"Employment" is any work performed or services provided (including self-employment) in exchange for money or other benefits or compensation (i.e. free room and board in exchange for babysitting).

Individuals who are authorized to be employed in the US must have a social security number (SSN) for payroll purposes.

Prior to applying for a SSN, you must have the following documents:

1. A letter verifying an offer of employment
2. The Social Security Verification Form completed by an international advisor. 
3. I-20
4. Valid passport
5. Visa
6. I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

Contact the Social Security Office to schedule your appointment. 

If your I-20 was issued by LBCC, so you may work part-time (20 hours per week or less) for LBCC campuses only during fall, winter, and spring terms. On-campus employment is “incident to status.” If you are not in lawful F-1 status, you are not eligible for on-campus employment. No off campus employment is allowed for general employment. 

During annual vacation periods (i.e. summer break), students are allowed to work full-time on campus.

Practical Training authorization permits an F-1 student to be employed temporarily at a job related to the student’s major field of study on-campus or off-campus. There are two types of practical training: curricular and optional. To be eligible for curricular and/or optional practical training, you must have been in lawful F-1 status for one academic year.

Access the CPT Form in order to request authorization. Contact an International Office advisor for more information.

DHS may grant off-campus employment authorization to an F-1 student as a result of a "severe economic hardship caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond the student’s control." It is difficult to obtain this type of work authorization unless you can document that the unforeseen circumstances occurred after you arrived in the U.S. which are beyond your control. In order to apply for this employment authorization, you must first meet with the LBCC International advisor to discuss your situation and get the necessary recommendation. It is our observation that this application is expensive and the work authorization often is not approved. We would recommend you contact an immigration lawyer.

LBCC does not permit individuals in F-2 status to be employed under any conditions. Employment is defined as the rendering of services, part-time or full-time, for financial or other compensation, including self-employment. Since F-2 dependents are not authorized to engage in employment in the United States, they are not eligible to apply for a social security number.

If you plan to apply for off-campus work permission following your degree through Optional Practical Training (OPT), you should apply at the beginning of your final term. You must meet with the International Office advisor to receive recommendation for OPT. Approval is needed from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) prior to starting any work. 

The application process takes approximately three to four months:

• Employment during OPT must be related to the student’s program of study, or major.
• Students with F-1 visa status are eligible to receive OPT for one year following completion of their program.
• OPT may be authorized once per program level, (associate, bachelor, master, doctorate).
  
  

Applying for OPT

• Go to USCIS and select Forms, (immigration forms). Print the I-765 Packet.
• Schedule an OPT appointment the International Office advisor; bring your I-765 packet.
• If you meet requirements, you will be issued an OPT I-20.
• File the I-765 form online. 
• Check the status of your application online.
  
  

Students Currently Participating in OPT: Reporting Requirements

Contact us if:

• Your personal information changes (name, address, email)
• Your employment information changes (name/address of employer, dates of employment)
• You change your immigration status
• You plan to take classes while on OPT. Non-degree classes are okay. However, if you wish to start a degree-seeking program, you should transfer completely and obtain a new I-20. Transfer of a SEVIS record to a new school/program will terminate your OPT.
• Students are advised to maintain evidence for each position held (paid or unpaid), proof of the duration of that position, the job title, contact information for the student's supervisor or manager, and a description of the work. Although you are only required to report the employer’s name/address and your dates of employment to USCIS, this documentation could be used in the future to establish that the limit on unemployment has not been exceeded.
  
  

Unemployment During OPT

• You may not accumulate more than 90 days of unemployment during your one-year period of OPT authorization.
• Volunteering for 20 hours/week or more may count as employment for unemployment reporting purposes during regular post-completion OPT. Volunteer work must be related to your program of study.
  
  

Travel on OPT

• To re-enter the U.S. while on OPT, you must have an I-20 recently signed for travel (within six months), a valid F-1 visa, and an EAD card. It is also strongly recommended that you carry proof of US employment (a job-offer letter or your most recent pay stub). Travel must be temporary.
• Traveling on an expired visa is okay only if you are returning to the US from Canada or Mexico within 30 days. Otherwise, travel is not recommended on an expired visa.
  
