Types of Employment available to F‐1 Students while studying or after studies

1. 1. On Campus Employment :
      • You must maintain valid F-1 status
      • You can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session
      • You can work full time on campus during holidays and vacation periods
   2. Off Campus Employment through :
      • Curricular Practical Training (CPT):
        • Provides opportunity to gain actual employment experience
        • “An integral part of an established curriculum”.
        • Defined as “alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.”
        • To be eligible for CPT, student must have completed 9 months in lawful status and currently be in F‐1 status.
        • CPT can be full time (20 hours week) or part time (20 hours or less per week).
      • Optional Practical Training (OPT):
        • Available to students who are lawfully enrolled on a full – time basis &have completed at least 1 full academic year.
        • Employment must be directly related to the students major
        • 12/29 months of OPT available after each degree level completion.
        • OPT for F‐1 students can occur under 4 circumstances:
          • During annual vacation & other times when school is not in session (if the student is eligible, and intends to register for the next term or session);
          • While school is in session provided OPT does not exceed 20 hours a week;
          • Full‐time after completion of all course requirements for the degree (excluding thesis or the equivalent).
          • Full‐time after completion of a program. The first 3 circumstances are referred as “pre‐completion” OPT while the 4th circumstance is called “post‐completion” OPT.
      • STEM Certified degrees:Students who are pursuing STEM certified degrees (Sciences, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) qualify for an additional 24 months extension for OPT.