SURF/VURP Non-Caltech F-1/J-1

Non-Caltech International Students Currently in the United States

Action Needed: Consult with your current school's International Advisor to understand requirements and deadlines for obtaining off-campus work authorization. Work authorization must be approved prior to beginning your SURF or VURP placement.

F-1 students must have Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorization
J-1 students must have Academic Training authorization

F-1 Practical Training

CPT is granted through a student's current International Advisor and does not require an application to USCIS. Each school has specific guidelines for CPT.
OPT requires significant advanced planning! The student must submit an employment authorization application directly to USCIS, with a new OPT I-20 endorsed by the student's current International Advisor. When approved, USCIS issues an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Students may NOT begin SURF until the EAD is received. Caution: OPT can take more than three months to process!

J-1 Academic Training

Academic Training is granted through a student's current International Advisor and does not require an application to USCIS. Each school has specific guidelines for Academic Training.

STEP 1: Submit Immigration Documents to ISP
As soon as possible (prior to beginning SURF or VURP) submit copies of the following documents to ISP for review. PDF or JPEG

Passport (ID page only)
F-1 I-20 with CPT authorization, or
F-1 I-20 with OPT authorization + EAD card, or
J-1 DS-2019 with Academic Training authorization

STEP 2: I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification
You will complete a mandatory I-9 employment eligibility verification process at Caltech. You will be contacted via email at a future date and provided specific instructions on how to complete this requirement. If you cannot satisfy the I-9 requirement, you will not be allowed to participate in SURF or VURP.

Immigration-related questions? Contact ISP