Working in the United States
As an F-1 International student, never work in the United States unless you have current authorization from an International Student Counselor or the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services). You must either have a signature from our office on page 2 of your I-20 or an employment authorization card (EAD) from the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services). Even 1 day of work without authorization is a serious violation of U.S. law.

ON-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT On-campus work only requires a signature from the International Student Counselor, but you must maintain your full-time student status to be authorized. On-campus work is limited to 20 hours or less per week.

OFF-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT - Three most common types are:

Optional Practical Training (OPT)
In general, OPT allows an international student who has been enrolled in college for one full academic year to work in a position that is directly related to their area of study. Student may work full-time in the summer or after graduation for a cumulative maximum of 12 months, or they may work part-time during the main semester. Part-time OPT is deducted from the 12 months at 50%.

Students interested in OPT should contact their international advisor for instructions on how to apply. Student's MUST receive authorization from the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services) prior to employment.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
In general, CPT allows an international student who has been enrolled in college for one full academic year to work part-time or full-time. The position must be directly related to their area of study and be required as an integral part of their curriculum.

Students interested in CPT should contact their international advisor for approval of the employer, location, and duration of employment. Student's MUST receive authorization from their advisor prior to employment.

Severe Economic Hardship
In general, this provision allows an international student who has been enrolled in college for one full academic year and is in good standing to work part-time (full-time is allowed during semester breaks). The student must be able to prove that employment is necessary due to severe economic hardship caused by circumstances beyond the student's control that arose after obtaining F-1 status.

Students interested in this option should contact their international advisor for instructions on how to apply. Student's MUST receive authorization from the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services) prior to employment.