Employment Information for Students
The rules and regulations about employment for international students on F-1 and J-1 visas are strict. International students can work on campus, but cannot work off-campus without specific authorization. Please see the information below for more information about on-campus and off-campus employment options.
Off-campus employment:
Additional important information related to employment can be found at the following links:
On-Campus Employment
All F-1 students are allowed to work on the OU campus up to 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters. Students may work more than 20 hours per week during school breaks. You may apply for on-campus employment up to 30 days before the start of classes. If you have additional questions, please visit the F-1 Student On-Campus page on ICE.gov/SEVP.
Students may apply for on-campus jobs at jobs.ou.edu. If you have questions about the job application process, contact Human Resources by calling 405-325-1826 or completing the OU HR contact form at hr.ou.edu/contact.
Off-Campus Employment
International students must have authorization to work off-campus. Click the links below to learn more about the application process for each type of employment.
F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT authorizes you for work in an off-campus internship that is required by and/or will count towards your degree program.
F-1 Economic Hardship
If you are experiencing economic hardship, you can apply to USCIS for work authorization.
F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Post-completion OPT authorizes you for a year of off-campus employment after you graduate from OU.
F-1 OPT STEM Extension
The OPT STEM Extension allows students with "STEM" (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) degrees to apply for a 24 month extension of OPT.
Special Student Relief
The US Federal government has designated some countries for Special Student Relief (SSR). SSR suspends some rules regarding F-1 student enrollment and employment.
J-1 Academic Training
Academic training provides work authorization for the purpose of work, training, or experience related to a student’s field of study.
