F-1 Student Employment Options

F-1 STUDENT EMPLOYMENT OPTIONS

On-Campus Employment

F-1 students may engage in employment on the campus they are authorized to attend (indicated in Section 2 of the I-20 Form) for a maximum of 20 hours per week during normal enrollment periods and up to 40 hours per week during the summer or other officially recognized school break.

No special authorization from the U.S. Immigration & Naturalization Service (INS) is necessary in order to engage in on-campus employment. In addition, there is no minimum requirement for time accumulated in F-1 status.

For all other types of employment (i.e., Curricular Practical Training, Optional Practical Training, and Work Permission Due to Economic Hardship), however, students must have accumulated at least nine (9) consecutive months in legal F-1 status in order to be eligible.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Prior to completion of studies, an F-1 student may engage in employment (on-campus or off-campus) that is directly related to his/her major field of study via Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

CPT can be divided into two categories:

(1) an internship/practicum which is a required part of the program curriculum
(2) a training program which is not required, but which is integral to one's program of study and for which academic credit is received. Employment may be part-time (20 hours per week or less) or full-time (more than 20 hours per week). It is important to note, however, that F-1 students who engage in full-time CPT for 12 months or more will forfeit their period of Optional Practical Training following completion of studies.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

An F-1 student may be authorized to engage in employment (on-campus or off-campus) that is directly related to his/her major field of study via Optional Practical Training (OPT).

OPT can be divided into four categories:

(1) part-time or full-time during the student's annual vacation period and at other times when school is not in session, if the student is currently enrolled and eligible and intends to register for the next term
(2) while school is in session, provided the employment does not exceed 20 hours per week
(3) full-time after completion of all course requirements for degree (excluding thesis or the equivalent)
(4) full-time after completion of the entire course of study. The maximum amount of time an F-1 student may engage in OPT is 12 months. It is important to note, however, that F-1 students who have engaged in full-time CPT (see "Curricular Practical Training" above) for 12 months or more are ineligible for OPT.

Work Authorization Due to Economic Hardship

If other employment opportunities are not available or are otherwise insufficient, F-1 students may apply for off-campus work authorization based upon unforeseen economic hardship caused by circumstances beyond their control (e.g., loss of a scholarship or financial aid due to no fault of the student; substantial fluctuations in the value of currency or exchange rates; unexpected medical expenses; etc.). Thorough documentation concerning the conditions which necessitate such employment is required.

Work Authorization Under the Sponsorship of an International Organization

An infrequently used opportunity available to F-1 students is employment under the sponsorship of an international organization. F-1 students may be eligible for this type of work authorization if they have been offered employment by an international organization as defined by the International Organization Immunities Act [19 CFR148.87].

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