ISS Work Programs

• Working on-campus at TCC

Eligibility:      All students on a TCC I-20 are eligible.
 

Benefit:         Work Part-time up to 20 hours per week during the regular  
                       semester and up to 40 during the summer, job type is not 
                       important.
 

Application:  No immigration application required, apply through TCC.

• NOTE:  "Once a job offer is received, the student will need a  letter from the ISS Office and the TCC Human Resources Office to file for a social security card. You will be eligible for a FICA tax exemption."

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

   Eligibility:     All students on a TCC I-20 who have been in-status at least 
                        one academic year and whose degree requires an internship.
   

             Benefit:        Work in a field related to the student's major. The work must be 
                                  a part of the student's curriculum / required coursework. 
                                  Student must be supervised and receive a grade for the 
                                  course.
 

             Application:  Apply through the International Student Services Office 
                                    BEFORE you begin work. A notation must be made on your 
                                    I-20. 

• Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)

             Eligibility:       All students on a TCC I-20 who have been in-status at least one 
                                     academic year.
             

             Benefit:          Work part-time, off campus, in the student's field of study, for one year,
                                     while the student is still taking classes at TCC .
            

              Application:  Apply through US Citizenship and Immigration Services with the help of 
                                     the ISS Office. Current cost to apply: $380 (subject to increase).

                                    NOTE: One year of this OPT prevents doing the post-completion OPT.  

• Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)

              Eligibility:     All students on a TCC I-20 who have been in-status at least one
                                    academic year.
           

              Benefit:        Work full-time, off campus, in the student's field of study, for one year 
                                    after the student has graduated from TCC.
          

              Application:Apply through US Citizenship and Immigration Services with the help of 
                                   the ISS Office. Current cost to apply: $380 (subject to increase).

             NOTE: You may apply up to 90 days before graduation or 60 days AFTER graduation.

 OPT Application Basics (pdf)

 Q&A On OPT Regulations (pdf)

 Cap Gap (pdf)

• Severe Economic Hardship

              Eligibility:  All students on a TCC I-20 who have been in-status for at least one 
                                 academic year. Must have a severe, documented, unforeseen change in 
                                 financial support.
          

              Benefit:      Work part-time, off campus, for one year while the student is still taking 
                                 classes at TCC.
          

              Application:Apply through US Citizenship and Immigration Services with the help 
                                  of the ISS Office. Current cost to apply: $380 (subject to increase).