On Campus Employment
International students can only work a maximum of 20 hours a week on campus during the academic year when classes are in session. During break periods students can work full time. All students who plan to work must apply for a social security number, which is coordinated through the Office of of International Student Services.
Off Campus Employment
Students on an F-1 visa have limited options to work off campus while enrolled at Gettysburg College. Generally, off-campus employment is not permitted for F-1 students, except in the case where stdents are doing internships for credit. This usually happens during the summer, and is authorized through Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT is a type of training for an F-1 student. It allows you to gain training experience that is an integral part of the curriculum or program. This training may be an internship, cooperative education job, a practicum or any other work experience, provided it is either for credit or required for your degree. At Gettysburg College, students apply for CPT after they have applied for and accepted an internship off campus for the summer, fall or spring semester. CPT is authorized by the Director of International Student Services.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT provides the opportunity to apply knowledge gained in the classroom to a practical training experience off campus. At Gettysburg College, students generally apply for OPT at the beginning of their last semester before graduating. OPT requires a mailed application to the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). The USCIS authorization can take up to 90 days to obtain. The maximum amount of time granted to work in F-1 practical training status is 12 months, however, students who graduate with a STEM degree are eligible for a 24-month extension of their OPT authorization (36 total months). You may use some or all available 12 months of practical training during your course of study, or save the full 12 months to use after you graduate. You may apply up to 90 days before your SEVIS program completion date, and up to 60 days after your program completion date. Information about eligibility requirements and the application process