Employment Information

International students on F-1 and J-1 visas have to abide by certain rules and restrictions regarding employment while they are enrolled for classes in their degree program. Please read through the following sections carefully and consult with an International Student Advisor if you have any questions or concerns.

Guidelines

These are the basic rules and regulations that international students need to know regarding employment:

1. International students are limited to working a maximum of 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters.
2. International students can work up to a maximum of 40 hours per week during the summer and winter breaks.
3. International students are limited to working only on campus at Cal State Fullerton.
4. International students can work off campus only if they are on curricular or optional practical training, academic training, or have an economic hardship work permit.
5. International students must be in F-1 or J-1 status for at least one academic year before they can apply for curricular/optional practical training, academic training, or an economic hardship work permit.

Working on-campus for F-1 and J-1 Students

International students are limited to working a maximum of 20 hours per week on campus during the fall and spring semesters, and 40 hours per week during the summer and winter breaks. There are numerous locations you could work at, including offices, food court, library, bookstore, etc. (Marriott Hotel is not considered on-campus).

Information for J-1 Student Only: Before you begin on-campus employment, you must obtain an employment authorization letter from an advisor from the International Programs office(UH-244)

Contact Information: +1 (657) 278-2787 +1 (657) 278-7292 ieoffice@fullerton.edu

Working Off-Campus for F-1 Students Only

• Optional Practical Training (OPT)
• General Information
• OPT Session
• OPT Extension for STEM Majors
• Cap-Gap Extension
• Application for Cap Gap Extensions

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
• General Information
• Eligibility
• Application Procedure
• Length of CPT
• Hours of CPT
• Important Reminders

• Economic Hardship
• General Information
• Special Information for Students Affected by Japan Disasters

Please visit the Calendar & Events for location, time, and dates of sessions regularly offered by International Programs Office on CPT, OPT, Academic Training, Economic Hardship, and other employment options for international students.

Working Off-Campus for F-1 and J-1 Students

• Academic Training: Internships
• General Information
• Eligibility
• Application Deadlines

Please visit the Calendar for location, time, and dates of sessions regularly offered by International Programs Office on CPT, OPT, Academic Training, Economic Hardship, and other employment options for international students.

Information for Employer

• On-Campus Employer
• Updated SSA Procedures
• Guidelines and Sample Letter Format
• SSN Sample Letter (PDF)

• Off-Campus Employer
• Sample Letter format

Additional Employment Information

• Acquiring Social Security Card
• General Information
• To F-1 or J-1 Students and Scholars
• Application Procedure
• Nearby Social Security Administration Offices

• Tax Information
• Tax Information provided by Financial Services

Revised — February 2013

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