International Student Employment Work experience is part of your story at NWTC.
Many international students work on campus to help cover the cost of college. As an F-1 student, you have options — and we're here to help you understand them.
A few things to keep in mind:
- On-campus student positions generally pay around $15 per hour and average fewer than 10 hours per week
- It can take several months to find an on-campus position
- On-campus work is not guaranteed — you are here primarily to study and must provide proof of funding to attend NWTC
On-Campus Employment
On-campus employment is available to both new and continuing international students. Your job does not need to be related to your academic program.
Hours:
- Up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester
- Up to 40 hours per week during breaks, including summer and winter
Good news: SEVIS authorization is not required for on-campus work.
Is the position eligible?
To qualify as on-campus employment, your position must meet one of the following:
- The work takes place at NWTC and directly serves students — for example, in the bookstore or cafeteria. Positions that do not serve students (such as construction) do not qualify.
- The work is at a location affiliated with NWTC — such as a research lab — even if it is not on campus.
Please note: On-campus employment must not displace a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
Ready to get started?
View on-campus job opportunities
Not sure where to begin? Visit Career Services in SC1238 for help building your resume and finding positions that fit your goals.
Off-Campus Employment
Off-campus work is available after you have completed one full year of full-time study at NWTC. All off-campus employment must be related to your academic program and authorized through one of the following pathways.
Important: You will need a letter from your Designated School Official (DSO) to bring to the Social Security Office before you can begin work. To request this letter, email International Programs with your employer name and start date.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT allows F-1 students to work, intern, or volunteer off campus when that experience is a direct part of your academic program.
Important: CPT must be authorized by the NWTC International Programs Department before your first day of work. An updated I-20 authorizing CPT must be issued to you in advance.
What you need to know
- CPT must connect to an approved course in your area of study during the same term you are working
- You may work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) or full-time (more than 20 hours per week)
- You must maintain full-time enrollment while participating in CPT
- CPT authorization must be renewed each term, or any time your hours change between part-time and full-time
- If you use more than one year of full-time CPT, you may lose eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation
- Working off campus without authorization is a violation of your F-1 status and can result in status termination
How to apply for CPT
Step 1: Find a qualifying job, internship, or volunteer opportunity. Career Services or your Class Internship Coordinator can help.
Step 2: Download the CPT Application Form
Step 3: Complete the student section of the application (page 2)
Step 4: Have your employer complete the employer section (page 3)
Step 5: Get approval from your Associate Dean, Dean, or Class Internship Coordinator (page 4)
Step 6: Enroll in the appropriate course or credits
Step 7: Submit your completed application to the International Programs Office at least two weeks before your start date. Email International Programs
Once approved, you will receive your updated I-20 with CPT authorization and a letter for the Social Security Office.
Extending CPT? If you have already been approved and need to renew for an additional semester, use the One Semester Renewal Form instead.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT allows eligible F-1 students to gain work experience in their field after completing their program.
To get started:
- Complete the OPT Interest Form. Requests are reviewed every two weeks.
- Wait to receive your OPT I-20 before completing Form I-765. Do not submit Form I-765 early.
- The DSO Committee will review your eligibility and send your OPT I-20 to your email if you qualify.
For full details on the process and requirements, review the OPT Guide.
Questions about your eligibility or next steps? Reach out to the International Programs Office — we're happy to help you figure out your options. Contact International Programs.