Optional Practical Training & Academic Training

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

A faculty, research, or staff position may be filled by a new international employee through OPT. This authorization is available to students with an F-1 status. The process is simple:

• Step 1: The international student applies for OPT prior to graduating from a US university or college by submitting an application to the US Department of Homeland Security.

• Step 2: When the authorization is granted, the student is issued an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) which provides a beginning and end date of the employment authorization. The student must receive the EAD prior to beginning employment at Northern Kentucky University and employment must begin on the date listed on the card. The EAD is valid for up to a year, with a possible 24-month extension for those with degrees in certain STEM related fields.

It is important that the department chair/director and the employee contact the International Office by the time the person is hired. The International Office will review the EAD end date and discuss options for continuing employment authorization.

The EAD is appropriate for the positions of:

• Teaching
• Research
• Staff

The employment must be directly related to the student’s area of academic study.

Academic Training (AT)

A teaching, research, or staff position may be filled by a new international employee through AT. This authorization is available to students who have a J-1 status. AT must be granted before the person begins employment at Northern Kentucky University.

The authorization is granted by the student’s international student advisor at the school where he or she is enrolled. The student’s immigration document (DS-2019) and a letter from the international student advisor will indicate the beginning and end dates of authorized employment.

The period of authorization depends on several factors in the student’s academic program, and the international student advisor will consider this when issuing the authorization, varying from a few months to 18 months. Employees with a PhD may be eligible for an additional 18-month extension.

It is important that the department chair/director and the employee contact the International Office by the time the person is hired. The International Office will review the work authorization end date and discuss options for continuing employment.

Academic Training is appropriate for faculty, research, and staff positions. The employment must be directly related to the student’s area of study and educational level.