On-Campus Employment for F-1 & J-1 Students
As an F-1 or J-1 student in good standing, you are eligible for on-campus employment.
During the academic year, Fall and Spring semester, an international student in F-1 or J-1 status may work on-campus up to 20 hours per week. Please keep in mind that on-campus employment is secondary to your pursuit of a degree at Clemson University. Because of this, you must maintain full-time enrollment if you are employed on-campus.
During the semester break, such as Winter or Spring Break, an international student may work above 20 hours per week. Please note, however, when the break period ends, you are required to return to a maximum of 20 hours of employment per week.
All on-campus employment for international students must be processed by the Director of International Employment and Taxation at OIA. For information on the documentation you must prepare for your on-campus position, please click here, and read our employment FAQs for students section.
If you are interested in obtaining on-campus employment, please consider visiting the Michelin Career Center on the third floor of the Hendrix Student Center or by visiting: http://career.clemson.edu/ .
Off-Campus Employment for F-1 & J-1 Students
(CPT & OPT)
F-1 Students: Following the successful completion of one academic year as a full-time student, while maintaining your immigration status, an F-1 student is eligible for off-campus employment in the form of Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). Both forms of employment authorization permit an F-1 student the opportunity for real work experience in a position directly related to their field of study.
The Office of International Affairs holds a series of informational workshops, “Employment Options for F-1 Students”, to discuss Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). During the hour-long workshop you will learn about the two forms of Practical Training, eligibility requirements, application procedures and time considerations. Check the workshop schedule for dates, times and location. Please note, other employment options, such as H1-B, will not be discussed. Registration for the workshop is not required, but space is limited. Prompt arrival is appreciated. If this is your final semester, please note that the USCIS must receive your OPT application before you complete your studies.
Attendance is required for F-1 students wishing to obtain CPT/OPT, and you must attend one of the sessions prior to meeting with an international student advisor to discuss your application. You only need to attend one session.
Important note: If this will be your last semester and you wish to apply for OPT, please plan to attend an earlier session as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) must receive your application prior to the completion date of your academic program.
J-1 Students: International students holding J-1 status are eligible for off-campus employment in the form of “Academic Training” (AT). Like CPT and OPT, AT allows the J-1 student the opportunity to gain real world experience in a position directly related to their field of study.
Workshops on employment options for J-1 students are not held. Students in J-1 status wishing to gain Academic Training authorization should meet with an international student advisor to discuss the eligibility requirements and application procedures.
Life After F-1
On November 7, 2007, a "Life After F-1" presentation will be held at 1:30pm in the Hendrix Student Center.
U.S. Social Security Number
International students are eligible for a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) if they have verified employment in the U.S. International Students who are not employed in the U.S. cannot apply for a SSN. For more information on applying for a Social Security Card, click here.