For Current Students
Every semester we hold workshops on many of the topics below. Follow our social media for current workshop schedule.
Working Options for F-1 Students
On-Campus
- Employment On-Campus For Students In F-1 Status: F-1 students are eligible to work on-campus during their academic program if they are maintaining their F-1 status. The work does not need to be related to the student’s field of study and no special authorization is needed. Employment is limited to 20 hours per week during the semester, but more hours are allowed during school breaks.
- International students are not eligible for work-study jobs.
Off-Campus
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT) For Students in F-1 Status: CPT is temporary authorization for practical training directly related to your major field of study paid or unpaid. The ISSS office authorizes CPT. Practical training can include: employment, internship experience, cooperative education, or practicum participation.
- Faculty Recommendation For CPT: This form must be completed by a faculty advisor and returned to the ISSS when applying for CPT.
- Off-Campus Employment Due To Economic Harship: If you are suffering a severe economic hardship due to unforeseen changes in your financial circumstances, you may apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for authorization to work off-campus. Examples of unforeseen circumstances include, loss of financial support or on-campus employment. Consult an ISS adviser to discuss your unique situation to determine if you eligible to apply.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): OPT allows F-1 students to get real-world work experience related to their academic field of study. There are two types of OPT, pre-completion and post-completion OPT. Check out our OPT workshops each semester.
- Instructions For Obtaining Optional Pre Or Post Completion Practical Training For Students in F-1 Status: This form contains the instructions to apply for Pre or Post OPT.
- Instructions For Obtaining Optional Practical Training STEM Extension For Students in F-1 Status: This form contains the instructions to apply for Pre or Post STEM OPT.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT) STEM Extension: STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) students are allowed an extra 24 months of OPT provided they qualify. Qualifications include working more than 20 hours a week for an E-verified company.
- OPT Employment Reporting: USCIS requires that F-1 students on OPT report their employment information to their DSO (Designated School Official). If this is not done in a timely manner, the student risks losing their immigration status and/or not being granted permission to remain in the U.S. in the future; therefore it is imperative that a completed form is given to students’ DSO once they have obtained employment.
- J-1 Student Employment & Social Security: This information is for visitors who are part of the J-1 visa exchange visitor program.
Other Forms
- Request for an Extension of Program: International students in F-1 status who do not complete their academic programs by the end date of their I-20/DS-2019 must request an extension from their academic department and the ISS advisor. This form must be approved and signed by the academic advisor and returned to the ISS office.
- International Student & Scholar Departure Form: If an F-1 student wants to leave their school, for any reason, this form needs to be completed and given to their DSO (Designated School Official). This form must also be completed and returned to the ISSS Office when the student/scholar completes their program.
- Reduced Course Load:
- Student Contact Form:
For more information on these and other topics, please go to:
https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/sevis-help-hub
https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/working-united-states
Immigration Information
Contact Information
International Student and Scholar Services
Building 2A, Room 206
Phone:
Phone: 718-982-2100
Email International Student and Scholar Services