International Student Employment/ Experiential Learning

Please refer to the ISSS Employment page for more details on the topics presented here. We strongly encourage students to schedule an appointment with their international student advisor to discuss these matters.

On-Campus Employment for F-1 visa students

On-campus employment includes graduate assistantships and hourly positions on the USU campus. Students must be employed by USU for this to be considered “on-campus” employment.

  • International students on the F or J visa status, enrolled in a program of study, are allowed to work for USU entities up to 20 hours per week during the spring and fall academic semesters. These students can work on campus for up to 40 hours per week during school breaks (e.g., winter break, spring break) and in the summer vacation between semesters.
  • F-1 students may not work or engage in internship activities with non-USU entities without Curricular Practical Training or Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorization (see below). This authorization is required even if the activity occurs on USU’s campus.
  • F-1 students who have graduated from their program of study must obtain employment authorization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) before working for USU or other employers. Please refer to Optional Practical Training (OPT) information below.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for F-1 visa students

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization is required for F-1 visa students when they engage in employment/internships/experiential learning with non-USU entities. Students must be registered in an internship course and the internship must be integral to their program of study. 

  • The activity must be integral to the student’s program of study, meaning the course credits for the internship must count toward graduation requirements.
  • The U.S. government grants F-visa students admission to the USA to study, with strict rules regarding any type of employment. CPT authorization provides proof that the student participated in an off-campus internship or experiential work as part of their academic program requirements. This protects the international student’s current status in the USA and when they apply for future immigration benefits.

CPT Application Process

  • Students must submit a CPT Request in the ISSS portal along with the job offer and a CPT Employer Training Plan as part of their application to the Office of Global Engagement for CPT authorization. 
  • Graduate students will be required to show the internship credits count towards their Program of Study.
  • They must also enroll in the course credits related to CPT during the semester in which they participate in the practical training experience. 
  • Students may engage in CPT activities part-time or full-time, depending on the academic requirements.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students

Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows students on the F visa to gain real-world work experience related to their field of study.  In general, F-1 students will apply for Post-Completion OPT in their final semester. Approval of Post-Completion OPT will allow them up to 12 months of work authorization after finishing their degree program. 

Note: The 24-month OPT STEM Extension is only available to students with a STEM degree (as designated by the Department of Homeland Security) after being approved for the initial Post-Completion OPT.

OPT Application Process

The ISSS office offers in-person & virtual workshops on how to apply for OPT twice a semester. The application process is a combination of submitting a request through the ISSS portal and an application for Form I-765 online to the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS).  Because it is a complicated process, we highly encourage all students to attend one of these workshops in advance of applying for OPT.  

Please note that the OPT Request in the ISSS portal provides very clear learning materials that outline the application steps and requirements.  Students should review these materials before submitting their OPT Request.

  • The USU Designated School Official must recommend the student for OPT in the federal government system. 
  • The student must then apply for the work permit from USCIS. 
  • If the OPT is approved, USCIS will issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). 
  • The student must not begin working before the start date on the EAD.

On-Campus Employment for J-1 visa students

On-campus employment includes graduate assistantships and hourly positions on the USU campus. Students must be employed by USU for this to be considered “on-campus” employment.

  • International students on the J-visa status enrolled in a program of study are allowed to work for USU entities for 20 hours per week during the spring and fall academic semesters. 
  • These students can work on campus for up to 40 hours per week during school breaks (e.g., winter break, spring break) and in the summer vacation between semesters.
  • J-1 students who want to continue working in their field, but will complete their program or time at USU soon, must contact their immigration advisor to apply for Academic Training before the end date on their DS-2019.

Academic Training for J-1 visa students

  • Students on the J-1 visa also require authorization to engage in experiential learning activities or off-campus/post-completion employment, under the same restrictions described previously for F-visa students. 
  • These students apply to the Office of Global Engagement for Academic Training authorization. 
  • The department will receive an approval request that asks for information required by federal regulations to authorize Academic Training as part of the application.

Important Disclaimer

As an international student, the maintenance of your legal status is ultimately your responsibility. It is your responsibility to understand and follow the rules and regulations that govern your status and visa (e.g., 8 CFR § 214.2(f)). The Office of Global Engagement (“GE”) and International Student & Scholar Services provide support and information related to U.S. immigration laws and regulations related to F and J status at Utah State University but are not ultimately responsible for your status and visa. GE and ISSS staff are not attorneys and any information provided by GE and ISSS should not be construed as legal advice. Individuals are welcome to consult a qualified immigration attorney for specific legal advice, particularly in complicated cases.

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