International Student Employment/ Experiential Learning

Refer to the ISSS Employment page for more details on the topics presented here. We also strongly encourage students to schedule an appointment with their international student advisor to discuss these matters.

On-Campus Employment

International students on the F or J visa status enrolled in a program of study are allowed to work for USU entities 20 hours per week during the spring and fall semesters. These students can work on campus up to 40 hours per week in the summer semester and during school breaks (e.g. winter break, spring break). 

International students on the F or J visa status may not work or engage in activities with non-USU entities without Curricular Practical Training or Optional Practical Training authorization (see below). This authorization is required even if the activity occurs on USU’s campus. 

Students who have graduated from their program of study must obtain employment authorization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) before working for USU or other employers. Refer to Optional Practical Training information below.

Curricular Practical Training

USU requires Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization for the international students we sponsor for the F-visa status when they engage with non-USU entities in activities/ experiential learning study related to their program of study. CPT authorization is also required if the student will work/ be engaged in experiential learning activities > 20 hours/ week with USU entities. The activity must be integral to the student’s program of study, meaning the course credits or internship counts toward graduation requirements. 

The U.S. government grants F-visa students admission to the USA to study, with strict rules regarding any type of employment. CPT authorization provides proof the student adhered to these rules while engaging in the experiential learning activities. This protects the international student’s current status in the USA, and when they apply for future immigration benefits.

CPT Application Process

Students must provide a completed CPT Training Plan as part of their application to the Office of Global Engagement for CPT authorization. They must also enroll in the course credits related to CPT during the semester in which they participate in the practical training experience. Students may engage in CPT activities part-time or full-time, depending on the academic requirements. 

Optional Practical Training

Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows students on the F visa to get real-world work experience related to their field of study, when not required for their program of study. 

OPT Application Process

The USU Designated School Official must recommend the student for OPT in the federal government system. The student must then apply for the work permit from USCIS. If the OPT is approved, USCIS will issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The student must not begin working before the start date on the EAD.

Academic Training

Students on the J-1 visa also require authorization to engage in experiential learning activities or off-campus/ post-completion employment, under the same restrictions described previously for F-visa students. These students apply to the Office of Global Engagement for Academic Training authorization. The department will receive an approval request which asks for information required by federal regulations to authorize Academic Training as part of the application.