Work Authorization
Employment Opportunities for F-1 Visa Students:
A summary of the Practical Training and employment regulations for F-1 students is provided in the document “F-1 Employment Options Handout” listed below. You must have been enrolled full-time for a minimum of one academic year (9 months) to be eligible for Practical Training or off-campus employment.
See these handouts for instructions on how to apply:
F-1 Visa Employment Options (pdf)
F-1 Visa Optional Practical Training (OPT) Packet (pdf)
F-1 Visa Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Packet (pdf)
Note: As federal regulations often change, please check this site for the latest version of the forms.
For additional information, please contact Barbara Andre or Susan Tripp.
Employment Opportunities for J-1 Visa Students
J-1 Visa Students may engage in two kinds of employment (1) academic training related to the course of study, and (2) on-campus work. Each kind of employment has its own criteria and limits.
Academic Training is work, training, or experience related to a student's field of study. The length of time of academic training is based upon actual study time (e.g. number of months in classes) and can not be longer than 18 months for a matriculating student.
Employment can be authorized by Dr. Barbara Andre, Cal Poly’s Responsible Officer.
Information on on-campus employment and procedures for applying for academic training authorization is detailed in the J-1 Visa Employment Options Handout (pdf).
Students can work on-campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session, or up to 40 hours a week during school breaks.
Students must report their on-campus work information to IEP so that it may be reported to the Department of State via SEVIS. Use the J-1 Work Report (pdf) to keep IEP updated on your work information.
Know your workplace rights in the USA. Download this pamphlet.
For an overview of the work authorization process, view this slide presentation (pdf).
Review the International Student Handbook for information on obtaining a Social Security Card and filing income tax returns.
