What is an F1 Student:

The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows a non-resident to enter the United States as a full-time student at an accredited college or university, other academic institution, or in a language training program. The student must be enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate and the school must be authorized by the U.S. government to accept international students. This is all handled by the university the student is enrolled in and is validated by ACERS on your behalf. (Excerpts from https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/students-and-exchange-visitors/students-and-employment)

F1 VISA and VISA work arrangements:

F1 students are eligible to work, also termed curricular practical training (CPT), at  the graduate level during the program of study. CPT employment must be an integral part of an established curriculum and the position must directly relate to the major area of study that the student is enrolled for. ACERS assures these requirements are meet on your behalf. Authorizations for the student to work are handled by the school where the student is enrolled.

What Must You Do As A Company

To authorize the student to work, you the company, provide a letter to the student and the university (school) that states you will engage the student with your company and describe the work the student will be doing for you. The student then takes the letter to the school. The school will provide the student with an I-20 document that endorses the student to work. The endorsement is the school’s permission for the student to work (to make sure status requirements for the student are met). The student also files a Form I-765 with the government. Again, you as the company only need to provide the student with a letter of your intent to CONTRACT the student. ACERS helps you and the student navigate all processes and procedures to authorize the work engagement.

How Does the Engagement Work:

You contract with ACERS for handling administrative relationships:

   -We help in matching the contractor to your work needs

   -We monitor the contractor student related to satisfactory progress on the job and student success in their coursework (a requirement for continuing to be allowed

     to work)

   -You pay the hourly rate to ACERS. We care for paying the student contractor and handle all payroll, taxes, and other benefits).