Employment Authorization

Nonimmigrant F-1 students may only engage in employment that has been authorized. Any unauthorized employment by a nonimmigrant constitutes a failure to maintain status.
[8 C.F.R 214.1(e)]

Types of employment available to F-1 students

• On-campus Employment: F-1 student are generally permitted to work part-time on the premises of the school that issued their currently valid I-20, while they are attending that school and maintaining their F-1 status. Students are limited to 20 hours of work per week while school is in session, they must maintain a 2.0 GPA and full-time status. The SLCC Student Employment and Cooperative Education Services office can provide information about jobs that are available at SLCC.
  
  
• Severe Economic Hardship: If other employment opportunities are not available or are otherwise insufficient, an eligible F-1 student may request off-campus employment work authorization based upon severe economic hardship caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond the student's control. These circumstances may include loss of on-campus employment without fault on the part of the student, substantial fluctuations in the value of currency or exchange rates, inordinate increases in tuition and/or living costs, unexpected changes in the financial condition of the student's source of support, medical bills, or other substantial and unexpected expenses. Please see the International Advisor to determine if you are eligible to apply.
  
  

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT): An F-1 student may be authorized by the International Student Advisor to participate in a Curricular Practical Training program which is an integral part of an established curriculum. Curricular practical training is defined to be alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school. Please see the International Student Advisor to determine if you are eligible to apply. Please note that ESL students are NOT eligible for practical training.
  
                        CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CPT
  
  

• Optional Practical Training (OPT): An F-1 student may apply to the INS for authorization for temporary employment of practical training directly related to the student's major area of study. Part-time and full-time Optional Practical Training is available to qualified individuals. A student may submit an application for OPT up to 90 days prior to completion of course requirements (graduation), but not after graduation. Please see the International Student Advisor to determine if you are eligible to apply.
  
                       CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OPT
  
                            COMPARISON BETWEEN CPT and OPT

While USCIS regulations provide a variety of opportunities for you to be employed during your time in F-1 status, working improperly or without authorization is a serious violation of your status. You should therefore consult with the International Student Advisor before beginning any employment. It is your responsibility to maintain your F-1 status!