Employment & Internships
EMPLOYMENT, INTERNSHIPS AND VOLUNTEERING
TYPES OF EMPLOYMENT
ON-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT
As an F-1 international student, you may work in most on-campus positions without authorization while studying at MCPHS. See link below for further information about types of positions, limits to hours worked and other requirements.
OFF-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT
For off-campus work, you must have authorization.
There are multiple types of off-campus work authorizations that work in different situations. The most common authorizations cover:
- employment not required of your curriculum or immediately following completion of your degree (OPT - Optional Practical Training) and
- employment required of your curriculum (CPT - Curricular Practical Training).
Less common authorizations include Severe Economic Hardship or Special Student Relief (SSR) if your country of citizenship qualifies.
For details about CPT, OPT, Economic Hardship, or Special Student Relief (SSR), please:
- Review information at links below
- Make an appointment via the Student Success Hub with your Immigration Advisor in the Immigration & International Support Services office.
INTERNSHIPS AND VOLUNTEERING
Most off-campus internships or curricular placements require some type of work authorization (e.g. CPT or OPT).
Volunteering is a common activity in the university experience. HOWEVER, just because a position is called volunteer or is unpaid, does not mean it qualifies as a volunteer experience, especially for international students. Please review any potential volunteer or internship opportunities with your Immigration Advisor prior to accepting the opportunity.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Before accepting any job, internship, or volunteer position you MUST consult Immigration & International Support Services.
Engaging in unauthorized off-campus work, internships or volunteer experiences will seriously jeopardize your F-1 immigration status in the U.S.