International Program
At Otero, we are interested in providing students a quality education as well as experiences that will last a life time. Through programs, activities and events designed to enhance the student experience, the International Relations Office fosters international awareness, understanding and appreciation on the Otero campus and in the surrounding community while providing crucial support services to our international student population.
Important Information for Future International Students
Whether you’re coming for the first two years of a Bachelor’s degree or a one-year certificate program, Otero provides a supportive environment dedicated to academic success.
Why Choose Otero?
- Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degrees that easily transfer to 4-year universities
- Professional & Technical degrees
- Community activities & cultural opportunities
- The cost of attendance makes Otero an affordable and attractive choice for students with a variety of goals in different career fields.
- On-Campus Residence Halls. By living on campus you can strengthen your language skills and build the confidence you need to successfully continue your education in the U.S.
Fall Term
- March 26 – Fall Course Schedule Available
- July 1 – On-campus Housing Application
- July 1 – New Students Application Deadline
- August 1 – Transfer Student Application Deadline
DIA Shuttle Times – Fall Term
- Pick up is August 14th, 2025 at 6:30 PM
- Drop off is December 6th, 2025, leaving campus at 6:30 AM
Spring Term
- October 15 – New Student Application Deadline
- November 1 – On-campus Housing Application
- January 2 – Transfer Student Application Deadline
DIA Shuttle Times – Spring Term
- Pick up is January 18th, 2026 at 6:30 PM
- Spring drop off is May 9th, 2026, leaving campus at 6:30 AM
International students who only want to take a course or courses online through Otero College will not require immigration documents from Otero College, but will need to complete the following for admission.
If you are currently in the U.S. as an F-1 Student at another institution
- Submit a copy of your current U.S. visa stamp and fact page of your passport to otero-international@otero.edu; if your visa is expired, you will also need to send a copy of your current I-20 to confirm your status.
- Submit a copy of the Notification document signed by the International Student Adviser at your current institution to otero-international@otero.edu. It is important that they know that you are taking a course online through Otero as they are your primary institution.
If you are currently outside of the U.S.
Submit a copy of the fact page of your passport to otero-international@otero.edu
Additional Math & English Placement Criteria
English and Mathematics courses require student to meet placement criteria. There are 3 ways to do this:
- Remote Testing. Taking the ACCUPLACER at the testing center at your current institution through remote testing. For details, please email otero-international@otero.edu
- Submit a copy of your transcript showing that you have taken the required developmental or pre-requisite course(s) to otero-admissions@otero.edu. Note: This is the only way to enroll in a course with a pre-requisite course.
- Submit a signed waiver. Incorrect placement may mean that your time, effort and money are wasted as you are not properly prepared. This form requires the signature of your academic adviser at your current institution and the Vice President of Student Services at Otero College in order to waive placement via testing or transcript into an English or Mathematics course. Submit to otero-international@otero.edu.
Course with pre-requisites
Any courses with academic course pre-requisites will have to have the pre-requisite course credit transferred into Otero College. This requires an Official Transcript to be sent from the institution to the Otero Registrar’s Office at otero-admissions@otero.edu.
These pieces must be received no later than 12 PM MST on the last day to add in order to allow us to open the enrollment to you.
Once these pieces have been received, you will receive an acceptance email from International Relations Director with instructions on how to log on to the MyOtero Portal and register for your Online courses, pay for your classes online and much more!
Once you have been admitted to Otero College, you will receive an I-20 form (immigration document for F-1 or M-1 student visas) or a DS-2019 form (immigration document for J-1 scholar visas).
These are the Steps that you should take to get your visa once your immigration document has arrived:
- Make sure your name and birthdate are correct. Occasionally errors are made and student will write birthdays as day/month/year on their application or we will accidentally spell a name incorrectly. While this is rare, it is important that if a mistake is made you let us know immediately as this could cause a delay or issue with your visa being approved.
- Read through the form. It is important that you read the form carefully and understand your responsibilities as an international student in the U.S. when you sign the form.
- Make an appointment with the embassy or consulate. The best way to set an appointment with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate nearest you will vary by location. For a complete list of all Embassies, Consulates and Diplomatic Missions visit the U.S. State Department site at: http://www.usembassy.gov/.
- Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee. The SEVIS is a standard fee paid by all international students to cover the costs of maintaining the SEVIS system. The current cost is $200 and the fee must be paid and you should bring the receipt to your visa interview.
