Employment Authorization

First and foremost, never go to work for an employer without having permission! Always check with the Ivanhoe International Center prior to working. If you go to work for someone without having work permission, you are in violation of your F/J-1 status. If this happens, you lose all benefits associated with F/J-1 status, including permission to work on campus (assistantships, on-campus jobs). You are not eligible for reinstatement through the immigration service. Watch video information sessions on CPT and OPT.

Visit the International Student Career Resources page and the South Dakota Mines Career Services page for more information on work.

If you are a nonresident alien (NRA) for tax purposes, you do not pay social security and Medicare taxes. You can direct your employer to the IRS website for more information or contact our office.

If you are a resident alien (RA) for tax purposes only, you do not use the Glacier Tax Prep (GDP) software. Check out the IRS website on RA taxes for more information.

On-Campus Employment For F/J Students

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F1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

CPT is defined as being "an integral part of the curriculum" during your academic career, which includes internships.

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F1 Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is work authorization available to F-1 international students.

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F1 OPT STEM Extension

Extension of the 12-Month OPT. For students in the STEM fields only.

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Issues and Problems during F1 OPT/STEM OPT Application Process

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During the OPT/STEM OPT and Unemployment

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Travel while on F1 OPT

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F1 OPT/STEM OPT Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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J1 Academic Training (AT) and other information

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Contact Us:

Ivanhoe International Center
South Dakota Mines
501 E Saint Joseph Street
Rapid City, SD  57701-3995
Email: International@sdsmt.edu
Phone: 1.605.394.6884
FAX: 1.605.394.6883
WhatsApp and Google: 1.605.388.2003
Skype: sdsmt.international

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