Important Reminders for Off Campus Work
Greetings, international students!
As the semester begins, we would like to remind all students about the immigration rules for off-campus employment or activities related to their field of study. Students are required to obtain work authorization from OISS before engaging in any paid or unpaid off-campus work, internship, or project. Working off campus without authorization can result in severe consequences, including the termination of a student's SEVIS record, which may lead to the loss of immigration status.
Off-campus work can include:
- Internship/Externship
- Practicum
- Capstone
- Service learning related to major course of study
- Off-campus Course Project
- Cooperative Education Alternative work/study
- Any other type of required internship or practicum which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.
It does not matter if the work is paid or unpaid, students should still obtain work authorization.
Students should always consult OISS if they are unsure whether they require authorization before starting work. Please note that off-campus work authorization cannot be applied retroactively.
F-1 Students are eligible to apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and J-1 Students are eligible to apply for Academic Training (AT) for off-campus work related to their field of study. Students can review previous CPT and AT presentation materials online here. To determine additional eligibility requirements, students should review the OISS website or make an appointment with an advisor.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact your OISS advisor.
- The OISS Team
