Working On-Campus
F-1 students may be employed on-campus part-time (20 hours or less per week) during the fall and spring semesters and full-time during the summer and other official school breaks. You must maintain full-time enrollment each consecutive semester to remain eligible for this benefit.
Working Off-Campus
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT is available to F-1 students who have had F-1 Student Status for 9 consecutive months at a U.S. university but have not yet completed the minimum requirements for graduation. CPT allows international students to be paid for work experience off-campus (e.g. an internship) if it is integral to the student's established curriculum and done for credit. Students must provide CPT paperwork signed by their faculty advisor or major department chairperson, and the employer who hires them. International students must not begin work until the appropriate forms have been completed and they have received an I-20 with authorization for employment printed on page 3. Contact Jo Cooper, International Student Advisor, for more information and to receive the forms.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT is temporary employment for practical training that is “directly related to the student’s area of study and commensurate with the student’s educational level." F-1 students may participate for up to 12 months of OPT, pre or post-completion, but usually post graduation. There are eligibility requirements, and an application to the USCIS is required. Contact Jo Cooper, International Student Advisor, for more information and to receive the forms.
