Employment for F-1 Visa Holders

In all cases of employment, international students should talk with the PDSO/DSO for the requirements and approval processes. International students must obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) before beginning any such employment. 

On-Campus Employment

  • International students enrolled full time (12+ credits) at Whittier College and in valid F-1 status can work on-campus for up to 18 hours per week when classes are in session, and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session (breaks, summer). 
  • If international students work when classes are not in session, they must be enrolled in the upcoming semester. This applies to any on-campus employment, whether handled by HR or not. 
  • First semester at Whittier College? International students are eligible to work up to 30 days before their program start date, not before then. They should inform the PDSO/DSO before they begin work. 
  • International students who want to accept fellowships or other activities not typically classified as work must still be enrolled full time in the current session or relevant upcoming semester. For example, international students with summer fellowships must be enrolled in the upcoming Fall semester. 
  • Any work on-campus, WC internships, and WC fellowships are not authorized for international students who have graduated. 
  • When an international student graduates, any subsequent work requires OPT authorization (please see below). 
  • If an international student withdraws from the college, they cannot work on-campus. 

Off-Campus Employment

There is no off-campus employment of international students without CPT or OPT authorization.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) 

  • Only available after the first year of full time enrollment. 
  • Must be directly related to your field of study and integral to your curriculum. 
  • Must have an offer letter with the start date included. 
  • Requires OIP authorization and I-20 update before starting. 
  • Can be part-time (no more than 18 hours per week) during the semester or full-time during breaks or summer. 
  • More than 12 months of full-time CPT makes you ineligible for OPT. 
  • Please contact OIP for more information. 

Optional Practical Training (OPT) 

  • Up to 12 months of work authorization in your major field of study. 
  • OPT takes place only post-completion of your Program. 
  • Requires USCIS approval and EAD (Employment Authorization Document) card. 
  • Application window: up to 90 days before program end date and no later than 60 days after program completion. 
  • Please contact OIP for more information. 

STEM OPT Extension 

  • Additional 24 months for students in eligible STEM fields. 
  • Employers must be E-Verify registered. 
  • Please contact OIP for more information.

Unlawful Employment

Any work not specifically authorized under F-1 regulations is considered unlawful. Here are some examples: 

  • On-campus work exceeding allowed hours.
  • Off-campus work without CPT or OPT authorization.
  • Doing OPT work before obtaining your EAD Card.
  • Working after EAD expiration.
  • Any kind of work not authorized.

Consequences of unlawful employment: immediate loss of status, SEVIS termination, and possible ineligibility for future immigration benefits.