- Complete the VISA application form(s). All applicants will have to complete the visa application form. Most embassies are moving to only accepting online submissions of the visa application DS-160 which combines the old DS-157 and DS-158 forms.
Please check with the Embassy or Consulate where you will be applying to ensure that you are using the correct version of the visa application form.
Pre-interview checklist of forms:
- A current and valid passport.
- VISA Applications (DS-160 or DS-156 and DS-157/DS-158 if applicable).
- Photographs as specified by the Embassy or Consulate.
- Receipt for I-901 Fee.
- Receipt or payment for Application and VISA fees as specified by the Embassy or Consulate.
- I-20 from Otero College or DS-2019 from sponsoring program.
- Official letter of Acceptance and any academic transcripts if you have studied in the U.S. before.
- Proof of ability to pay for your education in the United States. You should bring bank statements, letters of sponsorship and affidavits of support with you to demonstrate proof of funds at minimum to cover one year of your education in the United States.
- Any other documents specifically required by the Embassy or Consulate where your interview will occur.
- The VISA interview. The most important thing to remember is to be on time, be brief and be specific when answering the questions of the official conducting your interview as they have just a short time in which to make their assessment. The interview process will vary by Embassy or Consulate, so check ahead to know what to expect.
- Your VISA is approved! Processing times may vary by Embassy or Consulate, it can take anywhere from a few days to over a month. Please wait until you have your VISA to schedule your flight as you cannot enter as a student without it.
Canadians
If you are a student from Canada, you will not need to go through the VISA Application Process as noted above, nor will you have a VISA stamp in your passport outside of that issued at entry. What this means is that at your port of entry, the immigration official will look at your I-20 and passport. They may also request proof of financial support and the receipt showing payment of the I-901 SEVIS fee. If all checks out, they will stamp you in as an F-1 student.
Note: Do not enter as a B-2 or VISA waiver tourist! You cannot attend school on these visas and you will have to exit and re-enter on the correct visa or apply for a change of status here which can be expensive.
International Admissions & Enrollment Checklist
Apply
The online application can be completed quickly and there is no application fee! Once you have applied and received your student i.d. number (S#) you are ready to begin checking off the tasks in the following list to get enrolled for the upcoming semester.
Submit Your Documents
- Copy of Passport ID page
- Official high school or college transcripts must be sent directly to the Otero College Registrar from your institution. Official transcripts can be sent via electronic delivery service to otero-admissions@otero.edu or physically mailed to:
Otero College Registrar’s Office
1802 Colorado Ave.
La Junta, CO 81050 - Proof of English language ability
Attended a high school or college at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction (verification letter from school may be required).
– OR –
You can show proof of English language ability in order to gain admission to Otero College with an online or in-person assessment
- TOEFL Test Minimums: PBT 450; iBT 50
- IELTS Test Minimum: 5
- Duolingo Test Minimum: 75
- Provide proof of financial support
International students are required to show proof of the ability to cover a minimum of one year of educational expenses. The current amount students need to show proof of is $19,500 USD and can be a combination of the following:
- Student’s Bank Statement
- Bank statement/letter with affidavit of support from the account holder
- Government sponsorship letter
- Scholarship letter
- Letter of Intent (Athletic Scholarship)
Apply For Your Student Visa
Reach out to the U.S. Embassy nearest you to get detailed information about the visa process and the steps that you need to complete to get your visa.
Be sure to pay your T-901 fee after you receive your I-20.
Submit Immunization Records
Submit records from your high school or doctor’s office.
New Student Orientation
This online orientation provides you with an introduction to Otero and information to help you get the most out of your college experience. You’re expected to complete this task, as well as attend an Otientation/Registration Fair.
Log in to your MyOtero Portal and Navigate account
The MyOtero student portal link is located in the primary navigation menu of the college website. On your MyOtero portal dashboard are a number of cards, including Navigate. Navigate will help you schedule appointments with advisors, find the major you want to pursue, check your class schedule and more.
Book an Appointment with your Advisor
You can schedule appointments through Navigate. Be mindful that appoinmtnets are in Colorado’s time zone (MST). During this appointment you will be making your schedule. Take a look at your semester’s course schedule.
Submit Housing Application (Residence Hall Students Only)
In addition to submission of your housing application, you must also pay a $100 deposit. Find out more about Otero College housing.
