlands works with Sprintax to provide tax services for our students. Read this to learn about Sprintax's services. Each year the Office of Global Education will communicate with all current F-1 students and those on OPT or STEM OPT to provide them a unique passcode to access those services through this link. Remember: federal and state taxes are due by April 15 each year.