Employment

F-1 and J-1 students may obtain both On-Campus and Off-Campus Work Authorization if certain eligibility requirements are met. Below is a breakdown of each employment authorization type as well as helpful reminders:
 

On-Campus Employment:

•  Employment at GSU cannot exceed 20 hours per week; this amount includes all other authorized employment.
  • International students may work more than 20 hours per week during official university breaks only (Winter Break, Summer Break, etc).
• On-campus employment does not need to be related to the student's field of study.
• J-1 Students only: J-1 students are required to report all on-campus employment to the Office of International Services (OIS). If you are a J-1 student, and plan to work on campus, please come to the OIS office and speak with a student advisor before beginning your employment.

 

Off-Campus Employment:

• F-1 and J-1 students are eligible for off-campus employment in the form of Practical (F-1) or Academic Training (J-1) if they have been maintaining their status and if they meet other eligibility requirements.

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT) - Off-campus training in the form of an internship, co-op or practicum that is an integral part of an established curriculum. CPT must be either required or be an established part of the student's degree program. CPT is an option for students who will continue to work towards their degree. You must have your approved CPT I-20 before you begin your training.

 

• Pre/Post Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) - Temporary employment that is directly related to a student's field of study. F-1 students are eligible for up to 12 months of OPT authorization for each level of study (ex. BS, MS, EdD). The majority of students apply for OPT as they near the end of their academic studies. Utilizing OPT after completion of studies allows students the opportunity to use the skills they have learned at GSU to gain real world experience. 
  • All F-1 students interested in applying for OPT are required to attend an employment options workshop. The presentation explains eligibility requirements, regulations and application procedures for Optional Practical Training and the STEM OPT Extension.

• STEM OPT Extension - An additional 24-month period of OPT granted to a student on Post-Completion OPT who meet specific government qualifications & requirements. Students must apply for the STEM OPT Extension with USCIS before their current Post-Completion OPT period ends. 

• While on OPT or STEM OPT Extension, students are required to report any changes to the following: name, address, contact information, new employer, change of employer name or address, or departure from employment.