Finding work in the United States is a complex process for international students. Before starting any application, make sure that you hold on to your I-20 Form, for the following reasons:

• It identifies your program of study and status as an F-1 Visa student.
• You will need to obtain a signature from OISS each time you travel in and out of the country.
• Many applications also require I-94
  

  I-94 application site
  your arrival and departure record, so make sure to print updated versions.

#SSN To become eligible for work, you need to apply for a Social Security Number, which is equivalent to a national identity number for U.S. residents. This process takes 2–6 weeks. Follow these steps to apply:

• First, obtain a letter from your employer and submit it to the OISS, which will give you another letter on department letterhead.
• Prepare your I-20, I-94 or passport admission stamp, F-1 Student Visa, the social security application form
• Copy both letters
• submit these to the nearest Social Security Office in Providence.
  

  Nearest Social Security Office
• You will also have to go through an interview. After the process is complete, your card will be ready in about 2 weeks.

#StudentPayroll If your job is on-campus or part of work-study, contact financial aid to enroll in the student payroll system. You clock in your times on RISD Web Advisor in order to get paid.

#Internships #CPT Start applying as early as December or January for summer internships. As an international student, you will need to apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT),

CPT Application Form

which authorizes a total of 12 months of work over 4 years in your program of study. You will first need to register your internship on RISD Artworks. After that

• Prepare photocopies of your passport
• F-1 Student Visa
• I-20 form
• I-94 form
• A letter from your employer

Submit this to OISS. Processing of this request usually takes 3–5 days.

#AfterRISD To start work after graduating from RISD, you will need to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT),

OPT Application Form

which permits 12 months of work in the United States after completion of your degree. The best time to apply for OPT is close to graduation in your senior year. Your job will have to begin within 60 days after program completion, and you must apply for all of the 12-month benefits available. Submit your application to the OISS either personally or online. Processing of the request usually takes 3–5 days.

#OISS Don’t stress out too much about these forms! Start early, give the applications ample time, and anticipate unexpected events so that the process runs smoothly. If you’re confused, check in with the OISS at Carr Haus and feel free to talk to your seniors! Working in the United States is an enriching experience and adds a colorful chapter to your college life as an international student. Good luck!