Employment: There are three different types for F-1 Students

1. On Campus: You are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week on campus while classes are in session; you may work up to 40 hours per week during vacation periods (including summer). You must have a Work Authorization letter from ISS for each semester you work on campus.
2. Curricular Practical Training (CPT): If your degree program requires an internship, you may complete an off-campus internship for pay. You are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week on campus while classes are in session; you may work up to 40 hours per week during vacation periods (including summer). You and your academic advisor must fill out the CPT application and submit it with all necessary documents (including the letter of employment offer) one week prior to the start of your internship. You can do 364 days of full-time CPT before it affects your OPT eligibility.
3. Optional Practical Training (OPT): For each higher level of study you complete (ie, Bachelor’s, Master’s), you are entitled to one year of full-time work authorization in your major field of study. You do not have to have a job before applying for this benefit. You may fill out the OPT application and submit it up to four months in advance of your graduation date. You may not submit the application after you graduate; it must be submitted two weeks prior to graduation. OPT applications can take up to three months to process.