F-1 Employment
Information Guides/Applications
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT is employment authorization that is available to F-1 students who have been enrolled full time for at least nine consecutive months. You must fill out a to be eligible. .
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Per the government F-1 visa rules, students can request authorization to work off campus to gain experience in their chosen field of study. This must be directly related to a student’s field of study.
If you need to update your address or employment information, use this .
Applying for a Social Security Number
We have provided a document on how to apply for a Social Security number. Use it as a resource as you pursue employment opportunities. You can also learn more about Social Security numbers on this .
Employment Guidelines for F-1 Students
On-Campus Research, Internship or Job
- Your visa status permits you to work on campus starting up to 30 days prior to the starting date listed on your I-20. However, in most cases it is encouraged that you not work during your first semester of study.
- Your visa status allows you to work part time when school is in session (up to 20 hours/week) and full time during the semester breaks and summer. Note: George Fox may limit you to 10 hours per week when school is in session.
- You can find a list of on-campus jobs in your account. For more information, contact the Career and Academic Planning Center.
- You may complete an on-campus internship if you meet the eligibility requirements for Curricular Practical Training (CPT); see more information below.
Off-Campus Research, Internship or Job
- If you wish to work off campus, you must first obtain an authorization to do so. There are several types of authorization outlined below.
- Off-campus authorizations are only available after you have completed one academic year of study in the U.S. Note: If you are a graduate student who is required to do an internship your first semester, you may be eligible for CPT.
- Working off campus without authorization is viewed as a serious violation of F-1 visa rules and could result in the termination of your visa status.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- Permits you to take an on- or off-campus paid or unpaid internship, research position or practicum that is directly related to your major field of study.
- The authorization takes one to two days to process once a complete application is submitted to the International Student Services Office and has no fee.
- Full-time CPT (more than 20 hours/week) is only available during the summer or if your degree requires you complete a full-time work experience.
- Can only be used prior to graduation.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- Permits you to work in the U.S. for up to one year in a paid or unpaid volunteer, internship, research or employment position directly related to your major field of study.
- The authorization takes two to three months for processing once a complete application is submitted to the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) office and has a $410 fee.
- May be used prior to or after graduation.
- If used prior to graduation, may only be used part time (20 hours/week or less) when school is in session. This is called pre-completion OPT.
- If used after graduation, may only be used full time (20 hours/week or more). This is called post-completion OPT.
- Students in certain science, technology, engineering and math fields could be eligible for longer than one year of authorization.
- Post-completion OPT workshops are held each fall and spring; you are encouraged to attend at least one semester prior to graduation.
- For more information, see the guidance sheet attached. If you still have questions, speak with someone in the International Student Services office.
Economic Hardship
- Permits you to work off campus in any kind of job if you suffer a financial loss that is beyond your control (example: your sponsor loses his job, you lose your scholarship due to funding issues), and you wish to work to make up the difference.
- The authorization takes two to three months for processing once a complete application is submitted to the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) office and has a $380 fee.
- Full-time economic hardship (20 hours per week or more) is only available during the summer.
- For more information, speak with someone in the International Student Services office.
Social Security Number (SSN)
- To be eligible to work in the U.S., you will need a Social Security number.
- You are only eligible to apply for an SSN once you have been offered a job and/or have obtained work authorization.
- Once you obtain an SSN, you keep the same SSN for life.
- For more information, see this SSN Guide or this . If you still have questions, speak with Kerry Ford in the International Student Services office.