Employment Options

F-1 and J-1 students are generally permitted to work on campus while enrolled full-time and making normal progress towards the completion of degree requirements. On-campus employment is any position that does not displace a U.S. worker and is not required to be related to your program of study. On-campus employment may take place at any Rutgers University office, department, library, bookstore or cafeteria. Rutgers University - Newark students may also work at a different Rutgers University campus location.

On-campus employment is limited to a maximum 20 hours per week during the Fall and Spring semesters while studying full-time. You are eligible to work more than 20 hours per week during the summer or winter break.

Ph.D. students working on a research project directly related to your studies in an outside firm or organization, but supervised by your academic advisor while being paid through Rutgers University, may be considered as working on campus.

Eligibility Requirements: Active F-1 or J-1 student visa status and making normal progress towards the completion of your degree.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is for F-1 student visa holders that may require off-campus employment that is directly related to their degree program. This includes paid and unpaid internships that may be required to successfully complete your degree program. CPT authorization must be approved by your academic official and the OISS prior to the start of your employment. Students engaged in a full-time course of study may not participate in more than 20 hours per week for an internship. Our office provides CPT workshops throughout the academic year that address various questions and provides you with a better understanding of the application process.

Eligibility Requirements: Current F-1 visa status and have completed one full-time academic year of study while on the F-1 visa status.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM-OPT are periods of work authorization for F-1 student visa holders who have graduated and want to work in their field/major. The employment opportunity relates to the student’s degree program and is approved by an academic official and the OISS prior to the start of employment.

Post-Completion OPT is one year (12-months), with the option of an additional 24 months of STEM-OPT extension (if the student studied in an eligible STEM major). OISS provides OPT & STEM-OPT workshops close to the start of the application timeline that address various questions and provide support during the application process.

Eligibility Requirements for OPT: Current F-1 visa status, have completed their academic program and applied through USCIS.

Eligibility Requirements for STEM-OPT: Current F-1 visa status, are nearing the end of their OPT and studied an eligible STEM degree.