Employing Students on Practical or Academic Training

F-1 Students on Practical Training

F-1 students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) can be employed in their field of study. Approval from USCIS is required in the form of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before a student can be hired.

F-1 students on Curricular Practical Training (CPT) can also be employed in their field of study. Approval is granted on the I-20 by the student’s university.

The maximum period allowable for OPT is 12 months, in some cases 29 months, nonrenewable. F-1 practical training may be authorized for summer employment, upon completion of study or occasionallyduring a course of study.

Stanford is an e-verify employer and departments therefore may provide Stanford’s e-verify number to F-1 students seeking STEM extensions on OPT for employment at Stanford. See more information on the process of applying and the benefits available under the STEM extension program. 

J-1 Students on Academic Training

Students in J-1 student status who are enrolled in a degree program in the U.S. (not Visiting Researchers) are eligible for employment in their field of study (as indicated on their DS-2019) under J-1 Academic Training. Employment authorization is granted by the J-1 sponsor in the form of a letter.

The maximum period allowable is 18 months (postdoctoral Academic Training may be authorized for up to 36 months). Academic Training may be authorized for summer employment, upon completion of study or occasionally during a course.