  

Completion of OPT

• Students receive a 60-day grace period following completion of OPT. Employment is not permitted during this period. If you plan to stay in the US, all arrangements must be finalized by the end of your 60-day grace period (e.g. transfer out, change of status, new initial I-20 issued, or leave the country).
• If you are beginning a new program of study, you must begin coursework within five months of the end date of your OPT.

Host families provide a room for rent, which includes some meals and additional support. This can be a great option for students who need a place to stay when they first arrive.

To request a homestay referral, please click on the links below:

• USA Homestays
• StudentRoomStay 

Online websites to search for apartments and houses for rent in Albany and Corvallis:

• Zillow
• Apartments.com
• Trulia
• Rent.
• Apartmentguide
• Apartments close to Albany campus:
  • McKinney Lane Apartments
  • Lindenwood Apartments
• Facebook group -- many students looking for roommates:
  • Oregon State University (OSU) Housing
• Property management in Corvallis
• Corvallis iHouse

Useful Tips:

• Plan ahead: begin your search several months ahead of time.
• Length of lease: six months to one year, or monthly contracts. Longer contracts may have a discount, but renters must not move before the contract ends or may be charged a fee.
• Read the contract: it is important to understand the housing contract or agreement before signing or making any formal commitment.
• Safety: check the safety features of your apartment, such as secure door entry, security personnel, or CCTV in communal areas.
• Deposit: normally require a deposit of two months rent. Some of the deposit may be returned 30 days after the move-out date if the property is in the same condition as when you began your lease. You may not receive the full deposit refund if items need to be cleaned or fixed in the apartment.
• Utility bills: check with the landlord about garbage collection, water and electricity costs. They may or may not be included. If not included, you must subscribe and pay separately for the service.
• Additional fees: watch out for additional fees. Examples: parking spaces, laundry facilities, or concierge services may cost extra.
• Appliances: most apartments are equipped with kitchen appliances such as a stove, refrigerator,  microwave, and dishwasher. Some apartments also offer a clothes washing machine and dryer in the unit, while some offer washing machines and dryers in a shared space or common use building.
• Furniture: some apartments come fully furnished, which includes bed, sofa, and dining table. Most apartments are not furnished, and renters must purchase their furnishings.
• Amenities: some apartment complexes include amenities such as pools or gyms.

Suggested items you may need to purchase after your arrival:

• Items to purchase for your housing:
  • Bedding: sheets, blanket, comforter, pillows
  • Kitchen: pans, pots, plates, utensils, rice cooker, cups
  • Furniture:
    • Bedroom: bed frame, mattress
    • Living room: couch or sofa, chair, TV
    • Laundry: laundry basket. If the apartment does not have a washing machine and dryer, an alternative would be coin laundry or laundromat.
  • Sets of towels for both kitchen and bath
• Items to purchase for college study:
  • Desk and chair
  • Desk lamp
  • Laptop computer
  • Office supplies: paper, pens, binders

Landlords and property managers must follow rental laws including how they talk with you, how quickly they must fix things in your apartment, if they can enter your apartment while you are living there, and more. Sometimes they do not follow some laws. It is important for you to know your rights as a renter.

If you believe you are being treated unfairly, or just want to learn more about your housing rights, please contact the Oregon Community Alliance of Tenants.

• Complete your degree by the program end date on your I-20 or request a program extension (see Program Extension below).
• If you change your major, contact the International Office to update your I-20. 
• Prior to working, contact the International Office advisor for approval to be sure you are in compliance with SEVIS work regulations. Unauthorized employment can result in termination of your I-20 document. 
• Update address and phone number in your student account within 10 days of change. Notify the International Office advisor to update your I-20 (required by SEVIS).
• Your passport must be valid within 6 months at all times. Your visa can expire, but if you leave the US you must renew it prior to returning. 

• You must be enrolled full-time in 12 credits minimum each term, with a minimum of 9 credits in-person or hybrid classes. 
• You must be enrolled by the end of the add/drop deadline of Monday of the second week of term. If you are not fully enrolled, your I-20 may be terminated for under-enrollment.
• You must attend all classes the first week of term. If you do not attend, the college will drop your classes and you will risk termination of your I-20. 
• Summer term is considered a vacation term due to limited course offerings. You do not need to be enrolled in classes during summer. However, you can choose to enroll in classes or study full-time. (Reference: International Summer Vacation policy AR -7075-13)

• You may be enrolled in up to six credits at another institution.
• You must provide proof of registration and final grades for the courses.

