F-1 Student Work Rules and Paying for College: On-Campus Jobs, CPT, OPT and STEM OPT
General guidance, not legal advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Your school's Designated School Official (DSO) must approve most work, and USCIS decides OPT. Check with them before you plan your budget around work income.
For a student visa you must show you can pay for your studies without relying on a job. Work income can help, but it is limited. Here is what the federal regulation allows, as published on the eCFR (text current through the Sep 30, 2026 amendment; checked Oct 22, 2026).
On-campus jobs
- Work on campus (or at an educationally affiliated off-campus site) must not exceed 20 hours a week while school is in session. 8 CFR 214.2(f)(9)(i)
- You may work on campus full-time when school is not in session or during the annual vacation. 8 CFR 214.2(f)(9)(i)
- A new student may not start on-campus work more than 30 days before classes begin. 8 CFR 214.2(f)(9)(i)
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- CPT is work that is an integral part of your curriculum: alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education or a required practicum. Your DSO authorizes it. 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i)
- Generally you must have been enrolled full-time for one full academic year first; graduate programs that require immediate CPT are an exception. 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10), (f)(10)(i)
- Students with one year or more of full-time CPT lose eligibility for post-completion practical training (OPT). 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i)
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- Work must be directly related to your major, and you need a USCIS employment authorization document (Form I-766) before starting. 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(A)
- You may be authorized 12 months of practical training, and another 12 months at a higher degree level. 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)
- OPT during studies is limited to 20 hours a week while school is in session. 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(A)
- For post-completion OPT, file Form I-765 up to 90 days before your program end date and no later than 30 days after it, and within 30 days of your DSO's recommendation. 8 CFR 214.2(f)(11)
- All practical training must be completed within 14 months after you finish your studies (the STEM extension is outside that window). 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(A)
- You may not have more than 90 days of unemployment in total during post-completion OPT. 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(E)
STEM OPT extension
- Students with a qualifying STEM degree may apply for a 24-month extension while on post-completion OPT. 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(C)
- Total unemployment across OPT and the STEM extension may not exceed 150 days. 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(E)
Off-campus work for economic hardship
After one full academic year in F-1 status and in good academic standing, a student may be authorized to work off campus part-time, no more than 20 hours a week when school is in session. 8 CFR 214.2(f)(9)(ii)
What this means for your budget
Do not count on work to close a funding gap in your first year: CPT and hardship work generally need a full academic year first, and on-campus hours are capped during term. Compare colleges that give aid to international students and the lowest estimated costs.