As an international student, some off-campus work experiences may be available to you with special authorization and meeting options for working off-campus, but you need special authorization according to government regulations.
Understanding Your Off-Campus Work Employment Options:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is available to F-1 students for work experiences integral to your academic studies.
- Requirements: The job must be required to graduate or satisfy elective credits that will count towards graduation.
- Work Hours: You can work up to 20 hours per week during the school year and full-time during school breaks.
- How to Apply: Submit a CPT request through Terra Dotta and get authorization from your Designated School Official (DSO) before beginning any work experience.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months after graduation. STEM graduates can apply for a 24-month extension.
- How to Apply: Attend an ISS info session early in your graduating semester to learn how to apply. The application needs to be approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Severe Economic Hardship & Emergent Circumstances, in rare cases, F-1 students may be able to find off-campus work opportunities they are facing extreme financial circumstances.
- Requirements: There are very strict eligibility criteria to qualify.
- Meet with your DSO to discuss your situation and see if you qualify.
- Academic Training opportunities are available for J-1 students who would like to gain hands-on work experience in their field of study.
- Requirements: The work experience must be related your major.
- Work Hours: You can work up to 20 hours per week during the school year and full-time during school breaks.
- Duration: Work can last for the length of your program or up to 18 months, whichever is shorter.
- How to Apply: Request authorization through Terra Dotta and get approval before starting the job.
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for international students from countries currently granted TPS may be eligible for work authorization.
- Requirements: You must be a citizen from a country currently granted TPS from the U.S. government.
- How to Apply: Speak with your DSO to see if you qualify for TPS work authorization.
For any questions or help with the application process, contact your DSO. We’re here to support you!