Office of International Education › International Student and Scholar Services ›

Employment for F-1 Students

Contact Molly Heidemann for information on employment.

• On-campus employment does not need any special authorization, however we advise that you do not work during your first semester at Miami . A maximum of 20 hrs/wk is allowed during school year; but can be full-time during vacation periods. Assistantship hours are counted in total hrs.
• Optional Practical Training (OPT) - You are given 12 months of OPT that can be used either part-time (20 hrs/wk) during school year or full-time during the summer months and/or after completion of studies. F-1 students get 12 months of OPT after each degree level (Bachelor's, Master's & Ph.D). Work must be related to your field of study, and you must be in valid student status for one full academic year before you are eligible. No job offer is required for post-completion OPT. Fee required; apply early. For information, go to: OPT Information(pdf)
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT) - This type of employment can be authorized only if you are earning academic credit for the employment or if it is required for the degree. You must be in full-time student status for one full academic year before you are eligible to apply. No fee required. For information, go to: CPT Information(pdf)
• Employment due to economic hardship - You can apply for this type of employment if an unexpected, severe economic circumstance should arise, i.e. sponsor loses job, you lose your assistantship, currency rates drop dramatically, etc. Authorization is for part-time (20 hrs/wk) during school year or full-time during periods of vacation, and does not have to be related to your field of study. You must be in valid F-1 status for one full academic year before you are eligible to apply. Fee required. For more information, please contact an International Student Advisor.