Student Employment

The STEM OPT Extension online course is required for any student wishing to apply for the STEM Optional Practical Training Extension of work authorization. The course is offered through the OISS “Homebase” platform. Follow the directions below to access and complete the course. If you do not already have a Homebase account Already have a […]

International students face unique challenges navigating employment opportunities, particularly in unfamiliar legal and regulatory environments. Along with pressure to secure income or experience, this makes them prime targets for employment scams. These scams not only cause financial harm, but can also jeopardize immigration status and future career prospects. What to do Employment related scams are […]

Social media On April 9, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) would begin considering social media activity of foreign nationals— including F and J visa holders—when evaluating USCIS immigration benefit applications. This could include applications for work authorization, change of status, or reinstatement. Read the April […]

Individuals who accept an offer of employment or a stipend from WashU are required to provide additional personal information in Workday as part of the onboarding process. This page addresses questions that are unique to the foreign national population and data that is required. Depending on your role, you may see the specific fields discussed […]

The OPT Essentials online course is required for any student wishing to apply for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training. The course is offered through the OISS “Homebase” platform (implemented in Fall 2024). Follow the directions below to access and complete the course. If you do not already have a Homebase account Already have a Homebase account? […]

F-1 students may work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during regular fall and spring semesters. An example of on-campus employment is working at the school bookstore or library, or working as a research or teaching assistant. Note: F-1 students are not eligible for any campus jobs classified as Federal Work-Study positions. […]

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 […]

If the case status on your USCIS account is showing that your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card was mailed, but you never received it, there is a possibility that it was undeliverable or lost by USPS (U.S. Postal Service). Follow these directions from USCIS on how to check your case status online. Replacement EAD lost […]

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 […]

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 […]