Employment and Practical Training

As an F-1 student, your primary purpose in the United States is to pursue and successfully complete your academic program. Your education must remain your primary focus throughout your time at United States University.

Employment and practical training opportunities are limited benefits available to eligible F-1 students. When practical training is included as part of your academic curriculum, it is intended to provide practical experience that supports your educational objectives. Employment authorization should complement your studies and must never replace your academic responsibilities or become the primary purpose of your F-1 status.

You must receive the appropriate authorization before beginning any employment, internship, or other activity that may be considered employment under federal regulations. Working without authorization is a violation of your F-1 status and may result in termination of your SEVIS record and loss of future immigration benefits.

Before accepting any employment opportunity or beginning any internship, consult with your Designated School Official (DSO) to determine whether authorization is required.

On-Campus Employment

United States University does not currently offer on-campus employment opportunities for F-1 students.

Off-Campus Employment Based on Severe Economic Hardship

In limited circumstances, an F-1 student may be eligible to apply for off-campus employment authorization due to severe economic hardship caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond the student's control.

To qualify, you must:

Have maintained valid F-1 status for at least one full academic year;
Be in good academic standing;
Demonstrate that employment is necessary due to severe economic hardship; and
Receive authorization from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before beginning employment.
Examples of circumstances that may qualify include:
Significant changes in currency exchange rates;
Unexpected increases in tuition or living expenses;
Loss of financial support;
Unexpected medical expenses; or
Other substantial and unforeseen financial circumstances.

You must submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with supporting documentation to USCIS. You may not begin employment until USCIS approves your application and you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of F-1 employment authorization that allows eligible students to participate in practical training experiences that are an integral part of their established curriculum. CPT may include internships, cooperative education, or other required practical experiences that are directly related to a student's major field of study.

At United States University, certain programs include a required practical training component as part of the academic curriculum. Students enrolled in these programs may be required to complete an approved internship in order to satisfy degree requirements.

Participation in CPT is not automatic. CPT authorization is subject to federal regulations, University requirements, and approval by a Designated School Official (DSO). Students must meet all eligibility requirements before CPT authorization can be granted.

Your academic program and coursework must remain your primary purpose for maintaining F-1 status. CPT is intended to provide practical application of concepts learned through your academic program and must directly support your educational objectives.

CPT Eligibility Requirements

To participate in CPT, you must:

Maintain valid F-1 status;
Meet all University academic and CPT eligibility requirements;
Be enrolled in the required course or curriculum component associated with the practical training experience;
Have an employment opportunity directly related to your major field of study; and
Receive CPT authorization from your DSO before beginning any employment activity.

Employment may not begin until CPT authorization has been approved and is listed on your Form I-20.

CPT Authorization Process

To request CPT authorization, you must submit the CPT Request form and all required documentation no later than two weeks before the start of the semester, or your requested start date. The DSO will thoroughly review your materials and contact you if there are any additional questions regarding your employment. Once all relevant information has been collected and you are deemed eligible, the DSO will authorize CPT by entering your employment details into the SEVIS system and issuing you an updated I-20. Once you have received your I-20 you may begin your CPT employment on or after your authorized start date.

If you require an additional semester of CPT, you must meet with your DSO to discuss the possibility for further authorization.

Professional Symposium and Internship Requirement

United States University’s MBA and DBA programs include a professional symposium or internship course as part of the academic curriculum. These courses are designed to provide practical application of academic concepts and allow you to gain experience related to your field of study.

If your program requires an internship experience, you must complete the required academic coursework and receive CPT authorization before beginning any internship employment connected to your program.

The purpose of the internship experience is to support your academic learning objectives. Maintaining progress toward your degree and successfully completing your academic requirements remain your primary responsibilities as an F-1 student.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) provides eligible F-1 students with temporary employment authorization directly related to their major field of study. OPT allows students to gain practical experience that complements their academic program.

OPT may be authorized before completion of your program through Pre-Completion OPT or after completion of your program through Post-Completion OPT.

OPT Eligibility

To qualify for OPT, you must:

Maintain valid F-1 status;
Complete at least one full academic year of study;
Be completing or have completed your program of study;
Seek employment directly related to your major field of study; and
Meet all USCIS requirements.

OPT authorization is not automatic. Your DSO may recommend OPT in SEVIS; however, USCIS must approve your application before you may begin employment.
You may begin employment only after USCIS approves your OPT application, and You receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

Pre-Completion OPT

Pre-Completion OPT allows you to participate in authorized practical training before completing your academic program. Employment may be authorized on a part-time or full-time basis depending on your circumstances and eligibility and must be related to your program of study. Pre-Completion authorization will deduct time eligibility from Post-Completion OPT.

Post-Completion OPT

Post-Completion OPT is employment authorization available after completion of your program of study. Employment must be directly related to your major field of study and must meet all OPT reporting requirements.

Reporting Requirements During OPT

While participating in OPT, you must report certain changes to your DSO within the required timeframe, including:

Legal name changes;
Changes to your residential address;
Changes to employer information; and
Periods of unemployment.

You are responsible for ensuring that your SEVIS record remains accurate throughout your OPT authorization period.

SEVP Portal

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Portal allows students on approved post-completion OPT to report certain required updates directly to SEVP.
Through the SEVP Portal, you may be able to update:

Your physical address;
Your mailing address;
Your telephone number; and
Your employer information.

You remain responsible for ensuring that all required information is accurately reported and submitted within the required timeframe.

If you experience difficulty accessing the SEVP Portal or have questions about your reporting responsibilities, contact your DSO for assistance.

Career Services and Employment Resources

United States University does not guarantee employment during or after completion of your program. However, Career Services provides resources to help you prepare for professional opportunities, including career guidance, workshops, and employment resources.

You are encouraged to use Career Services resources throughout your program to develop professional skills and prepare for future career opportunities.