It is important for international students to understand their options for legal employment and to not engage in unauthorized employment while in the United States. Unauthorized employment can result in immediate cancellation of your F-1 visa.
Contact the International Student Office for help with any of the following employment.
On-campus Employment
You are eligible to work on-campus for Austin Community College if you have a valid F-1 visa and you maintain good academic standing. You can work up to 20 hours a week.
You are not allowed to work off campus without prior approval from International Student Office and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Find a Job on Campus
Check with the campus supervisor each of the following areas:
If a position is not available currently, you can try again at the beginning and end of semesters when students graduate and schedules change. (F-1 students are not eligible for work-study positions.)
ACC’s Career Services lists information about available jobs and internships. See job postings.
Apply for a Social Security Number
Once you have been offered a position, you will need to apply for a Social Security number in order to begin working.
To apply for a Social Security number, obtain an employment verification form. This is provided by your hiring manager as proof of employment offer.
Next, visit the local Social Security Administration office. Take the following documents with you:
- The employment letter prepared by your hiring manager
- Original I-20
- Passport with visa and I-94 card
Add Social Security Card Information to Student Record
Once you receive your Social Security number, present the card to your supervisor and to the International Student Office to have the number put into your student record to allow for payment. A Social Security number is NOT a work permit and cannot be used to obtain alternate employment.
Off-campus Employment
There are two types of practical training opportunities for F-1 students to gain job experience in their field of study. You must be enrolled for one full academic year and maintain your F-1 status in order to apply.
Curricular Practical Training
With Curricular Practical Training (CPT) you can legally work at an off-campus internship while receiving credits that count toward completion of your program of study. Speak with your academic program department about internship opportunities that earn college credit.
Once you arrange an internship, submit an application for CPT to the International Student Office. Upon approval, you will receive an updated I-20 with a CPT endorsement. Do not engage in any CPT employment without first receiving the updated I-20.
IMPORTANT: If you engage in full-time CPT for 12 or more months before graduation, you are not eligible for post-completion optional practical training.
Optional Practical Training
With Optional Practical Training (OPT), you can engage in temporary employment to gain practical experience in your field of study. If approved, you will receive authorization to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months.
Plan ahead: Contact the International Student Office at least 90 days before your program completion date because OPT applications can take up to three months. You can apply for OPT up to 60 days after your program end-date.
Severe Economic Hardship
Under special circumstances, USCIS grants employment authorization if you experience severe economic hardship. You must be enrolled in a degree or certificate program for nine months or longer and must demonstrate documented severe and unexpected financial hardship.
Back to Top