International Student Employment Opportunities On-campus Employment Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Optional Practical Training (OPT)
The Most Common Way to Go Out of Status Accept Unauthorized Employment DON’T DO IT!!!! Students are caught more often than you think
On-campus Employment F-1 students can work on-campus without authorization J-1 students need authorization – Contact ISFO How much can I work? Part-time: 20 hours during the semesters Only available to students maintaining good status (academically and with immigration)
Curricular Practical Training Available only to F-1 who have been enrolled full-time for two semesters before applying (Fall and Spring) This applies to any required and/or optional internship, practicum, clinical, volunteer, etc… Anything off campus and it does not matter if it is paid or unpaid! Must have authorization in advance from ISFO
Curricular Practical Training Part-time (20 hours/week) only during Fall and Spring semesters Full-time available only during breaks and Summer Can combine on and off campus work but cannot go over the hours/week work limits
Applying for CPT Job offer letter from employer on employer letterhead: address where you will work dates of intended employment duties CPT application signature at bottom from academic advisor approving intended employment as appropriate part of your academic program, directly related to your field of study Must be registered for related course credit Only issued by semester, so you must reapply each semester.
Pay Attention To Your Dates! Do not ever work before the start date on your CPT I-20! Do not ever work after the end date on your CPT I-20! After you complete your academic program, CPT is no longer available.
J-1 Students: Academic Training Available to J-1 students 18 months total (before and after completion) Authorization from Responsible Officer of your J-1 program Must have a written job offer Letter from academic advisor
Optional Practical Training OPT is a one-year work experience to use after your program completion You will have to enroll in a mandatory workshop in the semester of program completion By attending the workshop, you will have all the information to apply for OPT.
Ever have questions about work ASK ISFO not your friends!!