Employment: Authorized by School of Record AND USCIS Approval

Qualifications: Must have a valid EAD card (Work Authorization approved by USCIS

Minimum Duration: N/A

Maximum Duration:

• Initial OPT – 1 year
• STEM OPT – additional 2 years

Funding Source: May be funded by U of I, personal funds, home country, or other sources

Restrictions/Limitations:

• Must be full-time (21 hr/wk+)
• OPT can be with/without wages
• STEM OPT must receive wages
• Non-immigrant intent visa

Dependents: F-2 dependents are not permitted to work. Can study part-time

SEVIS Fee and Tracking: Yes

International Services Cost Recovery Fee: No 

Early Termination: N/A

Source:

• OPT
• STEM OPT

Employment: Authorized “incident to status” by the Program Sponsor (School of Record)

Qualifications: Must be authorized by the program (School of Record)

Minimum Duration: N/A

Maximum Duration: Depends on length of program from School of Record, 3-36 months

Funding Source: May be funded by U of I, personal funds, home country, or other sources

Restrictions/Limitations:

• No tenure track position
• May be subject to 212(e) two-year home residency requirement
• Subject to 12/24-month bar
• Non-immigrant intent visa

Dependents: J-2 visa classification-may apply for employment authorization. Can study full or part-time

SEVIS Fee and Tracking: Yes

International Services Cost Recovery Fee: No 

Early Termination: N/A

Source: AT

Employment: Authorized “incident to status” by the Program Sponsor (IPO Staff)

Qualifications: Must possess a bachelor’s degree

Minimum Duration: N/A

Maximum Duration: Six months

Funding Source: May be funded by U of I, personal funds, home country, or other sources

Restrictions/Limitations:

• No tenure track position
• May be subject to 212(e) two-year home residency requirement
• Non-immigrant intent visa
• Subject to 12-month bar

Dependents: J-2 visa classification-may apply for employment authorization. Can study full or part-time

SEVIS Fee and Tracking: Yes

International Services Cost Recovery Fee: Yes 

Early Termination: N/A

Source: J1 Short-term Scholar

Employment: Authorized “incident to status” by the Program Sponsor (IPO Staff)

Qualifications: Must possess a bachelor’s degree

Minimum Duration: Three weeks

Maximum Duration: Five years

Funding Source: May be funded by U of I, personal funds, home country, or other source

Restrictions/Limitations:

• No tenure track position
• May be subject to 212(e) two-year home residency requirement
• Subject to 12/24-month bar
• Non-immigrant intent visa

Dependents: J-2 visa classification-may apply for employment authorization. Can study full or part-time

SEVIS Fee and Tracking: Yes

International Services Cost Recovery Fee: Yes 

Early Termination: N/A

Source: J1 Scholar/Researcher

Employment: Authorized “incident to status” by the Program Sponsor (IPO Staff)

Qualifications: Must possess a bachelor’s degree in specific field

Minimum Duration: N/A

Maximum Duration: Three years, renewable with re-entry into the U.S.

Funding Source: Must be funded by the U of I

Restrictions/Limitations:

• No tenure track position
• Mexican and Canadian citizens only
• Degree field must be on the NAFTA list
• Non-immigrant intent visa

Dependents: TD dependents are not permitted to work. Can study full or part-time

SEVIS Fee and Tracking: No

International Services Cost Recovery Fee: Yes 

Early Termination: N/A

Source: TN

Employment: Authorized only for approved position, at approved salary level, and at approved employer

Qualifications: Must possess the minimum degree and experience required for the specialty occupation. Equivalent to at least a bachelor’s degree

Minimum Duration: N/A

Maximum Duration: Six years

Funding Source: Must be paid prevailing wage by U of I

Restrictions/Limitations:

• Employer, job, AND position specific
• Must meet Department of Labor prevailing wage determination
• Dual intent visa

Dependents: H-4 visa holders may apply for employment authorization. Can study full or part-time

SEVIS Fee and Tracking: No

International Services Cost Recovery Fee: Yes + USCIS and legal fees 

Early Termination: May be responsible for moving costs back to last country of residence

Source: H-1B