Employment
There are a number of employment benefits available for F-1 students. See the following sections for more information about on- and off-campus authorizations.
On-Campus EmploymentF-1 students may be employed on-campus part-time (20 hours or less per week) during the fall and spring semesters and full-time (21 hours or more per week) during the summer and other official school breaks. Special authorization from the UT Dallas ISSO is not required for on-campus work but you must continue to maintain full-time enrollment during the fall and spring semesters to remain eligible for this benefit. Find specific information about working at UT Dallas. Off-Campus EmploymentThere are three options for eligible F-1 students who want to work off-campus: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and Severe Economic Hardship. Social Security NumbersIn order to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) and card, the Social Security Administration (SSA) requires all F-1 students to provide proof of valid F-1 status, proof of employment and of work authorization. |
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is available to F-1 students who have completed at least two long semesters at a U.S. university but have not yet completed the minimum requirements for graduation. Optional Practical Training (OPT)As an F-1 student, you are eligible for up to one year of Optional Practical Training (OPT) per educational level. OPT can be used during or after completion of studies. Severe Economic HardshipYou can request a Severe Economic Hardship work authorization if you are an F-1 student who has experienced an uncontrollable and unforeseen economic difficulty while studying in the United States. |
Updated: May 13, 2009
