Volunteering
F-1 and J-1 students may volunteer, provided the opportunity does not require employment authorization.
Contact Us
ISSS office virtual advising hours:
Monday - Friday: 9:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.
Butler Pavilion, Room 410 on a map
Int'l Student & Scholar Svcs 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington, DC, USA 20016 United StatesF-1 & J-1 Students Employment Options
On-Campus Employment
For both F-1 and J-1 students while actively enrolled in an academic program.
Curricular Practical Training
For F-1 degree seeking students AFTER enrolling in a full academic year.
Academic Training
For J-1 students during/after their program or combination of both.
Optional Practical Training
For F-1 degree seeking students after one academic year of enrollment. OPT could be used before (pre-) or after (post-) program completion.
STEM OPT Extension
For students currently on post-completion OPT
F-1 and J-1 students are admitted into the United States for the purpose of academic study and exchange. Employment options are limited and working without prior authorization from either the ISSS office or the U.S. government is a serious violation of status.
Incoming students are expected to provide evidence of financial funds to cover their expenses throughout their academic program without having to resort to U.S. employment for financial support.
Review below the different types of employment authorization available, their eligibility requirements, and the application process
F-1 Students
Degree Student Employment Options & Timeline
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)/Internships
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorize F-1 students for a semester of paid or unpaid practical training to gain practical experience that is directly related to their major field of study.
Read about CPT eligibility and the application process.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a temporary employment benefit for F-1 students who wish to gain work experience directly related to their major field of study. Eligible students may be authorized for up to 12 months total OPT per degree level. OPT can be used during a student's studies (Pre-completion) or immediately after graduation (Post-completion).
Read about OPT eligibility, application process, and reporting requirements.
International Organization
Students with a job offer from a recognized International Organization on the approved U.S. Department of State list may apply for employment authorization while in F-1 status.
Severe Economic Hardship
Under certain circumstances, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may grant employment authorization to F-1 Students who show clear evidence of the need for financial assistance.
Read more about employment based on severe economic hardship.
J-1 Students
J-1 Academic Training Timeline
* Total AT may not exceed the length of the course of study. There is a maximum of 18 months of total AT, even if your academic program is longer than 18 months.
Social Security Numbers
A Social Security Number (SSN) is required to receive payment for working in the United States. International students may be eligible to apply for a Social Security card if authorized for paid work on or off campus.