Purchase your books at the Online Bookstore after registering for classes
Get your Student ID
Stop by the Student Services office in McBride Hall Room 132. Students must show a valid government-issued visa for identification.
International Tuition, Fees & Scholarships
The college is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant students with current visas. These students are classified as out-of-state and will pay that tuition rate.
Cost of Attending Otero College per Year 2025-2026 (15 credits per semester)
| Expenses Breakdown | Fall | Spring | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees (Non-Resident): | $4,658.99 | $4,658.99 | $9,317.98 |
| International Student Fees: | $170 | $170 | $340 |
| Living Expenses: (Double Room in Wunsch Hall + 19 meal plan) | $4,640.47 | $4,640.47 | $9,280.94 |
| Housing Deposit: (Refunded at end of spring term) | $200 | - | $200 |
| Books, Supplies and Health Insurance (Pro-rated for the start and end of the semester and can vary.): | $1,350 | $1,350 | $2700 |
| Total (This is an estimated cost and may vary from student to student.): | $22,500 (Estimate) | ||
Students must show proof of $22,500 USD on their I-20 to cover the expenses listed in the table above.
LewerMark Insurance—All international students will be enrolled in the LewerMark policy through Otero College and will received their insurance cards upon their arrival. The cost of insurance will be added to the students Otero account.
Scholarship Options
Franzman Family Rizzuto International Scholarship
This scholarship is offered by Seth and Barbara Franzman for the benefit of a deserving second-year (sophomore) international student to assist with funds necessary to continue their education at Otero College, and to promote a positive international culture in the College community. Although high academic achievement is important, the recipient’s motivation, dedication, potential for academic success and financial need will be used as determining factors. The International student who is selected will need to write a Thank You letter to the Franzman family.
International Academic/Leadership Scholarship*
Current Otero international students who have received the distinction of being on the President’s List, have demonstrated leadership and have been active in community service can apply for this scholarship award of $500 toward the following semester at Otero.
International Ambassador Scholarship
Open to all students including deferred action. The goal of this scholarship is to encourage and reward those that represent the International Relations program and the International Community at Otero College. Recipients are required to participate in an outreach activity (i.e. Lunch N Learns, Friends of the Library events, online recruiting or other activities as presented by the International Relations staff.
Live and Learn Scholarship
A $1000 per semester tuition scholarship to students who select to live in Otero on-campus housing and participate in Student Life activities and events.
Searchable Financial Aid Databases for International Students
The links below are to public scholarship databases on the internet geared toward use by Americans wanting to study abroad and international students wanting to study in the United States. Please look closely at the criteria to find those that might best suit you.
Arrival Transportation
Airport Runs
Airport Runs at the end of semester in the fall will be the day after the last day of finals and in the spring the day after graduation.
The bus or van will leave Otero at 6:00 am arriving at Denver International Airport between 9:30 and 10:00 am. Please keep this in mind and book your flight to leave after 12 noon. If you have to book a flight that leaves earlier, book it for the day after the airport run and stay over in Denver so that you can make your flight.
Alternate Arrival Transportation
If you are unable to get a flight that arrives at the scheduled Otero International Pick-up/Drop-off times, you will need to find another means of getting to La Junta. Here are some options that you might want to consider. La Junta has an AMTRAK station and so it is possible to fly into a number of airports and then take the AMTRAK to Otero College. Airports that are near AMTRAK stations include:
- Albuquerque Sunport Airport
- Kansas City International Airport
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport
- Los Angeles International Airport
To find ticket prices for arriving by train check AMTRAK.
In addition, there is a Greyhound Bus line that runs from Denver International Airport to La Junta. Please note that there are limited public transportation systems in La Junta and you will need to coordinate with the International Relations Office, a coach, or friend for pick up from the AMTRAK station or Greyhound bus station.
Maintain Your Status
It is very important for international students to stay in legal immigration status at all times. The International Relations Office is here to assist and advise you, but it is the responsibility of the student to maintain your status.
Always make sure your I-20 is valid and accurate. Your I-20 has an expiration date, which can be found in item 5 on page 1. If your I-20 is going to expire before you finish your program, you will need to request an extension via the International Relations Office at least 30 days before the expiration date. In addition, you must request a new I-20 from if you will change source of funding or number of F-2 dependents. All requests should be made to the International Relations Office.
Be sure you have a valid signature from the International Relations Office on your I-20 prior to traveling outside the U.S. Travel signatures are valid for one year (exception: travel signatures are valid for only six months while you are on OPT). Please request your travel signatures at least three weeks before you intend to depart La Junta.
