Working While in School

Table of Contents

WORKING AS A STUDENT

Can I work on campus?

Yes. Both F-1 and J-1 students are permitted to work on campus, but the authorization process differs between visa types. Many international students start with on-campus jobs, which are the easiest type of employment to obtain. These positions can help you earn extra money, gain work experience, and get involved in campus life. 

F-1 students

  • May begin on-campus work starting in their first semester

  • No separate SEVIS approval or work permit is required

  • Inform your DSO so they can help ensure your employment is properly documented

J-1 students

  • Must obtain written authorization from your Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) before beginning work

  • If you are a student in a sponsored program (i.e., Fulbright), only your sponsoring organization’s Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) can authorize employment, not your school

What qualifies as on-campus employment?

  • Clearly considered “on-campus”: Jobs in the library, dining hall, gym, bookstore, academic departments, or research/teaching assistantships

  • Possibly considered “on-campus”: Sometimes allowed: Jobs with campus vendors (cafés or shops) if they primarily serve students

  • Not considered “on-campus”: Off-campus contractors (e.g., construction companies building campus facilities)

IMPORTANT: If in doubt, you should check with your DSO (F-1) or ARO (J-1) to confirm if an employment opportunity is considered “on-campus.”

Work Hour Limits

  • During academic sessions: Up to 20 hours per week

  • During school breaks: Full-time is allowed

IMPORTANT: Check with your international office for the official semester dates so you know exactly when part-time limits apply and when you may work full-time during breaks.

References:

Back to top.

Under what conditions can I work off-campus?

Your off-campus employment opportunities require specific authorization. The main options include:

  1. J-1 Academic Training (AT): Work experience related to your field of study

  2. F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Internships integral to your curriculum

  3. F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT): Work experience related to your field of study

  4. F-1 Economic Hardship Employment: For students facing unexpected severe financial difficulties

Each option has its own eligibility requirements and application process.

IMPORTANT: Working without proper authorization is a serious violation of your status. It can result in termination of your SEVIS record and affect future visa applications. Always confirm your work authorization before starting a job.

References: 

Back to top.

Can I begin working before receiving official authorization?

No. You must have authorization before starting any off-campus employment.

F-1 Authorization Types and Timeline

  • Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Authorized by your DSO. You may begin working immediately after DSO authorization and I-20 issuance.

  • All other off-campus employment: Must be approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 

  • You cannot begin work until you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD). 

  • Working without an EAD is a violation of your status and has severe consequences. 

Key Reminders

  • On-campus work: Can begin immediately (F-1) or with RO/ARO approval (J-1).

  • F-1 CPT: Requires DSO authorization first. 

  • F-1 OPT, Economic Hardship, or other off-campus work: Requires USCIS-issued EAD.

  • J-1 AT: Requires RO/ARO authorization first

IMPORTANT: Working without proper authorization is a serious violation of your status. It can result in termination of your SEVIS record and affect future visa applications. Always confirm your work authorization before starting a job, and do not continue working beyond the end date of the expiration date of the authorization.

Back to top.

TYPES OF STUDENT EMPLOYMENT

What is J-1 Academic Training (AT)?

AT provides employment authorization for J-1 students to participate in internships or other employment that is integral to their academic program. 

Requirements

  • Purpose: You must be “primarily in the U.S. to study rather than engage in academic training”

  • Curriculum integration: Must be directly related to your major field of study and you must be in good academic standing

  • Timeline: If you are an undergraduate or pre-doctoral student, you may be approved for up to 18 months or the same number of months as your academic program, whichever is shorter (i.e., if your academic program is a one-year program, then your AT is also approved for only one year.) If you are a doctoral student, your AT can be approved for up to 36 months or the same number of months as your academic program, whichever is shorter

  • You can participate in AT during your studies or commencing no later than 30 days after completing your studies 

Authorization Process

  • You need to give your RO/ARO a letter from your academic dean or advisor including: 

    • The goals and objectives of the AT

    • Details about the employer, supervisor, etc.

    • How the training relates to your major field of study, and

    • Why it is an integral part of your academic program

  • Although not specified in the regulations, most programs will require you to submit an offer letter from the employer to verify the details of the training

  • Your RO/ARO “makes a written determination” about whether you qualify for AT and the amount of time approved

  • Your RO/ARO updates your SEVIS record

NOTE: Your Academic Training can be no more than 40% remote (i.e., two days per week for a full-time position) to be approved under U.S. Department of State rules. 

