F-1 visa holders may participate in employment directly related to their field of study by obtaining practical training authorization. There are two kinds of practical training:
Curricular Practical Training. Employment that is an integral part of an established curriculum. Requires approval of Designated School Officer (DSO) sponsoring the visa in SEVIS and on Form I-20. Employment Authorization Document (EAD) not required. Employment authorization is employer specific.
Optional Practical Training. Employment during or after completion of studies. The total period of employment may not exceed 12 months. Requires recommendation of DSO and approval by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and EAD.
F-1 visitors must provide the following documents in order to receive honorarium:
Copy of Passport
Copy of Visa page in passport
Copy of I-94: visitor will need to visit: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/ and print the I-94 and the Travel History
Copy of I-20 Form
Fill out: Social Security Affidavit Form (if visitor does not have a SSN or ITIN)
Fill out: Form W-8BEN
Fill out: the Travel History form
For CPT: Provide an authorization letter from visitor’s sponsoring F-1 visa institution
For OPT: Provide a recommendation letter from visitor’s sponsoring F-1 visa institution AND a copy of the EAD Card.