On-Campus Work
International students can work on campus without seeking authorization from ISSS. However, new students do have some restrictions before the semester begins. Learn more about on-campus work.
F-1 students’ on-campus employment is limited to a total of 20 hours per week while school is in session and up to full-time during summer, winter, and spring breaks.
Students should contact [email protected] or seek out one of our advising options with questions about on-campus employment.
Teaching Assistants
University of Minnesota policy states that to be employed as a teaching assistant or instructor, students whose home language growing up was not English are required to demonstrate spoken English Language Proficiency (ELP). ELP can be demonstrated through TOEFL or IELTS speaking subscores, taking the University of Minnesota Spoken English Test for Teaching Assistants, or successful completion of an ITA course. Teaching assistant duties should be assigned according to language proficiency requirements. For further questions, contact Alyssa Bonnac at [email protected].
Off-Campus Work
New F-1 students are not eligible for off-campus work during their first year of study, as they need two semesters of full-time enrollment before applying. This is a visa regulation and it is imperative that students seek out authorization before any type of employment off campus for any amount of time. The work that students complete off campus must be related to their major/area of study. Learn more on our Employment Information for Advisors page.
If you have any questions while working with a student, please contact [email protected] or 612-626-7100.
There are two main types of off-campus work authorization for F-1 students:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT) — This type of work authorization is for students while they are working on their degree. Students seeking CPT authorization:
- Must have been a full-time student in the U.S. for at least two consecutive semesters
- Must have verification from their academic advisor
- Must have a job offer directly related to their UMN field of study
- Must be enrolled in a course related to the work
- Must have ISSS approval for CPT on a new I-20 before they may begin working off campus
- Optional Practical Training (OPT) — This type of work authorization is typically for students after they complete their degree. Students seeking OPT authorization:
- Must have been a full-time student in the U.S. for at least two consecutive semesters
- Must have verification from their academic advisor
- Do not need a job offer in order to apply for OPT
- Must find employment related to the degree that they received
- Must have ISSS recommendation for OPT on a new I-20 before submitting their application to USCIS
- Must have USCIS-issued work authorization in order to work in the U.S. for 12 months
Students should contact ISSS with any questions about eligibility for off-campus employment.