References: 

Back to top.

What is Curricular Practical Training (CPT)?

CPT provides employment authorization for F-1 students to participate in internships or other employment that is integral to their academic program. 

Requirements

  • Academic connection: Internship must directly relate to your major field of study

  • Curriculum integration: Must be an integral part of your school's established curriculum

  • Timeline: Employment must begin and end before your I-20 program end date

  • Academic year requirement: Requires completion of one full academic year prior to being eligible to begin CPT (exception: graduate programs requiring first-year internships)

Authorization Process

  • Academic planning: Work with your academic advisor to confirm the internship meets curriculum requirements

  • Secure position: Obtain your internship offer before requesting authorization

  • Institution procedures: Follow your international student office’s specific CPT application process

  • DSO authorization: Your DSO will authorize CPT in SEVIS and issue an updated I-20

Important Limitations and Considerations

  • Authorization is employer-specific and valid only for the listed dates.

  • You must have CPT authorization before beginning work.

  • You may hold multiple CPT authorizations if each is approved.

  • One year of full-time CPT makes you ineligible for post-completion OPT. 

Institutional Variations

Requirements vary by institution, but most schools require either:

  • Academic credit for the internship, or

  • Internship as a graduation requirement

References:

Back to top.

What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?

OPT gives F-1 students the opportunity to gain work experience in their major field of study. 

Requirements

  • Field relevance: Your job must relate directly to your major area of study

  • Academic year completion: You must complete one full academic year before authorization

  • Timing options: Available before or after graduation

  • Pre-completion OPT: Sometimes used by students who don’t qualify for CPT 

  • Post-completion OPT: Most students save their full year of OPT for after graduation

  • Job offer:

    • You do not need a job offer prior to applying for the first year of OPT.  

    • You do need a qualifying job offer in order to apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension (available for students who complete a degree in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) field designated by the Department of Homeland Security).

Authorization Process

  1. Meet with your DSO to plan the best time for your request. Complete any required or recommended OPT workshops. 

  2. Your DSO recommends OPT in SEVIS and issues an updated I-20. 

  3. Submit Form I-765 with your DSO-recommended I-20 to USCIS within 30 days of the recommendation.

  4. Wait for your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) approval before beginning work. 

Important Rules and Restrictions

  • Duration: Up to 12 months of OPT per degree level 

  • Deadline: Must be completed within 14 months after your I-20 program end date.

  • Pre-work requirement: Must receive your EAD before starting work.

  • Unemployment limit: Cannot exceed 90 days of unemployment during OPT period.

NOTE: Study in the States offers a helpful worksheet for determining OPT eligibility and optimal dates.

STEM OPT Extension (24 Additional Months)

Students who complete a degree in a STEM field designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may qualify to apply for an extra 24 months of OPT.

STEM OPT Requirements

  • Your degree must be in a DHS-designated STEM field

  • You must work at least 20 hours per week 

  • Your employer must use E-verify and complete Form I-983 (training plan) 

  • Each STEM OPT employer must be authorized and meet all reporting requirements 

References:  

Back to top.

What is “Economic Hardship” employment?

If you face unexpected and severe financial difficulties, you may be able to apply for off-campus employment based on economic hardship.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Academic standing: Must have completed one full academic year

  • Financial crisis: Must demonstrate serious, unforeseen economic hardship

  • Circumstances: Hardship must result from unexpected events outside your control 

Application Process

  • Your DSO must verify that you meet eligibility requirements.

  • You submit an application to USCIS.

  • USCIS reviews whether the hardship was truly unexpected and severe.

  • You must provide extensive financial documentation and explain why on-campus work is insufficient or unavailable.

IMPORTANT: Approval is not guaranteed, and requirements are strict. Work closely with your DSO and explore other options before applying.

Reference: 8 CFR 214.2(f)(9)(ii)(C)Severe Economic Hardship (Code of Federal Regulations)

Back to top.

U.S. immigration regulations are rapidly changing. Immigration rules can change quickly, and what is accurate today may not be true tomorrow. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific immigration questions or complex situations, consult with a qualified immigration attorney.