F-1 Student Employment

F-1 Student Employment

On Campus Employment

International students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week; this amount includes all other authorized employment, such as Curricular Practical Training. International students may work more than 20 hours per week during official university breaks only (Winter Break, Summer Break, etc). On-campus employment does not need to be related to the student's field of study.

Off Campus Employment Options

International students may not work off campus without permission. Students who have been in the United States in valid F-1 visa status for one academic year may be eligible to work off campus. The two off campus work options are:

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT permits F-1 students to engage in training in their major field of study. It refers to an internship, co-op program, practicum, or similar employment, which is undertaken prior to completion of studies. The training must be a required part of the curriculum OR an integral part of the curriculum and the student must receive academic credit for the employment. To apply for CPT, please follow this application process and wait to hear from the ISSS Coordinator before you begin your training. CPT must be approved by an ISSS advisor before you can begin working.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an employment benefit authorized by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for students in the F-1 visa category. Students who have maintained their status will have an opportunity to obtain work experience in their field of study to enhance their educational experience in the United States.

Upon completion of a degree program, a student is eligible for 12 months of full-time OPT. To be eligible for OPT, a student must have maintained their F-1 status. Students can apply for OPT 90 days before the completion of their program to within the 60-day grace period after completion of their program. You can obtain the OPT procedure and application process by clicking here for more information. Upon completion, you will hear from the ISSS Coordinator.

STEM OPT
STEM OPT is an additional 24-month period of OPT granted to a student on post-completion OPT who meets specific government qualifications. Students must apply for STEM OPT before their current OPT period ends. Information and guidelines for the STEM OPT application process can be viewed at: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/stem-opt-hub

The following items must be included in the STEM OPT application:

  1. Training Plan completed by student and employer
  2. Completed I-756 form
  3. Copy of diploma or transcripts which include stated major and degree level
  4. Copy of I-20 with DSO’s recommendation for STEM OPT
  5. 2 passport-style photos
  6. Copy of current OPT EAD card
  7. Application fee made payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  8. Form G-1145 E-Notification of Application Acceptance

Application Process

  1. Email GEOStudents@creighton.edu to request a STEM OPT I-20
  2. Mail the original, completed Training Plan to the Global Engagement Office (GEO, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178)
  3. Email a copy of the completed Training Plan and I-765 to GEOStudents@creighton.edu
  4. The ISS Coordinator will review the documents and issue a new I-20 for the OPT STEM Extension and GEO will mail the I-20 to the student
  5. Student will sign the I-20 (in blue ink) and make two copies - one to send to GEO for the file and one to go with the STEM Extension application
  6. Student will mail the complete packet to USCIS at one of the addresses below:

    • For U.S. Postal Service (USPS) deliveries:
      USCIS
      PO Box 21281
      Phoenix, AZ 85036

      *When mailing the application by USPS, use certified or registered mail for confirmation of delivery.

      For Express mail and courier deliveries:
      USCIS
      Attn: AOS
      1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S
      Suite 100
      Phoenix, AZ 85034

Students are responsible to submit any changes in their address or employment information to the GEO within 10 days of the change.  They can use the OPT Data Form which can be found here. Students must follow through with the one year and two-year evaluations required by the Department of Homeland Security