Employment Options

F-1 international students are admitted to the United States based in part on documented access to funds that cover their tuition and living expenses. While limited employment opportunities are available under F-1 visa regulations, these should be viewed as supplemental income rather than the primary means of support.

For immigration purposes, “employment” includes any work performed in exchange for compensation, which may take the form of wages, room and board, or other significant benefits. Before accepting any type of employment, it is your responsibility to ensure it is permitted under F-1 regulations. Always consult with an International Student Advisor before pursuing employment to avoid jeopardizing your status.

On-Campus Employment

International students interested in on-campus employment can explore opportunities through the college’s online job portal, which is updated regularly with open positions. While international students are not eligible for Federal Work-Study positions, they may apply for any part-time staff jobs or College Work-Study positions.

As Columbus State is a non-residential college, the number of part-time student positions is limited. The International Student Services office does not provide job referral services, so we encourage students to regularly check the college’s employment website for the latest updates.

https://www.cscc.edu/about/employment/

Once you successfully secure a part time on campus position and need a supporting letter for your Social Security Number (SSN) application, please contact International Student Services at jtang4@cscc.edu for assistance and guidance on the SSN application process.

💡 Tip: Apply early, as positions are competitive and may fill quickly.

Eligibility Criteria and Requirements

Maintenance if active lawful F-1 status at CSCC (waiting for a change of status does not qualify)
Position must not be supported by federal government funds (federal work study positions not ok, college work study positions ok)

Work duration

Part-time: 20 hrs per week maximim. Employment terminates upon completion of study/ graduation/ or transfer to another school. Employment not allowed during the 60-day grace period following completion of study.
Initial entry F1s may begin work 30 days before class start
Full-Time work allowed during annual vacation and semester breaks however, CSCC may not allow full-time on-campus employment for F1 students

Additional notes

No application fee
No permission from International Student Services required
Work doesn’t have to relate to field of study
Employment terminates if student violates F1 status.

Off-Campus Work Permission based on Severe Economic Hardship

If on-campus employment opportunities are not available and an F-1 student experiences severe financial hardship due to unforeseen circumstances, they may apply to USCIS for off-campus employment authorization. The application is submitted directly to USCIS, requires a processing fee (see the current USCIS fee amount), and may take 3–5 months to process. If approved, students are permitted to work off-campus with certain limitations (see below). F-1 students may not begin off-campus employment until the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) has been received from USCIS. Processing times vary—see USCIS Processing Times for current estimates.

Students are strongly encouraged to discuss this option with a qualified and experienced immigration attorney before pursuing an application. If you need to request the necessary I-20 with the recommendation for off-campus employment to include with your application to USCIS, please contact the PDSO at jtang4@cscc.edu to schedule an advising appointment.

Please note: Columbus State does not control USCIS fees or processing times. These are determined by USCIS and may change without prior notice.

Eligibility Criteria and Requirements

Students who have been in F-1 status for one academic year (defined as a Autumn and Spring semester), are in good academic standing.
Can demonstrate that acceptance of employment will not interfere with the ability to carry a full course of study.
Must have had a “good faith” effort to find employment on-campus
Must have a well-documented situation that shows loss of external funding

Additional notes

Authorization is granted by USCIS in increments of up to one year at a time, or until the program end date, whichever is shorter. Students using this authorization must remain enrolled full-time.
It allows students to work off-campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session, and full-time (more than 20 hours per week) during semester breaks. The employment does not need to be related to the student’s field of study.
An application fee is required, and the fee is non-refundable if the application is denied. Authorization automatically ends if a student transfers to another school.

Have questions? Email International Student Services at jtang4@cscc.edu we’re here to help!

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is temporary employment authorization for F-1 international students that allows them to gain practical experience directly related to their major while completing their degree. At Columbus State, CPT is only available when an internship course is a required part of an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program. CPT must be authorized in advance by International Student Services and noted on the student’s I-20 before employment can begin.

Eligibility Criteria and Requirements

Students who have been in F-1 status for one academic year (defined as a Autumn and Spring semester), are in good academic standing.
Students must be enrolled in an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program and registered for an internship course that is required for their declared major as part of the degree requirements. The internship must also match the student’s major listed on the I-20. Internship opportunities for personal enrichment, certificate programs, career development, or elective courses do not qualify for CPT.

Additional Notes

CPT is authorized for a limited and set period of time and for a specific job at a specific employer.
CPT can be paid or unpaid, and authorized for either full-time or part-time employment
Full-time employment with CPT for a period longer than 12 months will affect OPT eligibility
No application fee if endorsed by academic department, work authorized by an international student advisor, not USCIS

Have questions? Email International Student Services at jtang4@cscc.edu we’re here to help!

Optional Practical Training - OPT(Post completion/ after graduation)

Post-completion OPT allows F1 students to work up to 12 months after graduation anywhere in the U.S. in a field that is directly related to their major at Columbus State. Initial proof of employment is not required when applying for OPT with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). An application fee applies.

Eligibility Criteria and Requirements

Students must have been in F-1 status for at least one academic year (defined as an Autumn and Spring semester) and be in good academic standing.
Students must have applied for graduation with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, or with an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree that includes a declared specialization at Columbus State.
Students must not have been previously authorized for OPT at the same or a higher program level.
Earliest Application Date: Up to 90 days before the program end date.
Latest Application Date: Must be received by USCIS no later than 60 days after the program end date.

Have questions? Email International Student Services at jtang4@cscc.edu we’re here to help!

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