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Work in the U.S.

If you are an international student with an F-1 visa, you are allowed to work in the United States.

U.S. immigration law allows F-1 international students to work both on and off campus, but only with proper authorization. If you do not follow specific regulations for each type of employment, you may lose your visa status. Losing your F-1 status would require you to leave the U.S. This could make it very difficult to complete your degree at CMU.

 

Working on campus

F-1 international students can work on campus in General Student Assistance (GSA) positions. Federal Work Study positions are not available to international students.

Work that exceeds 20 hours per week requires Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization, even if the job is on campus.

For full eligibility details, job listings and required documents, visit CMU's International Student Employment page.

What do I need to know to work on campus?

  • Keep your F-1 visa status in good standing.
  • Be enrolled as a full-time student.
  • Do not apply for Federal Work-Study jobs. They are only for U.S. students.
  • Work up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session.
  • During school breaks, you must work full-time (over 20 hours per week) if you are enrolled in the next term.

 

Working off campus

You cannot just start working off campus – you need approval first. Working without proper authorization is a serious violation of your visa status.

There are two main programs for off-campus work: CPT and OPT.

Curricular Practical Training
(CPT) 

  • Work before you graduate. 
  • The job must be part of your academic program (required or for academic credit). 
  • The job can include internships or jobs related to your thesis or dissertation. 

Learn about CPT

Optional Practical Training
(OPT) 

  • Work before or after you graduate. 
  • The job must be directly related to your major field of study. 
  • Requires approval from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Learn about OPT

If you have any doubts about your work eligibility, please contact ISSS at isss@cmich.edu before accepting a job. Let us help you enjoy your time in the United States! If you follow these requirements, you can safely and legally gain work experience during your education.