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

1. On Campus Employment

1. You must maintain valid F-1 status
2. You can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session
3. You can work full time on campus during holidays and vacation periods



2. Off Campus Employment through

1. Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

1. Provides opportunity to gain actual employment experience
2. “An integral part of an established curriculum”.
3. 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.”
4. To be eligible for CPT, student must have completed 9 months in lawful status and currently be in F‐1 status.
5. CPT can be full time (20 hours week) or part time (20 hours or less per week).

2. Optional Practical Training (OPT)

1. Available to students who are lawfully enrolled on a full – time basis &have completed at least 1 full academic year.
2. Employment must be directly related to the students major
3. 12/29 months of OPT available after each degree level completion.
4. OPT for F‐1 students can occur under 4 circumstances
5. 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);
6. While school is in session provided OPT does not exceed 20 hours a week;
7. Full‐time after completion of all course requirements for the degree (excluding thesis or the equivalent).
8. 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.

3. STEM Certified degrees

Students who are pursuing STEM certified degrees (Sciences, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) qualify for an additional 24 months extension for OPT.