Employment Options for International Students

On-Campus Employment

On-campus employment includes any student employment by a campus academic department or administrative office, or enterprise. This may include work done as a teaching or research assistant, jobs in the university library, or in housing facilities. 

On-campus also includes employment with on-location commercial businesses which provide services for students on campus, such as stores or restaurants located in a University owned building but are not owned by Kutztown University. This may include KUSSI (bookstore), Aramark (dining services), or PSECU (credit union).

On-Campus Employment criteria:

  • You must be enrolled full time during fall and spring semesters.
  • You may work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session (fall and spring semesters).
  • You may work more than 20 hours per week during official university holidays, breaks, and vacation period (winter term, summer term, and spring break).
  • If you have multiple on-campus jobs, your are responsible for monitoring eligible hours per week. 
  • You may not continue to work on-campus after your Program End Date. 
  • Students on a J-1 visa can work on campus, but unlike F-1 students, you must obtain written work authorization from the International Office before starting.
  • A Graduate Assistanship is considered on campus employment. If you currently have a full-time (20 hours) Graduate Assistantship, you are not eligible for additional on-campus employment. 

OFF-campus EMPLOYMENT OPTIONS 

International students on an F and J visa can NOT work off-campus without special authorization from the International Office and USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services); unauthorized off-campus employment will result in termination of status. 

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a temporary internship or practicum for F-1 students to gain practical experience, training, or internship in their field of study. Students are often required to register for an internship course for credit during their CPT employment. View the Curricular Practical Training webpage for more information. 

Academic Training (AT)

Academic Training (AT) is a temporary internship or practicum for J-1 students to gain practical experience, training, or internship in their field of study. Students are often required to register for an internship course for credit during their AT employment. Meet with an International Student Advisor for more information on eligibility and how to apply. 

Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Pre-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an off-campus employment authorization available to eligible F-1 students during their program. OPT can be used before graduation (pre-completion) but most students use the benefit after graduation (post-completion). Applying is a two-step process and requires USCIS to approve. The application and approval process can take 3+ months. View the Optional Practical Training webpage for more information. 

Severe Economic Hardship 

Severe economic hardship refers to the financial problems caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond your control. F-1 students who are suffering a severe economic hardship due to unforeseen changes in their financial circumstances, may apply to USCIS for authorization to work off-campus. Applying is a two-step process and requires USCIS to approve. The application and approval process can take 3+ months. 

  • Apply for Severe Economic Hardship

    Severe Economic Hardship

    • The employment authorization is granted by USCIS in increments of one year at a time.
    • The authorization allows you to work up to 20 hours per week while you are enrolled full-time and more than 20 hours per week during summer and semester breaks.
    • This employment does not affect your Optional Practical Training (OPT) eligibility.

    Eligible Financial Conditions

    • Unexpected changes in the financial state of the student’s source of financial support.
    • Substantial changes in the exchange value of the currency upon which the student depends.
    • Significant increases in tuition or living costs.
    • Medical bills.
    • Other substantial and unexpected expenses.

    Eligibility for Authorization

    • Have been in F-1 status for at least one full academic year. 
    • Are in good academic standing and are taking a full course load. 
    • Must demonstrate that employment is necessary to avoid severe economic hardship due to unforeseen economic circumstances beyond your control. 
    • Must be able to demonstrate why on-campus employment is unavailable or insufficient to meet your financial needs. You are required to make a good faith effort to locate employment on campus before applying for off-campus employment based on economic hardship.
    • Students do not need to have a job offer to apply for Severe Economic Hardship. 

    How to Apply - Part 1

    • If the economic hardship clause applies to your situation, you are required to meet with an International Student Advisor to request a recommendation for Severe Economic Hardship.
    • If approved by the International Office, you will issued a Form I-20 with recommendation for Severe Economic Hardship. 
    • Students will need to file a paper application with USCIS. All off-campus employment must be approved by USCIS prior to job search and job placement. 

    How to Apply - Part 2

    • Payment of $520.00 (as of 6/30/2026). This will be a check or money order made out to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security - refer to USCIS fee schedule for form I-765 for updated fee information. Or complete Form I-912, fee waiver application
    • Printed copy of completed G-1145
    • Printed copy of completed I-765 with (c) (3) (iii) entered in #27
    • Gather all application materials: 
      • Copy of signed Economic Hardship I-20
      • Copies of all previous Form I-20s
      • Photocopies of the biographical pages of the passport (picture, number and expiration date)
      • Most recent Form I-94
      • Two color passport photos taken in past 30 days. Your photos should be taken by a professional photographer and must meet Department of State requirements. Write your name and I-94 number in pencil on the back. It works best to apply a piece of clear tape and write on the tape. Put the photos in an envelope and write your name and I-94 number on the envelope.
      • Copy of any previous Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if applicable
      • Supporting documentation showing an unforeseen change in financial circumstances. 
    • Submit all documents to USCIS. Address can be found on USCIS webpage.

    USCIS Processing Time

    Students will receive a case number and instructions from USCIS that can be used to track the estimated processing times via the USCIS Website. Note that estimated processing times are subject to change but generally take 3+ months. If employment is authorized, USCIS will send the EAD to the address indicated on Form I-765.