Work Authorization Rules for F-1 Students

Please note International Students cannot work on or off campus without prior approval.

On-campus or off-campus employment?

Requirements
On-campus employment
  • F-1 students may only work on campus at Diablo Valley College
  • Must come see the DSO at the ISO office for approval before you begin working.
  • Must obtain a Social Security number (please refer to Social Security section) with correct spelling of your name.
  • Maximum 20 hours/week during regular school year, Maximum 40 hours/week in summer
  • Availability of open positions are limited due to popularity of on-campus employment.
Off-campus employment
  • F-1 students must come see a DSO in order to apply for either program.

Curricular practical training (CPT):

CPT is an alternate work/study internship, work experience education or any other type of required internship or practicum which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.

Requirements:

  • Two semesters in F-1 status in an academic (non-ESL) program.
  • Must be required for program completion or offered as an optional course through Work Experience Education.
  • The work must be in the student's area of study as indicated on the I-20 form.
  • Student can be approved for a total of 4 semesters only while taking WRKX 170 class.
  • CPT does not take the place of Optional Practical Training when the work done is on a part-time basis only or if full-time work does NOT equal or exceed 12 months.
  • Approval is granted by the DSO in the ISO office.

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Optional practical training (OPT):

OPT is temporary employment for practical training directly related to the students' majors upon completion of programs.

Requirements:

  • Two semesters in F-1 status in an academic (non-ESL) program with the educational goal of an associate degree or a certificate.
  • Students completing a transfer program or transfer requirements are not eligible for OPT while at DVC. To be eligible, you must complete an Associates Degree, Associate Degree for Transfer, and/or Certificate program. If you are transferring to a 4-year university without an Associates Degree or Certificate, you must wait until you complete a Bachelor's degree at the 4-year level.
  • Students at DVC completing a transfer program are eligible for CPT.
  • A student is limited to 12 months full-time practical training per educational level.
  • Approval is granted by USCIS.
  • International students with F1 status who believe they are eligible for practical training or work based on economic hardship must see the DSO at the ISO office for approval of employment request and for information on how to complete the appropriate paperwork.
Types of Optional Practical Training:
While school is in session
(pre-completion practical training)		 A student may work up to 20 hours per week while attending a program of study;
Vacation Period Practical Training A student may work up to 40 hours per week during the summer vacation or during the break between semesters;
Post-Completion Practical Training. A student may work up to 40 hours per week after the completion of an associate degree or certificate only. Student must apply through the DSO before the end of his or her program or request will be denied by USCIS.  A student is allowed to submit an application for OPT 90 days before the end of the academic program.

International students with F1 status who believe they are eligible for practical training or work based on economic hardship must see the DSO at the ISO office for approval of employment request and for information on how to complete the appropriate paperwork.

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