Current F-1 regulations allow international students to accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. F-1 students working on campus can work up to 20 hours a week while in classes and up to 40 hours a week during their breaks with the approval of their supervisor and the office of international student services. Official break dates are based on the University Academic Calendar.

F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year (student is registered full time for three consecutive quarters), but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment:

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
• Optional Practical Training (OPT) (pre-completion or post-completion)
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT)

Summer break is only for students who started classes during Fall quarter. Students who transferred in and/or came in for the first time during Winter/Spring quarters must be registered during summer and are only allowed to work 20hrs/week during the summer quarter.

How to find a job on campus?
If you would like to work on our campus, the Office of Human Resources will help you find a job and will assist you in getting a Social Security number. Their office is located inside the Administration Building Room 220. International student (F-1) will not need a social security number to apply BUT will be issued a social security number (once approved by Human Resources and Social Security Office) in order to start working. The following steps will walk you through applying for a job:

1. Find Employment Opportunities
2. Submit an application & resume (if applicable)
3. Once you have been offered a job, submit contract to Human Resources.
4. Receive instructions from Human Resources to issue social security number.
5. Visit Social Security Office. More information about Social Security Administration - International Students and SS #s.
6. Once approved, return to Human Resources for further instructions. DO NOT WORK UNTIL HUMAN RESOURCES HAVE APPROVED YOU TO START WORKING.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
 

What is CPT?

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a work authorization granted to students in F-1 visa status. It is designed to enable students to apply knowledge and practice skills gained in their academic program and it is most often used for internships or practicum. Employment may be paid or unpaid and may take place anywhere in the US.

What are the eligibility requirements?

In order to be eligible to apply for permission to work in an internship or as part of a directed research project that is a required part of your program of study you must:

1. Be maintaining lawful F-1 status
2. Have been a full-time student for at least one academic year (3 quarters/9 months)
3. Have an offer of employment in your academic field of study

How many hours can I work during CPT?

CPT employees can work up to 20 hours or less per week while you are enrolled (full-time). Hours counted towards the required 20 hours will involve employment on and off campus. You must be careful to limit your work to no more than 20 hours per week. Participation in part-time CPT does not affect your eligibility for optional practical training. Full-time of 21 hours or more per week is available during Summer/Academic break.

What are some of my restrictions or limits?

1. English Language Students (ESL) are not eligible for curricular practical training.
2. If you engage in CPT during the academic year, you must maintain your full-time F-1 status.
3. CPT authorization will only be given for one quarter at a time.
4. You may not mix or combine any two or more categories of employment that exceeds 20 hours per week, unless you have full time CPT. For example, you may not work on-campus for 20 hours per week, and have part-time CPT concurrent.
5. You may NOT start working until you have received your SEVIS 1-20 from OISS with authorization to engage in CPT.

What documents are required?

1. Academic Adviser Recommendation for CPT
2. Letter of Employment/Internship (needs to include job title, exact dates of employment, detailed description of job duties, number of work hours per week, and employer’s physical address.) The letter should be an original (no photocopies) on letterhead, and have your employer’s signature.

Resources for CPT

CPT Information for Academic Advisors

CPT Information for Employers

Applying for CPT