Employers in every industry are looking for ambitious, self-starting graduates with work experience. As such, working in your field while completing your study program can help you stand out to employers and fast-track your career. If you’re studying in the United States, you may be eligible for work experience options like Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). Many international students may also pursue part-time on-campus work. 

Before starting any kind of employment while studying in the US, students must talk with their college or university’s designated school official (DSO). A DSO can help you to understand which jobs you’re eligible for, and connect you with different job opportunities. If you’re approved to work, the DSO can also provide a letter of approval, which you’ll need, along with a letter of approval from your employer, to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). All students who wish to work in the US must apply for a SSN.

How Many Hours Per Week Can International Students Work While Studying?

In general, students studying in the US on an F-1 visa can work up to a total of 20 hours per week through CPT, pre-completion OPT, and/or an on-campus job while class is in session. During the summer break or other scheduled holidays, they can work full-time, or up to 40 hours per week.

Students may work any amount in each of these options as long as they’re eligible for that work opportunity and stay below the combined maximum number of hours. 

For example, a student might work in the campus library for 10 hours per week and have an OPT internship off-campus for 10 hours per week during the school term. In the summer, they could increase their internship to 30 hours per week and keep their library work too.

Now that you know how to combine various types of work experience, let’s explore each of these opportunities.

On-Campus Work

For F-1 (student) visa holders, on-campus employment is often the most accessible work option. It involves working directly for the university or for on-campus companies (like a bookstore or cafeteria) which serve students. Other on-campus jobs include tutoring other students, working in a science lab, or working in a campus office.

Let’s look at some key guidelines for on-campus work:

• Eligibility: F-1 students are generally permitted to work on-campus without prior approval from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). However, it’s important to talk with the university’s DSO before starting a new job to ensure you’re following all of your visa regulations.​
• Connection to Field of Study: On-campus jobs don’t need to be related to your field of study.

On-campus work experience can contribute to your ability to learn beyond the classroom. It can also provide financial support and help you adjust to the campus community.

Considering different career options? Find out which emerging careers are projected to grow in the US over the next decade.

Work-Integrated Learning Opportunities in the United States

A key difference between on-campus work and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) is when students become eligible for each opportunity. Students must complete their first year of studies before they become eligible for CPT or OPT programs. However, eligible students can start an on-campus job right away.

Another difference between on-campus work and CPT/OPT is that international students in English as a second language programs aren’t eligible for CPT or OPT.

If you’re planning to study in the US, check out our guides on the undergraduate and postgraduate application processes for colleges and universities in the US.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) enables eligible students to participate in internships, practicums, or other work training as part of their study program. Sometimes, they must complete a CPT internship in order to earn their degree. CPT enrolment must always be approved by the institution’s international student services office.

• Eligibility: Students must complete one full academic year of study in the US before applying for CPT, unless their graduate program requires immediate participation.​
• Relation to Field of Study: Any CPT must be directly related to the student’s major and be a required part of the academic program.​
• Authorization: CPT must be authorized by the designated school official (DSO) at the institution’s international student services office (ISO). This authorization is for a set period of time, is employer-specific, and must be obtained before starting CPT.
• Location: CPT authorization is required if the training happens inside the US. If a student is completing an internship in their home country over the summer, it doesn’t require CPT authorization.

Note: completing 12 months or more of full-time CPT before graduation will make you ineligible for OPT while you’re studying at the same level.​

Learn more about the differences between CPT and OPT.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

OPT allows students to find off-campus employment or an internship within their field of study. Before beginning OPT, international students must apply for work authorization from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) with the assistance of their college or university’s international student advisor.

Some key things to know about how OPT works:

• Eligibility: Similar to CPT, students must have completed one full academic year before applying for OPT.​
• Relation to Field of Study: The job must be directly related to their area of study (academic major).​
• Authorization: Unlike CPT, OPT requires authorization from USCIS. Students must file Form I-765 (the Application for Employment Authorization) and receive an Employment Authorization Document before starting work.​
• Duration: Students can receive up to 12 months of OPT.​ Meanwhile, graduates from eligible STEM degrees may qualify for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT (often called the STEM OPT extension), which brings their total OPT time up to 36 months.​

There are two types of OPT:

• Pre-Completion OPT allows students to gain experience in their field of study before graduating.
• Post-Completion OPT allows students to work at a job within their field of study for up to 12 months after graduating. These placements must be for at least 20 hours per week or full-time.

While students can participate in OPT while studying (pre-completion OPT), it’s more common to save the OPT authorization for after graduation (post-completion OPT).

Learn more about why studying STEM in the US might be the right choice for you.

Pursuing a study program that includes a work-integrated learning opportunity can both help you build your resume and make you more competitive in today’s job market.

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