On-Campus Employment:

International students on the F-1 visa are allowed to work on campus up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and up to 40 hours per week during scheduled vacations.  However, students must be maintaining status in order to accept on-camps employment.  Formal approval from the US Department of Homeland Security (US DHS) is not required for students seeking on-campus employment.

Students wishing to work on campus should visit the Financial Aid Office located on the 2nd floor of the Cravens Student Services Center (CSSC).  This office will be able to assist you with available employment opportunities on campus.  Please note that international students are not eligible for jobs that are paid by Federal Financial Aid/Work-Study Funds.

Students who have obtained an on-campus job will need to obtain a Social Security Card in order to begin their employment.  Only students with verified on-campus employment are eligible to obtain a Social Security Card.  The International Student Office will assist eligible students with this procedure.

Off-Campus Employment:

International students on the F-1 visa can apply to work off-campus in two specific situations:  "Economic Hardship" and "Optional Practical Training" (OPT).  Both employment types require a formal approval by the US DHS.  More information about these two off-campus employment types can be found at the International Student Office.

1. Economic Hardship is granted only in certain specific cases where there is an unforeseen financial crisis affecting the student's stay in the US.  This employment application requires documentation verifying the nature of the crisis and should only be used for true emergencies.  Students must be maintaining F-1 status for one academic year in order to be eligible to apply for this benefit.

2. Optional Practical Training is a benefit that is granted to all F-1 visa students who are maintaining their status.  It is a wonderful opportunity that provides you with employment experience directly related to the student's major.  It is a benefit all international students are encouraged to use.  Students must be maintaining F-1 status for one academic year in order to be eligible to apply for this benefit.  For more information about OPT, please see OPT:  Frequently Asked Questions. 

OPT WORKSHOPS:

In order to apply for OPT, international students must attend one of the OPT workshops conducted by the International Student Office.  Please visit the Upcoming Workshops page for information regarding OPT workshops.