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Office of International Student Services

Employment Guidelines and Information

On-campus Employment:

International students enter the U.S. under the F1/student visa. This visa allows you to work on-campus a maximum of 20 hours per week without having to submit an application to the INS. Please note however that you will need to complete the I-9 form at the Financial Aid Office which is located in Beth Eden. During the summer break and other vacation periods, international students are allowed to work on-campus a maximum of 40 hours per week without INS authorization.

Off-campus Employment:

There are two options available to international students to obtain permission from the INS to work in paid positions off-campus: Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT). International students are also eligible to accept unpaid internships without notifying the INS, provided there is no compensation for housing, transportation or living expenses.

Optional Practical Training:
INS authorization for degree-related work experience during the summer vacation period and/or after completion of your degree. The total period of employment cannot exceed 12 months. The application materials are available in Fellows 4th Floor office area and need to be processed at least 120 days before the anticipated start date of the employment. You do not need a job offer to apply for OPT, but it is important to note that any period of time applied for is considered used.
Curricular Practical Training:
INS authorization to work in a position intended to provide hands-on practical experience where the work serves as an integral part of the student's academic program still in progress. This employment must be a bona fide internship such as is required for Organizational Studies or work that is directly related to your major. The employment may be part time or full time - if full time, the total period of employment may not exceed 12 months or you will become ineligible for Optional Practical Training. A written job offer with a description of the position and dates of employment is required to apply for CPT, as well as a letter from the student's faculty advisor or department head recommending the employment.