Work Authorization

F-1 International Students are permitted to work on campus for 20 hours a week.  During Holiday and Semester breaks, F-1 Students are permitted to work on campus for 40 hours a week.  This benefit of F-1 status only applies if the student is in good standing and registered full time. 

Those seeking jobs should look on the GVSU Website

F-1 Students are NOT permitted to work off campus without written authorization.

The two most common types of Off-Campus Work Authorization are Curricular Practical Training and Optional Practical Training. Both need additional authorization and planning!

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)- This is used primarily while a student is still in school. It is intended to assist an international student in completing program requirements such as mandatory practicums, internships and co-ops. At GVSU, international students may also take an independent study that requires an off-campus work experience. CPT may be authorized one semester at a time, either part time (20 or less hours a week) or full time (between 21 and 40 hours a week). You may have unlimited CPT (as long as it is an integral part of your academic program), but if you have more than 365 days of FULL time CPT, your OPT option is ELIMINATED. Please be sure to work carefully with your academic advisor, your off campus employer and the Padnos International Center.

In order to be authorized, you should expect that it will take 2 days. You will need to hand in a job offer letter as well as proof from the academic department that the experience is relevant and necessary. Here are some materials that will be helpful.
Application Process for F1 Curricular Practical Training
Clearance from Academic Advisor for Curricular Practical Training

Optional Practical Training (OPT)- This is used primarily after graduation. It is 12 months of full time work authorization. You do not have to have a job to apply for OPT. The application process is longer, and takes about 4 months to hear an answer (the application goes to Immigration for final decision). In order to apply, you should attend the Fall 2009 OPT Fair on September 18, 2009 in the Padnos International Center. Instructions are listed here:
Application Process for F1 Optional Practical Training

As always if you have any questions, contact the Padnos International Center!

Kate Stoetzner
Director of International Student and Scholar Services
Grand Valley State University
130 Lake Ontario Hall
1 Campus Drive
Allendale, MI 49401
616 331 3898 (phone)
616 331 3899 (fax)
stoetznk@gvsu.edu
www.gvsu.edu