Work
Since two important things for international students are the affordability of their education and their ability to adapt to the new culture, getting a job is extremely beneficial and recommended.
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Nevertheless, International students have many limitations at the moment of finding a job because their visa does not allow them to work wherever or whenever. They can only work on-campus or off-campus under certain conditions.
On-campus
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International students are allowed to work for the university.
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- The job has to be paid by the university to be considered on-campus.
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During the fall and spring semester, international students can work up to 20 hours per week.
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Once the student gets hired, they will be able to get a social security number.
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Work-study is not permitted for international students because it is paid by the government.
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International students can only get a Student-help job.
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Some options for on-campus jobs are working at the library, help desks, welcome desks, international departments, etc.
off-campus
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F-1 students are only allowed to work off-campus after being enrolled full time for a whole academic year.​
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There are three types of off-campus jobs:
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Curricular Practical Training​ (CPT)
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This allows the student to work as an intern as part of the curriculum of their degree.​
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The student will need an internship job offer beforehand.
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This job can be approved by the international department of the college.
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Optional Practical Training (OPT)
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This allows the student to accept employment related to their degree/area of study.
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The student does not need to have a job offer beforehand.
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The permit has to be approved by the USCIS and by the international department of the college.
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The application fee is $410.
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Each student gets 12 months of OPT per degree level. (Associates, bachelors, masters, Ph.D.). The months can be used prior to and/or post-graduation.
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Severe Economic Hardship (SEH)
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Opportunity to work after an unexpected financial loss​.
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The last option to find a job.
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Not very likely to get approved.
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Has to be approved by the USCIS and recommended by the international department of the college.
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The application fee is $410 but the student can apply for a waiver.
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