Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, employment may continue in either, or both, of the following two ways beyond the initial two years:

• MSCS candidates initially are eligible for up to 2 years of CPT employment. After this 2-year period, candidates in good standing academically may take an academic specialization that would extend CPT by approximately 12 months.
• Your company can begin the process of applying for an H-1B work visa for the employee after the first or second year of CPT work under university authorization. This could enable the employee to work in the U.S. for an additional 6 years (3-year H-1B visa plus a 3-year extension). If the employee first graduates and then takes the Post Graduate Certificate, the H-1B application could qualify for the Masters degree quota.

• Have prior IT employment experience (candidates are given proficiency tests in their area of expertise).
• Working toward their MS degree in Computer Science.
• BS degree in Computer Science or related field.
• Proficiency in English.
• Gain knowledge rapidly and work effectively as a team member and individually.

Our candidates qualify for CPT. It is a required part of their full-time student status. Students qualify for 2 years of CPT because they are also completing credits via Distance Education. Employment authorization is issued immediately upon receiving a confirmed offer of employment. The immigration document allowing employment is the updated page 3 of the I-20 showing the employer’s name and the start date of employment.

Although OPT also is issued for an F-1 visa holder (student visa), the initial length of OPT is 12 months. In certain special circumstances (e-verify employers) are allowed to extend an additional 17 months of employment under OPT. The candidate MUST have already graduated from the sponsoring school’s degree program. The work authorization document is an EAD card. It may take 2-3 months to be issued by US Immigration.