If you decide to transfer to another school in the U.S., you will need to request a transfer of your SEVIS record before beginning studies at your new school. Click here for more information about transferring to another institution.
Note: It is your responsibility to keep all of your I-20s from each of the schools you attend in the U.S. You should not throw any of your I-20s away. Otero will not keep copies of your I-20s from other schools. If you have misplaced I-20s from other schools, you may consider contacting their international offices in order to obtain copies of your I-20s. If you lose or severely damage your current I-20 from Otero, you may request a new I-20 through the International Relations Office.
- In order to maintain status, F-1 students must be enrolled full-time for each fall and spring semester. Enrollment in summer sessions is not required, unless a student begins study at Otero in the summer. For all undergraduates this means enrolling in at least 12 credit hours each fall and spring.
- Exceptions: There are some exceptions to full-time enrollment that are designed to assist students, but all exceptions need to be authorized by the International Relations Office before you drop below full-time.
- Examples of exceptions:
- a student in his final semester of coursework who does not need a full load in order to complete degree requirements;
- a first-semester student who is advised by an academic advisor to take less than a full load of courses due to language difficulties or unfamiliarity with U.S. teaching methods;
- a student who must drop a class because they were placed in an incorrect level;
- a student who is advised by a doctor to under-enroll due to a severe medical condition.
- Dropping below full-time without authorization from the International Relations Office is a violation of your F-1 status! If you are thinking about dropping below full-time, call the International Relations Office at 384-6805 and set up an appointment to talk about your options before you drop.
Be aware of the grace periods associated with your status. For F-1 Students:
- You have a 60-day grace period following the completion of your degree program and following the completion of your Optional Practical Training (if applicable).
- If you are dismissed from Otero College, you have a 21-day grace period beginning the day you are dismissed. (This date is found on the letter that you receive from the College regarding your dismissal.) During this time you must either apply for a change of immigration status, transfer to a different school, or depart the U.S.
- If you receive authorization from the International Relations Office to withdraw from all classes, you have a 15-day grace period during which you must depart the U.S.
- If you withdraw from all classes without first receiving authorization from the International Relations Office, you have no grace period and must depart the U.S. immediately.
All international students must have permission either from the International Relations Office or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services before they begin working. Click here for more detailed information about your employment options.
- F-1 students are automatically authorized to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week total while school is in session by the USCIS. During vacation periods (spring, summer, and winter breaks), they may work full-time on campus. Please read the Otero International Student Hourly Employment Policy for details about working on-campus at Otero if funding exists.
- To work off-campus, you must apply for and receive authorization before beginning to work.
- Keep in mind that tutoring, internships, accompanying for a recital, and working for your professor a few hours a week are all considered employment and require authorization in most cases!
- F-2 dependents may not work.
Providing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with an update of your new address in the U.S. every time you move is required by law (see citation below). Each time you move, within ten (10) days of moving (even within La Junta!), you are required to update the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) with your new address. As an international student, your change of address must be submitted to the International Relations Office, who must update your address in SEVIS. You should also update your address via MyOtero.
As an F-1 student, this is a fairly easy process. Submit your change of information to the International Programs Office online and we will then submit your address change to USCIS through SEVIS or you can complete the AR-11 and submit it to the International Relations Office.
While you are on OPT (Optional Practical Training), you are still required to update your address within ten (10) days of moving, each time you move.
Important Documents
Know what types of documents that you need to have completed or in your possession as you prepare to come to the United States to study. Review the following list carefully and seek assistance with any that you may not have completed or have not yet obtained.
It is your most important piece of identification, and you need to keep it valid (6 months beyond your projected date of departure from the U.S.) You cannot renew your visa unless your passport is current, nor can you leave the U.S. without a valid passport.
A visa represents permission from the State Department for the bearer to enter the United States in a particular category. In the past, visas were rubber-stamped on the passport page with multi-colored ink. The transition is nearly complete, however, to a machine-readable, label-type of visa, with a photograph of the bearer.
Many people use the term “visa” to describe certificates of eligibility or some of the other documents issued in connection with one’s nonimmigrant stay in the United States, but the word is in fact only used correctly when referring to the State Department document in the passport.
