F-1 Students and Employment
On-campus Employment:
In accordance to 8 CFR 214.2(9)(i), F-1 students are eligible to be employed on-campus as long as they are considered in good standing and making satisfactory progress. Students can work at all HCC locations up to 19.5 hours during the spring and fall semester and may work full-time during official vacation periods and holidays.
The F-1 on-campus employment eligibility expires once the student transfers to another institution or graduates (unless he/she continues his/her education at HCC for a secondary program in the following semester), is considered in violation of F-1status, or has changed his/her legal status.
Click here for additional guidelines about on-campus employment.
Off-Campus Employment:
In general, international students on F-1 status are not permitted to work off-campus without prior authorization. Any unauthorized employment is considered illegal and can cause serious consequences.
However, there are certain benefits made available by the Department of Homeland Security to F-1 students that pertain to employment opportunities as part of the educational program. Students must be in F-1 status for at least one full-time academic year before they are eligible to work off-campus.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT):
In accordance to 8CFR 214.2 (f)(10)(i), CPT is a specific work/training authorization issued by the Designated School Official (DSO) that allows F-1 students to pursue a part-time employment or training based on academic requirements. Such authorization is issued per semester and is only granted if the employment or training is documented as an academic necessity to complete program requirements (internship, cooperative education or field training classes etc.).
Click here for additional information and application guidelines.
Optional Practical Training (OPT):
In accordance with the 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii), OPT is a specific work authorization granted by the Department of Homeland Security to allow students to obtain training in their field of study. In most cases, this application is filed as post-completion OPT in the graduating term of an Associate Program, and, if approved, grants the student a full-time work authorization for up to 12 months in a field related to his/her program of study.
Post OPT Application Guidelines
OPT Frequently Asked Questions.
Severe Economic Hardship (SEH):
In accordance with the 8 CFR 214.2 (f)(9)(ii)(C), a F-1 student may be eligible to apply with the Department of Homeland Security for off-campus employment based on economic hardship. The student and sponsor must be able to provide verifiable evidence that the current financial difficulties are unforeseen and beyond controllable circumstances. If granted, this work authorization is issued part-time and the student is expected to continue to enroll as a full-time student. Students must consult with a DSO for a case review before detailed application guidelines are provided.
If you need additional information about employment opportunities, please contact the Office of International Student Services. Each application has specific eligibility requirements that have to be satisfied before a DSO can recommend and endorse the application.
