Employment

On-Campus Employment

International students are permitted to work on-campus up to 20 hours per week. During official school breaks (summer, winter, and spring breaks, but not regular weekends), students may work on campus up to 40 hours per week.

Off-Campus Employment

Off-campus employment is allowed in three specific circumstances. Students must speak with the International Office before assuming that they qualify for any of the three options listed below.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

International undergraduate and graduate students must be in F-1 status for one academic year and meet North Park’s internship requirements before applying for CPT. The work must be a legitimate part of the student’s educational program and be approved by the student’s academic advisor. The work must be registered as an internship at North Park (taken for academic credit) and as CPT in SEVIS. CPT application instructions for undergraduate and graduate students are available from the International Office.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

International undergraduate and graduate students who have been in F-1 status for one academic year may apply for OPT between 90 days before and 60 days after their program end date (graduation). OPT gives an international student permission to look for employment and work in her or his academic field for one year after completion of studies. In certain circumstances, students may be eligible for pre-completion OPT. Application for OPT costs $340 and must be done in SEVIS with the help of International Office staff. OPT application instructions are available from the International Office.

Severe Economic Hardship

An international student may apply for Severe Economic Hardship Work Permission if the student’s circumstances have changed so that the student cannot continue to study without off-campus employment. A student must be in F-1 status for one academic year before applying for this work permission. Application must be done in SEVIS with the help of an International Student Advisor. The fee for off-campus work authorization is $340. If the application is approved by USCIS, a card authorizing employment will be issued. The student must have the card before off-campus employment can begin.

Volunteer Employment

International students who are engaged in a volunteer position that may be related to their field of study should contact the International Office to see if the volunteer work needs to be registered as CPT.