International Information

Employment

There are several employment options available to students in F-1 Status. The first of these options is part time on-campus employment. With rare exceptions, off-campus employment options are limited to Optional Practical Training and Curricular Practical Training. Before accepting any job offers, please be sure to check that you are indeed authorized to accept the position. One of the most serious violations of F-1 status, according to the USCIS, is unauthorized employment.

Be aware that all employment will require a social security number and will also require you to file an annual tax return. In addition, employers are required to verify and keep on file documentation for all their employees, citizens, permanent residents and non-citizens that the employee is eligible to work in the United States.

ON-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT

On-campus employment must be performed on the school's premises. This can be student employment in one of the school's offices, work in the library or bookstore etc. The work must be for an office, department or college affiliated employer which provides services to students. In other words, working construction for a contractor on campus would not qualify, even if the jobsite is on-campus.

On-campus employment for F-1 students is limited to 20 hours a week or fewer during semesters when class is in session. Students may work full time during semester breaks and summer vacation.

On campus employment may commence as soon as the student is in F-1 status, but only within 30 days before the start of classes.


OFF CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT

Off campus employment requires special authorization from the DSO and in the case of OPT from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). There are three options for off campus authorized employment. The two most common options are Curricular Practical Training and Optional Practical Training. A third option is an internship with an international organization recognized under the International Organization Immunities Act.


CPT – Curricular Practical Training
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is legal employment authorization available to F-1 Students while they are still enrolled full-time. It consists a work/study program, internship, cooperative education or practicum which is an integral part of the degree program in which the student is enrolled either as a course requirement for graduation or as a program for which academic credit is awarded.

OPT – Optional Practical Training
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is legal F-1 status employment authorization, which enables a student to gain a maximum of 12 months of professional work experience in the field of study after completion of degree requirements. OPT must be recommended by the Designated School Official (DSO) and authorized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) before the student begins to work.