F-1 Student Employment

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Employment Due to Economic Hardship

Tax Reporting Requirement

 *Please refer to the left-hand tool bar for more specific details on employment information and procedures

The U.S. Government allows you to engage in paid, off-campus employment (internship) in the U.S. to gain professional training prior to the completion of your academic program if the employment is considered an integral component of your coursework. You must be in lawful F-1 status for one academic year before you are eligible to apply for CPT.

Click on the Curricular Practical Training navigation button on the left for more detailed information about application procedures and necessary documentation.  

You can obtain an Application for CPT from your Internship Coordinator or pick one up at the CISS office in the Student Center, Room 350.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is employment authorization for students in F-1 status. Students are required to file an application for OPT with the USCIS. Processing times vary, but may take at least 3 months. If you are approved for OPT, USCIS will issue you an EAD (Employment Authorization Document) Card that you may present to any employer wishing to hire you as proof that you are authorized to work. You may apply for OPT while you are in school, but are only allowed to work part-time. Therefore, most students choose to use OPT for full-time employment after graduation.

For more detailed information about OPT click on the Optional Practical Training navigation button on the left. 
For a list of scheduled OPT Workshops, click Programs and Workshops on the left.

In certain circumstances you may be eligible for off-campus employment authorization if you are facing severe economic hardship caused by "unforeseen circumstances beyond your control" such as "substantial currency fluctuations, medical bills, substantial and unexpected expenses."  Please click on the Severe Economic Hardship navigation button on the left for further information about eligibility criteria, application procedures, and required documentation.

All individuals with earned income paid by a U.S. company are required to file income tax returns with the federal and state governments. The deadline for filing tax returns is April 15th (unless an extension has been requested and authorized) for the prior tax year.

Filing Options:

CINTAX
CISS provides access to a tax filing software package (CINTAX) to all international students at Bentley with earned income. CINTAX can only be used for federal tax returns and students must make arrangements to file state tax returns on their own.

If you wish to use the software, you must stop by the CISS office in the Student Center, Room 350 or contact CISS by email at GA_ciss@gentley.edu to sign up for access to the software program. Within one or two days of your request, an email will be sent by CINTAX to the email address you provide, containing the software access code and instructions.

VITA Service Learning Tax Program
Please contact the Service Learning Office for information about this tax filing option. Their office is located in Morison, Room 101.

More information about income tax filing requirements and filing options can be found by visiting the Internal Revenue Service (federal income tax returns) and Massachusetts Department of Revenue (state income tax returns) websites.