Please submit the Concurrent Enrollment Form to the International Office advisor prior to the start of the term.

We may authorize a reduced course load for one of the following reasons:

• Academic Difficulties Due to Language Barriers: Approved only during the first term at LBCC.
• Final Term: If you have fewer than 12 credits remaining to graduate, you may drop below 12 credits in your last term.
• Must be approved by the International Office advisor and recorded on your SEVIS I-20 record.

To request a reduced course load for these two reasons, you must complete the Reduced Course Load Form. 

• Medical Reasons: Submit the Medical Reduced Course Load Form, completed by you and listed doctor: medical doctor (MD), doctor of osteopathy (DO), or licensed psychologist. This must be approved by the International Office advisor and recorded on your SEVIS I-20 record. SEVIS allows up to four MRCL approvals per academic degree (associate, bachelor).

• You may apply for a program extension to extend your I-20.
• Meet with your academic advisor and complete the Program Extension Form. This must be approved by the program advisor. Submit the form to the International Office advisor. 
• Submit the signed extension form to the International Office advisor before the program end date on your I-20.
• If approved, the International Office advisor will update your SEVIS record and provide you with a new I-20.

Note: After completion of your program, SEVIS requires you to depart the US within the 60-day grace period following your program end. During that time, you may transfer to another college or begin OPT (USCIS approval required). Talk to the International Office advisor for details. 

Sprintax is a company that specializes in helping international students file taxes.

Contact us for an LBCC student discount code for $5 off your filing fee.

Sprintax will guide you through the tax preparation process, help with the necessary documents, and check if you’re due a tax refund.

Sprintax resources:

• Tax season survival guide for international students
• OPT and Taxes

Important: Do not Use TurboTax. The software is not for international students

InternationalStudent is a great resource that walks you through the steps needed to do your own taxes, with a list of frequently asked questions. There is also a guide to help with the Form 8843.

IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. Find a location near you. 

• Internal Revenue Service (IRS): federal tax information and forms for international students. You may also call directly at 800-829-1040, but expect a long wait.
• Oregon Department of Revenue: state tax information and forms for international students.
• Tax Information for International Students: additional information and list of frequently asked questions.

Remember to bring:

• Your current I-20
• Valid passport (valid for six months)
• Proof of enrollment: transcript/schedule of class
• If on OPT, your EAD card and proof of employment
• If you changed immigration status while in the US, your change of status approval notice I-797.

Remember to bring:

• Current I-20 with travel signature dated within 12 months.
• Valid passport (valid within six months)
• Valid visa (exceptions for Canada or Mexico for 30 days or less travel). If your visa is expired, you must return home to renew prior to returning to the US.
• Proof of enrollment: transcript/schedule of class
• If on OPT, your EAD card and proof of employment
• If you changed immigration status while in the US, your change of status approval notice I-797.

Reminders:

• Check to see if the countries you are visiting require you to obtain a transit or visitor visa. 
• If your visa has expired, you will need to apply for a new visa at a US consulate/embassy abroad; plan your time accordingly.

• Continue to check your LBCC student email while you are away. All college notices, including information that could affect your immigration status, will be communicated via your LBCC email account.
• Make certain that there are no holds on your student account.
• Whether you are traveling within or outside the US, bring your health insurance card with you.
• Make travel plans to attend the first week of each term. The instructor has a right to drop you from classes if you are not present.
• Register for classes before you go on break (12 credits or more).
• Check to be sure you're packing only what is allowed when you come back to the US. Look at the Don't Pack A Pest website for a quick reference.

• Your visa allows you to travel to a US port-of-entry and request permission of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Customs and Border Protection immigration officer to enter the US.
• Your visa must be valid at the time you enter.
• Check your F-1 student visa expiration date before you travel. If your visa expires before you plan to return to the US,, you will have to obtain a new F-1 student visa.
• Visas may be renewed at a US embassy or consulate outside the US. It is best to renew an F-1 visa in your home country.
• Be sure to allow plenty of time to renew your visa. Visa wait times do not include administrative processing or the time it takes for your visa to be ready for pick-up or delivery by courier after the consular officer has made the decision to issue it.