Employment on F-1 Visa Status

• On-Campus Employment: Students on F-1 visa status can work on campus up to 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters. Students can work full-time on campus during breaks and vacation periods. Must receive approval from ISS before beginning any work or training.

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT): an internship or placement that is a necessary part of your academic program. Must receive authorization from ISS before beginning any work or training.
• Severe Economic Hardship: If you have experienced unexpected and severe economic difficulties due to circumstances beyond your control, you may qualify for off-campus work permission to help you continue to meet the expenses of your academic program. Must receive recommendation from ISS and approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before beginning any work or training.

• Optional Practical Training (OPT): opportunity to participate in practical training in your field of study. Must receive authorization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before beginning any work or training.
• STEM OPT Extension: an extension of Optional Practical Training, available only if your major field is on a designated list of specialized majors in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and if you are training at a qualified employer. Must receive authorization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).