The Office of International Student Services
Employment and Curricular Training
A Summary of Visas and Employment Eligibility
Employment Information for Students with F-1 Visas
F-1 students may only work in the United States under certain conditions. The Office of International Student Services must authorize all off-campus employment. Do not apply for off-campus employment without contacting International Student Services. All on-campus and off-campus employment requires a social security number.
On-Campus Employment
An F-1 student may accept employment at the institution he/she is authorized to attend. Students must be enrolled full time and may begin work immediately without approval from Immigration. On-campus employment means work performed on the school’s premises or work at an off-campus location which is educationally affiliated with the school.
J-1 students are eligible to work part-time on campus during their studies. J-1 students may also work off-campus if the work is part of a scholarship or assistantship or in cases of serious, unforeseen economic circumstances.
On-campus work is limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session and may be full time during vacation periods for students who intend to register for the subsequent academic term. On-campus employment is not permitted after completion of a course of study.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Students may work off campus in conjunction with academic coursework, such as a co-op, internship, or fieldwork course which is related to the student's program of study. While this course does not have to be required for graduation, the credits from the course must be applicable towards graduation. Status as a student for one academic year is required to qualify for Curricular Practical Training. A specific job offer is also required. Employment may be part time (less than 20 hrs per week) or full time; however, more than six months of full-time CPT will be applied against the one year of Optional Practical Training available to students when they complete their studies.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) Download the OPT Checklist (Form I-765)
Students may engage in off-campus employment through Optional Practical Training for one year, full-time, after completion of studies in a job related to their major. Full- or part-time employment is also possible during the program of study; however, this time will be counted against OPT after completion of the academic program. No specific job offer is required for OPT. A work permit (EAD) issued by USCIS is required for OPT. Students can apply for OPT up to 90 days before the program end date OR up to 60 days after the program end date.
Students must find employment within 90 days to keep their status. They must provide employer information to International Student Services. Employment must be at least 20 hours/ week. Volunteer work can be considered as employment.
17 Month OPT Extension for Recent STEM Graduates
Employment authorized because of severe economic hardship
F-1 students who have an unexpected loss of funding may apply for off-campus temporary work authorization. This can be part-time during the school year and full time during the summer. A student must have had F-1 status for one year to qualify. Strong documentation of the circumstances is required. A work permit (EAD) issued by USCIS is required for employment due to severe economic hardship.
The employment authorization is only valid if the student continues to maintain full time status at the institution which has recommended the authorization; if the student leaves the school or transfers, the authorization is voided.
Employment sponsored by international organizations
F-1 students can request permission to work at international organizations such as the World Bank, the United Nations, or the International Monetary Fund.
J-1 Academic Training
Employment related to a J1 student’s studies is called academic training. J1 students may be authorized to participate in academic training programs during and after their studies as long as the following eligibility criteria is met:
The student must be in good academic standing at the school named on Form DS-2019.
The proposed employment must be directly related to the student’s major field of study.
Throughout Academic Training, the student must maintain permission to stay in the United States, in J-1 student status, and apply for extensions as necessary.
The student must maintain health insurance coverage throughout the Academic Training.
Academic Training following completion of a program of study must involve paid employment. The student must obtain a written offer of appropriate employment and apply for Academic Training before the ending date of his/her program. If a student plans to leave the United States after completion of the program of study and re-enter the country for J-1 Academic Training, the student must obtain employment authorization before leaving.
J1 students are limited to a total of 18 months of academic training or the period of time spent as a student (whichever is shorter). Students in postdoctoral research positions may be eligible for a total of 36 months of academic training.
A university cannot employ J exchange visitors for a tenure track position.
J-2 Employment
If the J-1 visitor is in status and pursuing the objective for which he was admitted, J-2 dependents may be authorized for employment as long as, the income from such employment must be used solely for the benefit of the dependent(s). The earnings may be used for such activities as recreation, cultural enrichment, travel, education, or any other purpose NOT related to the needs of the principal J-1 visitor. Employment will not be authorized by USCIS if this income is needed to support the J-1 visitor. [8 CFR 214.2].
Employment can be authorized for the period up to the expiration date of the J-1's DS-2019, or one year, whichever is less.