Certificate of eligibility for non-immigrant F-1 Student Status. This form is issued to you to attend Otero Junior. Having accepted the I-20, you are required by immigration to attend Otero for at least one semester before transferring. Whenever you travel outside the U.S. you must carry an up-to-date I-20 endorsed by the Director of International Relations or Vice President of Student Services. You must also check visa requirements of those countries through which you will travel.
You should keep pages 1-3 of your I-20 at all times. It serves as a record of all transactions about your status.
Certificate of eligibility for non-immigrant J-1 Exchange Visitors. This document certifies that the person has been accepted under the Exchange Visitor Program, which is approved by the USIA in Washington, D.C. Under this program, students, researchers and professors come to the United States on a temporary basis for the purpose of educational exchange. The terms of the appointment and the financial support of the program are indicated of the DS-2019. Uses of the DS-2019 correspond to those of an I-20 form. The program sponsor endorses the DS-2019 for overseas travel. Please visit the Office of International Programs before departure for authorization to travel outside of the U.S.
At some land based crossings, you may be issued a traditional I-94 card that in the past the Customs & Border Protection inspector would staple into your passport, However, most of you will need to retrieve your I-94 (Admission/Departure Record online at the U.S. Customs & Border Protection website. This records your entry and exit into the U.S., port of entry, date, status and length of stay.
Defined as the period during which a student pursues a full course of study in any educational program and any period of practical training plus 60 days to depart from the United States.
Application for Employment Authorization Document (EAD.) For F-1 students, this form is used to request optional practical training; off-campus employment under the sponsorship of a qualifying international organization; or off-campus employment due to severe economic hardship. This is also the form the J-2 dependent must file to request work permission.
A laminated card with photo issued to some non-immigrants by USCIS indicating how long work is authorized. Do not begin work off-campus without this card.
Travel Out of Country
Students often take advantage of the breaks between semesters to do some traveling while they attend Otero. If your plans include traveling out of the country or within the country, there are some important documents you will need to have. Review the follow list carefully to ensure that your travel plans are not spoiled by missing documents.
All F-1 students must have a valid travel signature from the Director of International Relations or Vice President of Student Services on page 2 of their I-20 in order to re-enter the United States. Travel signatures are valid for one calendar year, or until the completion of your program, whichever comes first. If you need a new signature, please request one at least two weeks before you plan to travel.
Note: You need a signature even if you are just traveling across the border into Canada or Mexico.
You will need to receive a new I-20 from the International Relations Office if there have been any changes in your situation—for example, in your or source(s) of financial support—that are not indicated on your current I-20. In all cases, updated financial documentation will be required to process your new I-20.
Check your completion date in section 5 of your I-20 to see whether it is about to expire. If it is and you have not yet completed your program you will need to apply for an extension through the International Relations Office.
Is the U.S. visa stamp in your passport valid beyond the date you plan to reenter the United States? If not, you must apply for a new visa while you are abroad. We strongly advise you to carry the following documents with you when applying for a new visa at a U.S. Consulate:
- Official Transcript issued by Otero College.
- Certificate of Enrollment issued by the International Relations Office.
- Valid I-20 issued and signed by the Director of International Relations.
- Current financial documentation: documents indicating the source(s) and amount(s) of financial support for your study in the current academic year. This must match the information listed on your I-20.
As U.S. Consulates will not be open on certain days during the Christmas–New Year’s holiday period, there may be difficult time constraints on obtaining a new visa during winter break.
Note: If you intend to apply for a new U.S. Visa in Canada or Mexico and are not a resident of either country, please contact the Director of International Relations to discuss this possibility. If you need to apply for a new U.S. Visa, visit the Department of State’s U.S. Embassies and Consulates section for an updated list.
If you are traveling to a country other than your home country, you may need a visitor’s or transit visa. To find out, visit that country’s embassy website at Foreign Embassies of Washington, D.C. and search for the Consular Section nearest you. If you are traveling to the E.U. and your home country is not within the E.U., you may apply for the Schengen Visa, which permits travel within E.U. countries.
If you plan to travel to Canada or anywhere else outside of the U.S. during the grace period following completion of your degree requirements, the International Relations Office will not be able to sign your I-20 for travel. If you travel outside of the U.S., you will not be able to re-enter the U.S. as an F-1 student at Otero College.
