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 CPT Application to be eligible. Here are some guidelines regarding CPT.

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 Optional Practical Training must be directly related to a student’s field of study.

If you need to update your address or employment information, use this OPT Update Form.

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 International Students and Social Security Numbers page.

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 MyGeorgeFox 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 International Students and Social Security Numbers page. If you still have questions, speak with Kerry Ford in the International Student Services office.