F-1 students are required to obtain employment authorization for ALL off-campus work conducted in the United States. This includes freelance work, work for a US company while abroad, work done for internationally based companies while present in the U.S, and selling artwork online.

Please review the information below to learn more about training opportunities for F-1 international students to gain work experience during their studies at CCA.

Questions about working in F-1 status? Email iss@cca.edu

International students with F-1 nonimmigrant student status may participate in CCA Institutional Work-Study Student Employment Program, which offers paid positions on campus as well as opportunities to work in local nonprofit organizations that partner with CCA.

CCA On Campus work is limited to 20 hours per week during the academic year while class is in session and 37.5 hours per week during holiday breaks when class is not in session (example: summer holiday).

Students are often interested in volunteer opportunities, as a way to give back to the community and meet new people.

However, it is essential F-1 international students understand what counts as volunteering in order to ensure compliance with US immigration regulations.

International students who have completed at least one academic year in F-1 status are eligible to apply for CPT work authorization for employment that has an integral curricular connection to their program of study.

CPT is authorized by an ISS advisor during an appointment with the student. CPT authorization must be obtained prior to engaging in any work.

OPT allows international students who have completed at least one academic year in F-1 status to work in the United States in a job related to their major or field of study. This work authorization may be granted during a student’s program of study or immediately after graduation.

Most students choose to participate in OPT following graduation since it allows them an additional year of work experience in the United States. OPT is recommended by an ISS advisor and approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

STEM OPT is an extension of post-completion OPT available to students who graduate with a qualifying science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) degree and who meet other, additional requirements. Qualifying students may apply to extend their 12-month post-completion OPT for an additional 24 months. Review the STEM OPT portal page for more information.