Employment
While it may be possible for you
to work as an F-1 student,
you cannot presume that you
will be able to work
to support yourself
through college.
- On-Campus Employment
- Off-Campus Employment
- Practical Training
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- Social Security
- Tax Reporting
On-Campus Employment
Eligibility
As an F-1 student, you may accept employment at UMass Boston without prior approval from USCIS, provided:
- you are enrolled in a full course of study, and
- you are in valid F-1 status.
Part- and Full-Time Work
On-campus work is limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session, and a maximum of 40 hours per week during vacation periods.
Where You May Work
Your employment must be either on campus (including the school bookstore, cafeteria, or other non-UMass Boston companies providing on-campus services), or at an off-campus location academically affiliated with the school. You can begin on-campus work up to 30 days before classes start, as long as you've been admitted for initial entry into a new program.
What You Need
To work on campus, you’ll need to obtain a Social Security number (SSN). The International Student Services office can help you with this if you come to us with a bona fide job offer from any university department.
Off-Campus Employment
As an F-1 student you must obtain proper authorization from the International Student Services office before engaging in any off-campus employment in the U.S. To find out whether or not you are eligible to work in a particular off-campus job, talk to an advisor in the International Student Services office before you accept the job.
Practical Training
To be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT), students must be in valid (i.e. active and current) F-1 status for at least one full academic year.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is work authorized by the International Student Services office that allows you to gain experience in your field of study in the form of an internship.
The International Student Services office is permitted to authorize F-1 students to participate in any Curricular Practical Training (CPT) that is “an integral part of an established curriculum and is required for graduation.” In order to be authorized for CPT, students must register for an internship course with their academic department (major).
You are required to register for a full-time course load if you engage in part-time CPT during the fall or spring semester. Part-time CPT does not affect your eligibility for Optional Practical Training. However, if you engage in one year or more of full-time CPT, you are not eligible for Optional Practical Training.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is one year of work in your field of study, either before or after you graduate. OPT is authorized by Immigration (USCIS) after the International Student Services Office makes written recommendation on your Form I-20. After 12 months of OPT, you can become eligible for another 12 months if you advance to a higher educational level.
When To Apply
If you are interested in post-completion OPT, you must apply for OPT shortly before you graduate. You may apply as early as 90 days before the completion of your required coursework, as long as you will have been in valid F-1 status for one academic year before program completion. A complete self-preparing OPT packet, including detailed instructions, is available in the Office of International Student Services, Campus Center/1/1100.
USCIS Requirements
To engage in Optional Practical Training, you will need a work permit issued by USCIS called an Employment Authorization Document, or EAD. The International Student Services office can help you apply for your EAD card.
You may begin Optional Practical Training on or after the date indicated on your EAD card. But you must have completed two semesters of coursework before you begin working.
Students engaging in OPT must continue to report name and address changes to International Student Services (ISS). ISS, which maintains SEVIS and other records of OPT students, is responsible for updating SEVIS with changes in name, address, or disruption in employment when the student reports those changes to ISS.
If you wish to travel before or during your Optional Practical Training, you are required to obtain a travel signature on page 3 of your Form I-20 from the International Student Services office.