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 Employment
F-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.
Social Security Numbers
In 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.
Taxes
The UT Dallas ISS Office has assembled the following resources to assist F and J visa holders to file Taxes.
Off-Campus Employment
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Curricular Practical Training 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)
F-1 students are eligible for up to one year of Optional Practical Training (OPT) per educational level. Types of OPT include:
Other OPT related topics include:
- OPT 17-Month Extension
- Required Employment Reporting
- H-1B Cap Gap Relief
- Driver's License and Travel Issues
Severe Economic Hardship
You can apply for a Severe Economic Hardship work authorization if you are an F-1 student who has been enrolled at a U.S. college for a year and has experienced unforeseen economic difficulty while studying in the United States.
Updated: July 19, 2011
