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 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: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).