F-1 students are generally not authorized to work, except in very limited circumstances such as part-time on-campus jobs (20 hours or less) or through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). International students must obtain permission from the Designated School Official (DSO) before starting any employment.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows international students to gain employment training and work in paid internship positions. If an internship is an integral part of your degree program, speak to the DSO about applying for CPT. Not that part-time CPT does not count against the time allowed for OPT. For detailed information about employment and training options available to F-1 students, consult your DSO and visit the Working in the United States page.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. At the beginning of your final semester, speak with the DSO about applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT allows up to one year of work while maintaining student visa status, subject to certain conditions. International students must also apply for employment authorization (EAD) from USCIS, which involves a fee. Authorization for OPT is not guaranteed. For more information, visit the Study in the States Training Opportunities in the United States page.
On-Campus Employment
On-campus employment is the most common form of employment experienced by international students during the course of their studies. Students are eligible for up to 20 hours of on-campus employment while school is in session.
The Notre Dame of Maryland University allows students to work 20 hours per week during the academic year. You may begin working as soon as you arrive on the campus, or if you are transferring from another U.S. institution, once you have completed the transfer notification procedure. You will also need to obtain a social security number (SSN) from the U.S. Social Security Administration. Notre Dame's payroll office will not issue paychecks to students who are unable to provide verification of immigration status and a social security number.
To qualify, the following conditions must apply:
- You must be maintaining your student status.
- The job opportunity must be considered to be "on-campus."
- You must continue to make reasonable progress towards your degree.
- You cannot displace any U.S. residents.
Once you have completed your degree requirements, you should consult with your Designated School Official (DSO) to determine if you are eligible for continued on-campus employment. Please note, that completing your degree requirements constitutes the end of your academic program in the eyes of the U.S. government and your on-campus work authorization terminates at that time.
Students can find on-campus employment opportunities on the Student Career Page in Gator Hub (Look under the “Student” tab for “Student Employment Application”).
In certain very limited circumstances for F-1 students some off-campus sites may be considered to be the same as on-campus employment. However, these circumstances are not very common and must be discussed with your DSO prior to accepting employment.
Off-Campus Employment
Contact Us
For more information, please contact:
Office of International Programs
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