International Student Employment

Work While You Study

F-1 or J-1 students are eligible to work on campus for up to 20 hours a week, starting with their first semester. A job is a good way to strengthen your communication and professional skills — and connect with people on campus and in the local community. You’ll need a Social Security Number (SSN) before you can start — contact your international advisor to find out how to apply.

As you progress, you can add practical training in your field through Curricular Practical Training (CPT ) — if it is required by your curriculum and has been approved by your international advisor — and Optional Practical Training (OPT) after the completion of your program.

On-Campus Employment

F-1 students are eligible for on-campus jobs, including student assistant roles. You might provide administrative, clerical or department-specific support for a JWU office.

Off-Campus Employment

Off-campus employment is permitted through practical training, and employment must be in the field of the student’s program. You must maintain your F-1 status for one academic year (two semesters) to be eligible for CPT or OPT. You must receive work authorization from your international advisor prior to beginning work off campus. Meet with your international advisor to discuss your options.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is work authorization for F-1 students that allows them to participate in internships, cooperative education, or practicums with academic credits. It must be an integral part of the student’s academic curriculum and must be directly related to the student’s major field of study. Key requirements:

• You must first secure the internship or training opportunity.
• A JWU career advisor will approve the internship and request a CPT authorization from your international advisor.
• The international advisor will authorize CPT after reviewing all requirements are met, per regulations.
• You cannot start the internship until you receive the CPT authorization on your I-20.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of work authorization available for eligible F-1 students. Gain up to one year of real-world work experience related to your field of study by applying for OPT in the last semester of your program. You are eligible after maintaining F-1 status for at least one academic year. You can use one 12-month OPT period per degree level.

There are three types of OPT.

Pre-Completion OPT:

• Done while school is in session (limited to 20 hours per week) before your program end date.
• Only eligible to work 20 hours per week or less, and this period will be deducted from the available 12-months of OPT at one-half the full-time rate (six months of the part time OPT will equal three months deducted from the total 12-month period for which you are eligible).

Post-Completion OPT:

• Happens after completion of the course of study.
• A job offer from an employer is not required to apply for OPT.

24-Month STEM OPT:

• Eligible for those who majored in designated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) degrees approved by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) while you are on active OPT.
• Your international advisor will reach out to you if you are eligible to apply for your STEM OPT extension.

You must attend an OPT information session before you apply in your last semester (including internship). Look out for more information about OPT sessions on jwuLink or contact your international advisor.

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Frequently Asked Questions