1. International Student Employment Opportunities
On-campus Employment
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT)

2. The Most Common Way to Go Out of Status
Accept Unauthorized Employment
DON’T DO IT!!!! Students are caught more often than you think

3. On-campus Employment
F-1 students can work on-campus without authorization
J-1 students need authorization – Contact ISFO
How much can I work?
Part-time: 20 hours during the semesters
Only available to students maintaining good status (academically and with immigration)

4. Curricular Practical Training
Available only to F-1 who have been enrolled full-time for two semesters before applying (Fall and Spring)
This applies to any required and/or optional internship, practicum, clinical, volunteer, etc… Anything off campus and it does not matter if it is paid or unpaid!
Must have authorization in advance from ISFO

5. Curricular Practical Training
Part-time (20 hours/week) only during Fall and Spring semesters
Full-time available only during breaks and Summer
Can combine on and off campus work but cannot go over the hours/week work limits

6. Applying for CPT
Job offer letter from employer on employer letterhead:
address where you will work
dates of intended employment
duties
CPT application signature at bottom from academic advisor approving intended employment as appropriate part of your academic program, directly related to your field of study
Must be registered for related course credit
Only issued by semester, so you must reapply each semester.

7. Pay Attention To Your Dates!
Do not ever work before the start date on your CPT I-20!
Do not ever work after the end date on your CPT I-20!
After you complete your academic program, CPT is no longer available.

8. J-1 Students: Academic Training
Available to J-1 students
18 months total (before and after completion)
Authorization from Responsible Officer of your J-1 program
Must have a written job offer
Letter from academic advisor

9. Optional Practical Training
OPT is a one-year work experience to use after your program completion
You will have to enroll in a mandatory workshop in the semester of program completion
By attending the workshop, you will have all the information to apply for OPT.

10. Ever have questions about work ASK ISFO not your friends!!