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Employment for F-1 and J-1 Students

Overview

Employment in the United States is a benefit of your F-1 or J-1 status, but it is also strictly regulated. You must receive proper authorization before beginning any type of work.

This page provides an overview of employment options available to international students at CSUSB. Because employment eligibility depends on your individual situation, you should always contact International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) before accepting or beginning any position.

 
General Employment Rules

To maintain your immigration status while working, you must:

  • Only engage in employment that is authorized under your immigration status
  • Receive authorization before starting any work
  • Ensure your employment is directly related to your visa category and academic program (when required)

Unauthorized employment is a serious violation of your status and may result in the termination of your SEVIS record.

Important: Employment includes both paid and unpaid work. Internships, practicums, or volunteer positions may still require authorization.

Types of Employment

On-Campus Employment

F-1 and J-1 students may be eligible for on-campus employment. 

 
Key Guidelines
  • Must take place on the CSUSB campus or at an approved on-campus location
  • Limited to 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters
  • May work full-time during official school breaks (if otherwise eligible)

No additional authorization is required beyond maintaining valid status, but all employment limits must be followed.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) – F-1 Students

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is employment that is directly related to your major and required or integral to your academic program.

Basic eligibility:
  • Must have completed one academic year of full-time enrollment (in most cases)
  • Must have a qualifying academic requirement (internship, practicum, or course requirement)
  • Must have a job offer related to your field of study
Important CPT Timeframe:
  • CPT must be authorized by ISSS before employment begins
  • You must receive an updated I-20 with CPT authorization before working
  • 12 months of full-time CPT eliminates eligibility for OPT

👉 Ready to apply? Review the CPT Info Session on Canvas and submit a service request

Optional Practical Training (OPT) – F-1 Students

Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 students to gain work experience in their field of study.

Types of OPT:
  • Pre-completion OPT – before completing your program (not currently offered at CSUSB)
  • Post-completion OPT – after completing your program
Basic eligibility:
  • Must have completed one academic year of full-time enrollment
  • Employment must be directly related to your field of study
  • Eligible for one OPT authorization per degree level
Important OPT Timeframe: 
  • OPT requires approval from both ISSS and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
  • You must receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before working
  • Less than 12 months of full-time CPT does not reduce OPT eligibility
Employment Reporting Requirements (OPT Students)

If you are approved for OPT, you are responsible for maintaining accurate employment records.

  • You must report employment and address updates
  • You must keep your SEVIS record up to date
  • Students on STEM OPT have additional reporting requirements

Failure to report employment properly may impact your immigration status.

👉 Ready to apply? Review the OPT Info Session on Canvas and submit a service request

Other Employment Categories

STEM OPT Extension (if eligible)

Students in eligible STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields may qualify for a 24-month extension of post-completion OPT.

STEM OPT has additional requirements, including:

  • Employer participation in E-Verify
  • A formal training plan
  • Additional reporting requirements

👉 Review the STEM OPT Info Session through PowerPoint or contact ISSS to determine eligibility

Academic Training (AT) – J-1 Students

J-1 students may be eligible for Academic Training (AT), which allows employment related to their field of study.

Important:

  • Must be approved by ISSS before employment begins
  • Requires a job offer
  • Must be directly related to your academic program

👉 Contact ISSS for guidance on Academic Training (AT)

Severe Economic Hardship – F-1

In limited situations, F-1 students experiencing severe, unforeseen economic hardship may be eligible to apply for off-campus work authorization through USCIS.

This type of employment requires:

  • Demonstrated financial hardship due to circumstances beyond your control
  • ISSS recommendation and USCIS approval

👉 Contact ISSS to discuss eligibility before applying

Common Employment Situations

Can I work off-campus?

Only with proper authorization (such as CPT, OPT, or Academic Training). Off-campus employment without authorization is not permitted.

Can I volunteer or work unpaid?

Possibly—but authorization may still be required.

If the position would normally be paid or provides professional experience, it may be considered employment. Always check with ISSS before starting.

Can I work more than 20 hours per week?
  • During fall and spring semesters: No
  • During official breaks: You may work full-time if eligible
Can I start working before I receive authorization?

No. You must wait until your employment is officially authorized.

Do I need a job offer for CPT or OPT?
  • CPT: Yes
  • OPT: No (but employment must be related to your field)
What if I’m not sure whether I can accept a job?

Do not accept or begin the position until you confirm your eligibility with ISSS.

 
When to Contact ISSS

You should contact ISSS before taking action if you are planning to:

  • Accept any job or internship (paid or unpaid)
  • Apply for CPT, OPT, or Academic Training
  • Work off-campus
  • Increase your work hours
  • Start or change employment

👉 Submit a Service Request or Schedule an Appointment

Final Reminder

Employment authorization is not automatic. Taking action without proper approval can have serious consequences for your immigration status.

ISSS is here to support you—reach out before making employment decisions to ensure you remain in compliance.