Jobs for International Students
As an international student with F-1 status, you may be eligible to get a job while you are here, such as:
On-Campus Work
- You can work on the campus that issued your Form I-20.
- New students are eligible to start working up to 30 days prior to the start of classes.
- You remain eligible as long as you maintain F-1 status.
- You can work up to 20 hours a week.
Note: There are legal restrictions to on-campus positions. F-1 students may be employed in any on-campus position that does not displace a U.S. worker. Jobs in this category do not have to be related to your course of study.
To learn more about student employment see the "I am an international student" section of the Resources for Student Employees webpage.
Off-Campus Work
You may want to seek a temporary job experience in your field. To be eligible you must:
- Be in valid F-1 status
- Have completed at least one academic year, enrolled full time (two semesters) as an F1 student
- Receive authorization for employment from your International Advisor/DSO
- Not be enrolled in the ESL program
- Finish your term of employment by the date listed on your I-20 or EAD card
Please utilize Handshake to look for job opportunities and work with our Career Services Team.
Off campus job options may be available for a maximum of 12 months during or after you complete your DU program. These include:
CURRICULAR PRACTICAL TRAINING (CPT)
Off campus work authorization during their course of study. Please complete the CPT request form and submit to your Academic advisor/DSO for approval. This type of work must be related to your field of study.
OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT)
Requires USCIS approval. Please download our OPT request form and OPT Frequently Asked Questions then schedule a meeting with your Academic Advisor/DSO for further information about the application process. The OPT Employer Information Form is required to be completed once an employment opportunity has been secured. If you change employers anytime during your OPT eligibility this form must also be completed with the new employer information and sent to your DSO for updates in SEVIS.
Our International Staff of admissions, advisors and DSO's are not attorney's and do not offer legal advise. If you have a need beyond what are staff are allowed to advise on you can refer to the Immigration Services in Michigan to connect to agencies that are available throughout the state.