At the present, USCIS processing of applications for Optional Practical Training takes at least 3–4 months. You will need to plan your travel accordingly. Once you receive your EAD, you may travel outside of the U.S. but be sure to travel with your signed I-20, job offer letter and your EAD. The OPT recommendation on page 2 of your I-20 validates the travel signature for six (6) months. We strongly advise that you consult with the Director of International Relations regarding travel while on OPT prior to making plans to travel outside the U.S. updated list.
Work Authorization for F-1 Students
Curricular Practical Training
Curricular Practical Training, or CPT, is work authorization that allows F-1 students to gain practical work experience in their field of study prior to the completion of their academic programs. To be eligible for CPT, you must have completed one academic year in the United States. The following information provides guidelines to securing this authorization.
Practical training may be authorized to an F-1 student who has been lawfully enrolled on a full time basis, in a service-approved college, university, conservatory, or seminary for one full academic year.
Curricular Practical Training is authorized by the International Relations Office in accordance with 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i) and structured office policies that have been developed with this regulatory backing.
Please Note: Working off-campus without confirmation of authorization is never lawful for students in F-1 status. You must have authorization from the International Relations Office before you start working.
To be eligible for CPT authorization, you must:
- Have been a full-time student for at least one full academic year
- Be in F-1 status
- Work with your academic advisor (see additional information below)
- Have letter from your employer that meets requirements listed below.
- In addition the employment must be in your major field of study and affiliated with a program or course in line with one of the qualified opportunities below.
To receive CPT authorization, you will be required to register for an appropriate course which covers the duration of the employment that you seek. What course you are required to register for depends on what CPT option you will pursue.
There are two ways in which F-1 students can apply for and receive CPT authorization.
- The work fulfills an optional or required internship or practicum in your academic program (registration in an internship or practicum course required);
- The work fulfills the course requirements of a standard course or independent study course in your academic program (registration in the standard course or independent study course required);
CPT authorization is granted on a semester-by-semester basis only. If you wish to continue your employment beyond the semester for which you’ve been authorized, you must follow the entire application process again, including the appropriate course registration for the option that you choose. It’s best to do this as soon as you register for the next semester so that our office will have the time to process your application.
- Print and complete the Application for Curricular Practical Training.
- Communicate with a qualified academic adviser. In order to be authorized for work authorization, an academic adviser from within your department must certify that you will register in an appropriate course/independent study, internship credit(s), or dissertation credit(s). Your academic adviser will be able to provide guidance for you as to the suitability of certain options available for registration that will qualify for CPT. If your advisor has questions, please have them contact the International Relations Office for assistance. Additionally, the Office of International Relations Office must have a signed CPT Application form with the Adviser’s recommendation and statement verifying the connection of registration in CPT-qualified credits to the work that will be done.
- Get a job offer letter.
- You must provide the International Relations Office with an offer letter from your prospective employer. This letter should be on company letterhead. The letter will need to state the following:
- The specific start date and specific end date for employment.
- The number of hours that will be worked per week.
- The physical location where the job will be conducted (an address listing street, city, state and ZIP code). P.O. Boxes are not accepted for this requirement.
- A description, as detailed as possible, of the job duties entailed in your work.
- Register for the appropriate course. Registration in appropriate credits is always required for terms in which you wish to have CPT authorization.
- Submit your job offer letter, completed CPT application form with Adviser Recommendation to the International Relations Office.
At this time we will need to see your I-20, your most recent I-94 record and your passport. Your complete application for CPT must be submitted to the International Relations Office at least two weeks before the employment is expected to begin. Please apply earlier when the college will be closed for the winter break or at the beginning and end of a semester, as those are particularly busy times in the office. Failure to do so can result in delays in processing, during which time you are not eligible to begin work.
Of Special Note When Applying for CPT:
If you have found an internship or other work opportunity which is unpaid, the International Relations Office strongly recommends that you apply for CPT authorization prior to beginning that volunteer opportunity. On the chance that you would be offered compensation for your experience, you would only be able to accept it if you have CPT authorization. Apply for authorization before you begin working to ensure that you won’t run into problems.
Note: Working off-campus without authorization is a violation of status that will require termination of your SEVIS record!
Part Time versus Full Time CPT
Part-time CPT is for work up to 20 hours per week.
Full-time CPT is for work at or above 21 hours per week.
If you plan to work with part-time CPT authorization, you must enroll as a full-time student for the duration of the CPT. If you plan to work with full-time CPT authorization, your enrollment in CPT-qualified credits will be considered full-time.
