Work Options for
F-1 Students
F-1 visa holders have unique pathways to build global careers. From on-campus jobs to CPT and STEM OPT extensions, we architect your U.S. professional journey.
How to Work While Studying in the USA
International students on an F-1 visa in the U.S. have significant opportunities to gain practical experience through three main programs: CPT, OPT, and the STEM OPT Extension. Understanding the precise timelines and restrictions is essential to maintaining your legal status while maximizing your career potential.
CPT (Curricular Practical Training)
Work off-campus in a position directly related to your major while still enrolled.
OPT (Optional Practical Training)
Work in your field of study before (Pre-completion) or after (Post-completion) graduation.
STEM OPT Extension
Additional 24-month work authorization for graduates in STEM fields.
Internships, Apprenticeships & Co-Ops
Different roles offer different pathways to residency and career success.
Internship
Short-term experience (10-12 weeks) during/between academic terms. Focuses on exposure and skill building.
Apprenticeship
Long-term structured programs combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction in technical fields.
Co-Op
Structured partnerships between uni and employer where students alternate between full-time study and full-time paid work.
Academic & Brand Partnerships
Unlock specialized funding and elite network access through campus-integrated roles.
Assistantship Excellence
Teaching Assistant (TA)
Support professors in delivering courses, grading, and tutoring undergraduate students.
Research Assistant (RA)
Work on faculty-led research projects, labs, or data analysis within your department.
Graduate Assistant (GA)
Administrative or service-oriented roles within university departments or offices.
Campus Ambassador Programs
Google (Gemini)
Student ambassador for AI tools and campus community building.
Microsoft Learn
Empower peers with tech skills and cloud computing knowledge.
Apple (Rep)
Liaison between Apple and your university campus.
Claude (Anthropic)
Lead AI builder clubs and lead campus outreach campaigns.
OpenAI (ChatGPT)
Launch AI initiatives and build AI-savvy campus communities.
Amazon (Prime)
Promote Amazon services and Prime Student through activations.
Your Employment Roadmap
Chronological pathways for F-1 visa students.
Non-Professional Employment (On-Campus)
Freshmen can immediately start building their resume on campus. These roles are convenient for balancing classes and earning an allowance.
Typical Roles
- • Teaching / Research Assistant
- • IT Help Desk / Library Assistant
- • Resident / ISO Advisor
Underclassmen Internships
Early exposure to professional environments with fewer technical prerequisites. Focuses on foundational skills and exploring potential career paths.
Top Programs
- • Meta University
- • Microsoft Explore
- • Amazon Propel
- • Citadel Launch / UberSTAR
Upperclassmen Internships
Highly technical roles designed for senior students. These often serve as a direct pipeline to full-time return offers after graduation.
Elite Roles
- • Google BOLD / SWE
- • Deloitte Inspires
- • Palantir Path
- • Google Summer of Code
Graduate & Entry-Level Roles
Structured full-time programs (Graduate Schemes) or direct entry roles. These provide training, mentorship, and a clear path to long-term residency via STEM OPT.
Grad Scheme
Structured 1-2yr programs with high conversion to long-term contract.
Entry-Level
Direct contribution to projects. 1-5yr renewable contracts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Only if you engage in full-time CPT for 12 months or more. Part-time CPT (20 hours or less) has no impact.
Post-completion OPT allows up to 40 hours per week. Pre-completion is limited to 20 hours while school is in session.
No. You can apply without an offer, but you must secure employment within 90 days of your OPT start date.
Submit your application to your DSO at least 2-4 weeks before your intended start date.
Typically 3-5 months. Applying early is critical to ensure a smooth transition to work.
The extension provides an additional 24 months, for a total of 36 months of authorization.
For STEM OPT, you can work up to 180 days while the extension is pending if filed before expiry. For initial OPT, you must wait for your EAD card.
Plan Your US Career Path
Get personalized advice on university selection based on your target career and post-study work opportunities in the USA.