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F-1 Student Employment

On-campus Employment

As an F-1 student you are authorized on-campus for up to 20 hours per week maximum. You may work more than 20 hours on-campus only during university breaks or during the summer break. You do not need special authorization to work on campus. However, automatic authorization to work 'on-campus' ends upon graduation date. Any work done after graduation requires special authorization.

PLEASE NOTE:

• If you do not already have a U.S. Social Security number, you must apply for one. Please make an appointment to visit the social security office in Hermitage, PA by making an appointment with the ISA office.
• You will have to fill-in U.S. tax paperwork and other important documents with the Thiel Payroll Office (once you receive your social security card).
• If you work on campus, you will have to fill-in taxes for the previous year worked. The ISA office provides mandatory tax workshops every April, be sure to sign up for the tax workshop.

Learn more about on-campus positions

Off campus employment

Your F-1 status does NOT allow you to be employed off-campus without special authorization from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Unauthorized off-campus employment is a serious violation of your F-1 status.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is only used for internships, practicum's, or field studies that are an integral part of the established Thiel Curriculum. Additionally, if you will enroll in an internship course through your department, you MUST apply for CPT and complete the necessary paperwork in the ISA Office or by printing and filling out the forms online and then submitting them to the ISA Office. You must also fill out the necessary paperwork with the Career Services Office on-campus and have your academic advisor’s approval. CPT is NOT intended for ongoing employment, or to bridge a gap between graduation and OPT.

Applying for F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT Request Form

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) grants an F-1 student 12 months of employment authorization during or after the course of study. OPT employment MUST be in the students field of study and can begin only after the Employment Authorization Document (EAD card) has been received from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Most F-1 students' use OPT after they graduate. Please see the Applying for F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) Form for more detailed information and to understand the process for OPT application.

Applying for F-1 Optional Practical Training