If you hold a student hourly position on-campus and you wish to accept additional employment, please keep in mind that you are only eligible for a total of 20 hours/week for all jobs. If you wish to work more than 20 hours/week for all jobs combined, you must apply for CPT authorization for all jobs.
F-1 students can use an unlimited amount of part-time Curricular Practical Training and still get 12 months of Optional Practical Training following completion of studies. However, if a student uses more than 12 months of full-time Curricular Practical Training, s/he will no longer be eligible for Optional Practical Training.
Tax Issues Social Security (FICA) should not be withheld from the wages of an F-1 student on CPT if the student is classified as a non-resident for tax purposes. Earnings are, however, still subject to federal, state, and local taxes. Look at IRS publication 519 (www.irs.gov) pages 5 and 42 for more information.
CPT authorization results in a new page 3 of your I-20. Please staple this new page 3 to your current Continued Attendance I-20. This page will have a travel signature that will be valid for entry into the U.S. for one year.
The International Relations Office, in an effort to provide students with correct and pertinent information, would like to share some of our policy statements regarding the CPT authorization.
- You may not use incompletes for CPT authorization.
- You may receive CPT for no more than two terms of a particular independent study. Registration in both terms is required. Further independent study work will be required to have a different course number and different academic requirements.
- The International Relations Office enforces an enrollment policy for CPT that requires employment to correlate directly to academics. Enrollment in each semester (pursuant to the CPT option chosen) is mandatory.
Please note: Withdrawing from or dropping credits that are tied to CPT work authorization immediately cancels the CPT authorization. Work done without this authorization is illegal and a violation of status.
Optional Practical Training
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is employment authorization which allows F-1 students to apply knowledge gained in the classroom to a practical work experience. Students may be approved for to up to 12 months of optional practical training per educational level. Optional Practical Training requires authorization from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which typically takes 2-3 months to obtain. We recommend that students apply 3-4 months before they wish to begin employment.
- Eligibility Requirements
- To be eligible for optional practical training, you must:
- have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for one full academic year,
- currently be maintaining a full-time program of study and valid F-1 status, and
- intend to work in a job directly related to your major field of study.
- To be eligible for optional practical training, you must:
A job offer is not required to be eligible for or to apply for OPT, but the student is expected to work or to be actively seeking employment after the OPT approval card (EAD) is issued. Student must report all changes to employment status and employer information to Otero College within 10 days of the change. Students on OPT cannot be without employment for more than a total of 90 days from the start date of their OPT to the end date of their OPT and positions must be related to the field of study that a student has been engaged in and commensurate with your degree level.
Community Outreach
Become a part of Otero’s community engagement programs. By participating in these programs you can bring about opportunities for the international student population to learn about our community and share their cultural perspectives and customs with others. Learn more about what programs are available and how you can participate.
Lunch & Learn Series
Lunch and Learn programs are hosted by the IRO and Learning Commons to promote understanding and introduce our community to different destinations across the globe. Each month we highlight one of the global cultures at Otero with a presentation in the Learning Commons during the lunch hour and the audience is welcomed and encouraged to bring their lunch with them. Presentations start at 12:15 pm and run until about 12:50 pm (occasionally they do go over) and are free and open to everyone.
No lunch is served as a part of the program, but the Venom Pit Coffee Shop is generally open for those who want to purchase a snack.
For more information, please contact us at otero-international@otero.edu or (719) 384-6805.
Friendly Family Program
The Friendly Family program matches Otero international students with American families in the La Junta and surrounding community to promote intercultural understanding. Participating families and students are asked to commit to a minimum of one interaction per month, which typically includes things like participating in a family meal, game night, birthday or holiday celebration, attending an athletic event to support a family member and other common family activities.
If you are interested in being a part of the Friendly Family program please call us at (719) 384-6805 or email us at otero-international@otero.edu or download and submit the PDF Information Letter and the Friendly Family Application.
Home for the Holidays Program
Some of the international students studying at Otero have the ability to travel the US or return home for Thanksgiving, Christmas or Spring Breaks. If your family is open to sharing their home with an international student during this time, please reach out to us at otero-international@otero.edu or (719) 384-6805 or download and submit the PDF Information Letter and Home for the Holidays Application.
Bethany Bender
International Relations Coordinator & PDSO
(719) 384-6805
otero-international@otero.edu
Humanities Center 106
Jaime Mendoza
International Students Coordinator
(719) 384-6845
otero-international@otero.edu
Humanities Center 106