Employer Resources

The information on this page is for employers other than the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) who are looking to employ international students to work off-campus. If you are a UMD employer who will be hiring an international student to work off-campus, or another employer who will be hiring an international student to work on-campus, please contact an International Student Advisor at ISSS.

International students require authorization before they are eligible to work off-campus. The procedure required to hire an international student will depend on the student's visa status and typically involves little or no extra work by the employer. ISSS can only assist with questions regarding hiring students with F-1 or J-1 visa status sponsored by the University of Maryland, College Park. The student will work with ISSS to obtain work authorization. For students with F-1 and J-1 visa status work is limited to 20 hours per week during the academic year (Fall and Spring semesters), but is not restricted during school breaks (Summer and Winter terms) or if the student completed all coursework. The 20 hour limit includes any on-campus work the student may have.

Authorization types available if student has not completed all coursework:

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for internships, co-op programs, and work experience for credit
  Available To: Students with F-1 visa status
  Maximum Duration of Authorization: No maximum, however 11+ months of full-time CPT will make a student ineligible for OPT
  Hourly Limit: During semester 20 hrs/week, during breaks 20+ hrs/week
  Documentation from Employer: To receive this authorization the employer must provide an offer letter on letterhead stating the following:
  • Specific start and end dates of the internship/co-op
  • Number of hours per week
  • Address of the workplace
  • Amount of compensation
  • Job description
  • The name of the supervisor during the internship/co-op
  • The specific term internship or co-op
  • Statement that work is part of student's research if they are Masters thesis/PhD student with no course work left to complete for degree program

  Authorizing Agent: University of Maryland International Student & Scholar Services
  Processing Time: 2 business days from ISSS plus time needed to register for academic component
  Documentation Showing Work Authorization: The student will receive a new I-20 which will indicate they are approved for CPT on page 3 to document their employment eligibility.

• Optional Practical Training (OPT) for employment in field of study
  Available To: Students with F-1 visa status
  Maximum Duration of Authorization: 12 months
  Hourly Limit: Varies, please consult ISSS
  Documentation from Employer: No paperwork is required on the part of the employer to request OPT
  Authorizing Agent: United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
  Processing Time: Averages 2-3 months
  Documentation Showing Work Authorization: The student will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card to document their work eligibility once their application is approved
• Academic Training (AT) for internships and study-related work in the field of study
  Available To: Students with J-1 visa status
  Maximum Duration of Authorization: 18 months based on the length of time the student has been in status (e.g. a student in status for 12 months will be eligible for 12 months of AT)
  Hourly Limit: Varies, please consult ISSS
  Documentation from Employer: To receive this authorization the employer must provide an offer letter on letterhead stating the following:
  • Job title
  • Brief description of goals & objectives of the training program (employment)
  • Specific start & end dates of employment
  • Address of the work place
  • Number of hours per week
  • Name of supervisor
  • Amount of compensation

  Authorizing Agent: University of Maryland's Office of International Services
  Processing Time: 2 business days from ISSS plus time needed to register for academic component
  Documentation Showing Work Authorization: The student will receive an updated DS-2019 and employment authorization letter to document their employment eligibility

Authorization types available if student has completed all coursework:

• Optional Practical Training (OPT) for employment in field of study
  Available To: Students with F-1 visa status
  Maximum Duration of Authorization: 12 months excluding any OPT used prior to completion of all coursework
  Hourly Limit: 20+ hrs/week
  Documentation from Employer: No paperwork is required on the part of the employer to request OPT
  Authorizing Agent: United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
  Processing Time: Averages 2-3 months
  Documentation Showing Work Authorization: The student will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card to document their work eligibility once their application is approved

• Academic Training (AT) for internships and study-related work in the field of study
  Available To: Students with J-1 visa status
  Maximum Duration of Authorization: 18 months, 36 months for PhD students, excluding any AT used prior to completion of all coursework
  Hourly Limit: 20+ hrs/week
  Documentation from Employer: To receive this authorization the employer must provide an offer letter on letterhead stating the following: Authorizing Agent: University of Maryland's International Student & Scholar Services
  Processing Time: 2 business days from ISSS plus time needed to register for academic component
  Documentation Showing Work Authorization: The student will receive an updated DS-2019 and employment authorization letter to document their employment eligibility
  • Job title
  • Brief description of goals & objectives of the training program (employment)
  • Specific start & end dates of employment
  • Address of the work place
  • Number of hours per week
  • Name of supervisor
  • Amount of compensation