Employment: On-campus, CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT

F-1 students do not require a special employment authorization document.

F-1 students can work a maximum of 20 hours per week on campus. Find out more about graduate assistantships here. See Georgia Southern’s Student Employment Center for on-campus opportunities.

Off campus employment is not allowed under any circumstances unless participating in authorized Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT), or if a student has severe economic hardship employment authorization.

All students must submit a CPT Request in the ISAP Portal to apply for CPT. Students must upload their CPT documentation for review. If/when a CPT request is approved, students will receive a new I-20 with CPT authorization. If students have questions after reviewing the posted information, they may schedule an appointment with a DSO.

• CPT Requirements–Use this to determine if you need to request CPT authorization before completing an internship, co-op, practicum, clinical, or preceptorship.

• CPT Request in ISAP Portal

• Resource: Reporting Your Internship

All students must submit an OPT Request in the ISAP Portal to apply for OPT. Students can upload their OPT application documents for review. If/when an OPT request is approved, students will receive a new I-20 with OPT recommendation. If students have questions after reviewing the posted information, they may schedule an appointment with a DSO.

Standard OPT

• OPT Workshop Presentation

• OPT Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• OPT Application Instructions and Checklist

STEM OPT

• Qualified Majors for OPT STEM Extension

• STEM OPT Extension Application Instructions

• Report STEM Extension Participation

• Additional Information: Practical Training (CPT/OPT)

In instances where USCIS determines that a student faces financial hardship due to unforeseeable factors beyond their control, a student may be authorized to pursue off-campus unemployment.  If a student believes they have a case, they should work closely with their assigned International Student Advisor to submit an application to USCIS for Severe Economic Hardship Employment.

• Learn more about obtaining your Social Security Number.
• Additional Information: F-1 Student Employment On & Off Campus
• Interviewing for a U.S. Employer Tips
• Find employers who are willing to sponsor H-1B visas: Career Shift
• Handshake Instructions
• Reporting Your Internship (Office of Career & Professional Development)