Apply for a Visa Stamp
Students and scholars must apply for and obtain a valid visa stamp (also simply referred to as a “visa”) before entering the U.S.
Visa Stamps and Status
Learn the difference between a “visa” and your “immigration status”.
F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is work authorization available to F-1 international students who participate in a training experience as part of a curricular requirement. CPT opportunities are called a variety of names at WashU including, but not limited to, practicums (Brown School), externships (Law School), internships (Olin Business and Sam Fox), co-ops (McKelvey Engineering), clinical […]
J-1 Scholars Incidental Employment
If you receive funds from WashU, you must go through the appropriate payroll process.
Social Security Number
A Social Security Number (SSN) is a unique nine-digit identification number assigned to individuals by the U.S. government for tax and other purposes. The primary purpose of an SSN is to track an individual’s earnings and their contributions to the Social Security system, which is a federal program. If you are not eligible for an […]
F-1 Post-Completion OPT
Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) is 12-month work authorization available to F-1 international students who plan to seek employment in the U.S. in their fields of study. Post-completion OPT authorization allows F-1 students to work in a job directly related to their major after they graduate from WashU or, in some cases, while they work […]
STEM OPT Extension
F-1 students who hold degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) may be eligible to apply for a 24 month extension of Optional Practical Training (OPT), for a total of 36 months of post-completion OPT. Only students who have completed degrees in a STEM designated field qualify for this extension. You can locate your […]
J-1 On-Campus Employment
J-1 students may work on campus for up to 19.6 hours per week during regular fall and spring semesters. The 19.6-hour total can be split between different types of employment, if authorized. All work must be pre-authorization and authorization is specific to the employer. Note: J-1 students are not eligible for any campus jobs classified as […]
Dependent Status: Spouses and Children
Primary immigration status holders may bring a spouse and/or children to the U.S. in dependent status. Applicants for dependent status must demonstrate a lawful spousal or parent-child relationship to the primary immigration status holder. Spouse and children status is dependent on the primary visa holder’s status.
F-1 Cap-Gap Extension
The cap-gap extension is a regulation that extends an eligible F-1 student’s status to bridge the gap between the end of F-1 OPT or STEM OPT work authorization and the start of a cap-subject H-1B status, allowing the student to remain in the U.S. during the “gap”. Cap-gap extension eligibility The cap-gap extension is available […]