F-1 Employment
On-Campus Employment
Working on campus is a great way for F-1 students to earn some spending money while gaining valuable work experience. There are, however, more students interested in working on campus than there are available positions. The best advice is to prepare your résumé and apply early in the academic year.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of employment authorization available to eligible F-1 students when the training is an integral part of their academic program. CPT allows students to gain practical experience directly related to their field of study while completing their degree.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a temporary work authorization that allows F-1 students to gain practical experience in their field of study. Students can apply for OPT before completing their academic program (Pre-completion OPT) or after graduation (Post-completion OPT). OPT provides up to 12 months of employment authorization and is designed to enhance academic learning with real-world experience.
STEM OPT Extension (24-Month)
The 24-month STEM OPT Extension allows eligible F-1 students who have completed a degree in a qualifying DHS STEM Designated field to apply for additional work authorization beyond the initial 12-month post-completion OPT.
Economic Hardship Work Permit
Although rare, F-1 international students may apply for off-campus employment due to severe economic hardship. This type of off-campus employment is only available to F-1 students who have completed at least one full academic year of their program of study, and who have an economic hardship that qualifies for the Department of Homeland Security’s emergent circumstances.