Employment, OPT, and CPT
Be sure to carefully review the regulations so that you do not violate any laws or start unauthorized employment. Unauthorized employment of any kind is a serious violation of F-1 or J-1 status, so it is important to learn what employment is allowed before you consider a potential job. |
On-Campus Employment
F-1 students do not require a special employment authorization document.
J-1 students need work authorization from a Responsible Officer or Alternate Responsible Officer (RO or ARO).
F-1 and J-1 students can work a maximum of 20 hours per week on campus. See Georgia Southern’s Student Employment Center for on-campus opportunities.
- Learn more about obtaining your Social Security Number.
- Additional Information: F-1 Student Employment On & Off Campus
- What Employers Should Know About Hiring International Students (pdf)
Off-Campus Employment
Off campus employment is not allowed under any circumstances, unless participating in Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT), or if a student has a circumstance involving severe economic hardship.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
All students must submit a CPT Request in the ISSS Portal to apply for CPT. Students must upload their CPT documentation for review. If/when a CPT request is approved, students will receive a new I-20 with CPT authorization. If students have questions after reviewing the posted information, they may schedule an appointment with a DSO.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
All students must submit an OPT Request in the ISSS Portal to apply for OPT. Students can upload their OPT packet for review. If/when an OPT request is approved, students will receive a new I-20 with OPT recommendation. If students have questions after reviewing the posted information, they may schedule an appointment with a DSO.
Helpful Resources for Students:
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OPT Workshop Presentation: Please refer to this presentation for any questions about OPT
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OPT Presentation Review
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OPT Request in ISSS Portal
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OPT Application Checklist: Review this checklist to make sure you have everything needed for your OPT application
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Additional Information: Practical Training (CPT/OPT)
Economic Hardship Employment
In instances where USCIS determines that a student faces financial hardship due to unforeseeable factors beyond their control, a student may be authorized to pursue off-campus unemployment. If a student believes they have a case, they should work closely with their assigned International Student Advisor to submit an application to USCIS for Severe Economic Hardship Employment.
Last updated: 1/22/2020