Regulations and guidelines about international student employment

Employment is defined as any work or service performed in exchange for compensation, including wages, tuition, fees, books, supplies, housing, meals, or other benefits. Employment opportunities in the U.S. are limited for students in F‑1 and J‑1 visa status, and proper work authorization is required for any type of employment. USCIS considers unauthorized employment one of the most serious violations of F‑1 or J‑1 status.

On-Campus Employment

On‑campus employment includes positions located at Quinnipiac University and paid directly by Quinnipiac or an approved campus vendor, such as Chartwells Dining Services or the Follett Bookstore.

Learn more about working on campus

Off-Campus Employment

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) – F-1

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) provides authorization for off‑campus training or employment experiences prior to completing your program. CPT must be an integral part of your academic curriculum, such as internships, clinicals, or practicums. 

Learn more about Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) – F-1

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is authorization that allows F‑1 students to gain practical training experiences before or after completing their degree in a position directly related to their program of study, but it is not tied to any credit‑bearing component of the academic curriculum.

Learn more about Optional Practical Training (OPT)

STEM OPT Extension – F-1

The STEM OPT Extension provides an additional 24 months of OPT for students who completed a degree in an eligible STEM field and who work for employers that meet all STEM OPT program requirements.

Learn more about STEM OPT Extension

J-1 Academic Training

Academic Training (AT) authorizes J‑1 students to gain practical experience in their field of study, either during or after completion of their academic program.

Learn more about J-1 Academic Training (AT)