Are you pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree and trying to figure out the best next step on your journey? As you navigate your career and academic opportunities as an international student, we have prepared some relevant resources including information about F-1 employment options, Career Services Center offerings this semester, and other timely events and information. If you have additional questions related to immigration, you can email ISSS or make an appointment with your ISSS adviser. 

Employment Options for International Students

If you're interested in pursuing an internship or job, consider applying for Curricular Practical Training (CPT). It is a work authorization (paid or unpaid) that is integrated into the curriculum of your program or major field of study. Students who have a course or degree requirement to engage in an off-campus internship, fieldwork, or job, can apply for CPT. In order to apply for CPT you need proof of your course or degree requirement, a CPT letter from the employer, and your academic adviser's recommendation. Starting this semester, ISSS has revised the CPT employer letter template to make this process more standardized. Students applying for CPT should provide the CPT employer letter template to their employer so they can ensure all the required information and acknowledgment of CPT are included in the letter. You can read more about CPT and find the new template letter on our CPT web page. Learn more »
 
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is another option for international students and is an off-campus work benefit for F-1 Visa holders. Students have the option to apply for 12 months of work authorization during or after their studies. Students are required to complete a workshop before submitting an OPT application to ISSS. Please note that all F-1 students must first receive approval before beginning employment in the U.S. Learn more »

On-Campus Employment is a great opportunity for international students who are interested in earning extra money. All F-1 degree-seeking students may work up to 20 hours per week on campus while classes are in session. Eligible F-1 students should follow the steps listed on our web page when seeking on-campus employment. Learn more » 

J-1 students should check with their ISSS adviser or visa sponsor to determine their employment eligibility. Eligible J-1 students have two options to engage in employment: On-campus Employment and Academic Training. Learn more »  

During International Education Week (Nov. 13–18), our office will be hosting a Job Success Strategies Workshop on Wednesday, Nov. 15, from 5:30–7 p.m. This workshop is designed for currently enrolled international students who are planning to pursue a job in the U.S. either during or after their program.

A reception will follow from 7–8:30 p.m. All international alumni and currently enrolled international students are invited. The reception is designed for you to connect with alumni and other USF students, as well as network and explore job opportunities. Registration is required for both events. The deadline to RSVP is Nov. 10. RSVP here »

Cafe International is a community space for international students to make friends and learn to live on the multicultural USF Campus. These events take place on Fridays from 3–4 p.m. on the following dates: Nov. 3 and Nov. 17. Come and enjoy a stress-free coffee break and chat about food, music, pop culture, and anything and everything to help you recharge. Contact the Cultural Centers for more info »

If you are requesting an immigration document or letter from our office, remember that we request ten business days to process requests. Make sure you plan accordingly so you have enough time to receive your document before you need it. All ISSS requests should be submitted through the MyISSS student portal (click on requests on the left-hand menu). You can view our MyISSS Student Handbook for assistance with your submission.