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Employment Options | On Campus Employment | Off Campus Employment | Severe Economic Hardship

Employment Options For International Students
F1 and FJ

J-1 Exchange Visitors 

Students in J-1 status must speak to the Responsible Officer of their sponsoring program to learn if they are eligible to work while in the US. 

On Campus Employment 

International Students are allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week (on campus) while school is in session. 

Information about on-campus jobs can be found at: 

Career Development http://www.uah.edu/careerservices/
824-6612 

Off Campus Employment 

Immigration regulations require F-1 and J-1 students to be complete a full time course of study for one full academic year before becoming eligible for any type of off campus employment. 

F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT) 

• Students who are offered a Cooperative Education position through the UAH Coop Office will be authorized for Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
• UAH does not authorize CPT for students desiring a "summer job" or "internship" unless it is required for graduation. Required internship courses are listed under the degree requirements for each major in the UAH Catalog and will be indicated on the Program of Study. Students must register for the internship course during their employment time.

• Students who want a "summer job" or "internship" must apply for Optional Practical Training.
• Students who use 12 months of full time CPT will be ineligible for Optional Practical Training.

F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) 

• See blue sheet for detailed information on Optional Practical Training
• OPT is typically used by students during the 12 month period immediately following graduation from UAH.
• Students who want a "summer job" or "internship may apply to use part of their Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the Summer while school is not in session. The portion used during summer subtracts from the 12 moths of total OPT for that degree level.
• It normally takes about 90 days to receive OPT employment authorization from the Immigration Service. A current processing estimate is provided by the Immigration Service when the student applies for OPT.