F-1 off-campus employment
As an F-1 international student, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides a variety of opportunities to be employed off-campus in the United States during and after the completion of a degree.
Students must obtain the appropriate work authorization type before commencing off-campus employment. Failing to receive proper work authorization is a serious violation of your F-1 immigration status.
F-1 off-campus employment before graduation
CPT
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of off-campus employment authorization for F-1 students to complete an unpaid or paid internship experience that is integral to the completion of their degree.
Pre-OPT
Pre-OPT is a work benefit opportunity to gain off-campus work experience and is requested to be used before the completion of a degree program.
F-1 off-campus employment after graduation
Post-OPT
Post-OPT is a work benefit opportunity to gain off-campus work experience and is requested to be used after the completion of a degree program.
STEM OPT Extension
STEM OPT Extension is an additional work benefit opportunity offered to students completing a degree in an approved STEM field and is requested to be used after the completion of the Post-OPT period.
H-1B & Other Visas
The H-1B visa is a U.S. work visa that allows foreign nationals working in specialty occupation jobs to live in the U.S. and work lawfully for U.S. employers.
Cap Gap to H-1B
The Cap Gap extension allows approved F-1 students to remain in the United States between the period their F-1 status would normally expire and the start date of their H-1B employment on October 1st.