employment & training
On Campus Employment: F-1 students are allowed to work on campus 20 hours a week while school is in session and 40 hours a week during breaks and when school is out of session. Students are paid minimum wage of $7.00 while they work on campus. For every 200 hours worked you earn an raise. You may not include U.S. employment as part of your support while you are studying here. On-campus employment does not require the DSO’s approval.
Curricular Practical Training: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) refers to work experience that is part of the curriculum – work that one does for academic credit. Some academic majors require students to acquire practical work experience as a part of their degree program. Majors such as Business Administration, for example, have an internship or practicum class as part of the curriculum that must be taken for graduation. The internship/practicum must carry course credit. Approval must be obtained from their advisor and the Center for International Programs. A job offer and Advisor’s approval is required and students cannot work until approved. Note: If the internship is not paid, students do not need to apply for Curricular Practical Training.
Optional Practical Training (OPT): After completing the requirements for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, international students are eligible for one year (12 months) of OPT in addition to any Curricular Practical Training. Work must be directly related to the students’ major field of study. Students can apply for OPT 120 day prior to their last day of classes, are not required to have a job, and must meet with the DSO to process the paperwork. Note: Permission to work is granted by the department of United States Citizenship and Immigration (USCIS) and students cannot work until permission is granted.
