Kentucky State University

Employment for International Students

Introduction

Steps Necessary Before Employment

Types of Employment:

On Campus Employment

Economic Necessity Employment

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Employment and Maintenance of Status


Introduction

Students in F-1 status are permitted to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session as long as working does not interfere with studies or delay degree completion. Off-campus employment may be possible under certain conditions after the first year of studying in F-1 status. Please consult with the Office of Global Education and Programs (OGEP) for eligibility requirements and application procedures.

All such employment should be secondary to the primary purpose of being at KSU, which is studying. While a student may earn some spending money, any wages from part-time, on-campus employment are supplemental only and are insufficient to provide ongoing living expenses (see Financial Information page for current costs).


Steps Necessary Before Employment

The Office of Global Education & Programs (OGEP) will assist you in filing various applications for benefits or services you may enjoy as a non-immigrant student or dependent. To expedite the review of your request, you need to know ahead of time what documents are required for your specific request. Your application will not be processed until the packet is complete. Below are various types of request and the documents that constitute the dossier. Most of the USCIS forms are available on the Internet.



On-Campus Employment

Conditions for accepting on-campus employment:

1. Work occurs on the KSU premises

2. Employment is limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session, and full time during breaks

3. Student must be pursuing a full course of study or, if employed during the summer holidays, intend to register for the next semester at KSU

4. Employment may begin no sooner than 30 days prior to the start of classes for new students with initial entry to a new program.

ICE's on campus employment FAQ's


Economic Necessity Employment

1. Supporting materials documenting necessity

2. Transcript or academic record

3. Form I-765

4. Passport (photocopy)

5. Form I-94 (photocopy)

6. Current Form I-20


Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

To apply for CPT, be sure you can answer YES to ALL of the following questions:

1. Have you been in lawful, full-time status for at least one academic year? (Note: Graduate students may be exempted; they should verify with OGEP.)

2. Is the training directly related to your field of study and commensurate with your educational level?

3. Is the training a requirement of your program of study, and will you receive credit for it?

4. Do you have a written job offer indicating the job title, location & dates of employment, & number of hours?

Documents to submit to OGEP for CPT:

1. Documentation from your chairperson indicating your current academic standing and testifying that the requested training is directly related to your field of study and commensurate with your educational level

USCIS Information on CPT


Optional Practical Training (OPT)

OPT is permission to participate in an "optional practical training directly related to the student’s major area of study".  Visit this separate page for information on how to apply for OPT.

USCIS Information on OPT


Employment and Maintenance of Status

To remain in status, it is extremely important that you follow the Federal regulations about employment. As an international student, you must contact OGEP, located in Academic Services Building, Suite 303, to obtain work authorization before you accept employment. Never work without getting authorization first!

The chart below provides employment eligibility information by visa type.

Visa Type

On-Campus Employment

Off-Campus Employment

F-1

Students enrolled full time and in good academic standing can be authorized to work on campus up to 20 hours a week during the academic year and full time during university breaks, including summer. Apply at GEP.

Conditions for accepting on-campus employment:

  1. Work occurs on the KSU premises
  2. Employment is limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session (full time during breaks)
  3. Student must be pursuing a full course of study or, if employed during the summer holidays, intends to register for the next semester at KSU

Employment must begin no sooner than 30 days prior to the start of classes for new students with initial entry to a new program

Students are eligible to work in their field of study after taking classes full time for nine months. This type of work is called "practical training" and requires the consent of the department chairperson or the dean. If you are interested, please contact GEP for further information.

Students experiencing economic hardship should make an appointment with the Foreign Student Advisor by calling 502-5977-6361. Employment may be authorized in certain cases.

Economic Necessity Employment

  1. Supporting materials documenting necessity
  2. Transcript or academic record
  3. Form I-765
  4. Passport (photocopy)
  5. Form I-94 (photocopy)
  6. Current Form I-20

F-2

You are not allowed to work if you have an F-2 visa.

You are not allowed to work if you have an F-2 visa.


For additional information, contact OGEP.