Employment

As an international student, your F-1 visa status gives you opportunities to work, but under strict conditions. The information below outlines the conditions under which international students may work according to F-1 visa regulations.

On-Campus Work

While enrolled in your study program, you are allowed to work on campus, part-time (maximum 19.5 hours per week). Students enrolled at Seattle Colleges can work at any of our campus locations, as well as the Seattle Colleges District Office. Examples of on-campus employment opportunities can be found in International Programs, Student Leadership, the gym, dining facilities, and Tutoring Centers. In general, jobs require good communication skills in English.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of Practical Training that allows F-1 students to gain job experience in their field of study. CPT permits eligible, in-status F-1 students to engage in off-campus work while receiving academic credits.

CPT must qualify as an "integral part of the established curriculum", meaning that students must earn credits that will count towards completion of their degree or educational objective. It must also be approved by the appropriate program counselor or an IP advisor. CPT employment can be part-time (20 hours per week or less) or full-time (more than 20 hours per week) and it can be paid or unpaid.

Students who have received one year or more of full-time CPT are not eligible for post-completion Optional Practical Training.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of Practical Training that allows international students who have completed an academic program that was at least one academic year long (9 months) to pursue a paid internship or employment to gain practical on-the-job experience relevant to their field of study.

Pre-Completion OPT refers to any portion of OPT used before the student's Program End Date. It may be part-time or full-time. Students may apply for Pre-Completion OPT as soon as they are eligible to take an internship class or a practicum. They should first check with their program counselor and/or IP advisor to learn if they have earned enough credits and have the skills necessary for work experience. Post-Completion OPT refers to any portion of OPT used after the student's Program End Date. It must be at least 20 hours per week or full-time. Students may apply for full-time Post-Completion OPT up to 90 days before their program completion date (graduation), or 60 days after. Approval to do OPT is granted by USCIS.