Employment

An F-1 visa allows students to work twenty (20) hours/week during a semester, and students are allowed to work full time during semester breaks and holidays. To work on campus, please find the “Employment Page” under our Resources tab.

Note: Off-Campus employment other than CPT and OPT is generally prohibited. If you are having severe economic hardship, please discuss with the International Services staff for options.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is authorized off-campus employment which is integral to your major and the experience must be part of your curriculum. CPT is a type of internship or off-campus employment permission for F-1 international students who are currently pursuing a program of study in the U.S. It allows students to gain experience in their field of study and is directly connected to the program’s curriculum.  CPT is only available prior to the completion of your degree program. You must have a job offer at the time of your CPT application. CPT employment may not delay completion of your academic program. You are only permitted to have part-time employment during school (under 20 hours total per week) and full-time would only be available during summer break.

For more information, please read our Employment page.

OPT is an opportunity to gain work experience to complement your academic program. All F-1 students are eligible for one year (12 months) of practical training for each degree level obtained.

• The Department of Homeland Security must receive your application for Optional Practical Training no later than the 60th day following your graduation date, or they will not authorize your practical training.
• Please plan ahead. The application process at the DHS usually takes a minimum of ninety (90) days, so we suggest applying at your earliest eligibility.
• You must review our Employment page for full details.

STEM Extension

In addition, students who major in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields may be eligible for twenty-four (24) additional months of Optional Practical Training (36 months total) if their employer participates in the E-verify employment verification program.