Employment Authorization

Choose a category by selecting the appropriate header.

If eligible, you can seek part-time employment (up to 20 hours per week) at Franklin University while classes are in session. F-1 students do not need special authorization to work on campus, and there is no waiting period to begin on-campus employment. During vacation period or official school breaks, you may work full time at your on-campus job if you are returning to classes for future trimesters, and as needed by your employer.
To be eligible for on-campus employment, you must:
• Be a full-time student (unless you are on a vacation trimester)
• Have a valid Form I-20 and active SEVIS record
• Have a valid passport
• Have an I-94 card marked “F-1 D/S”
You may not seek on-campus employment if you:
• Are in violation of your F-1 status
• Are on a medical or academic leave of absence
• Have completed your degree program
If you would like to work on campus, complete an online job application and submit a résumé and cover letter to the Office of Human Resources.
If you receive an on-campus job offer, you will need to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) from the U.S. Government. To do so, you will need a letter signed by the Office of Human Resources and International Student Services (ISS) to verify employment and valid F-1 status.

Off-Campus Employment Economic Hardship (F-1 Students Only)

If you cannot find a job on campus or you experience economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for an off-campus work permit from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) after one full academic year of F-1 status. USCIS requires that you make a “good faith effort” to locate employment on campus before applying for off-campus employment based on economic hardship.
Once approved, you may work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and you may work full time during vacation periods or official school breaks. The job does not have to be related to a student’s course of study.
Off-Campus Employment Based on Economic Hardship can be authorized for up to one year or until graduation. If you transfer to another school, the permit expires.
To be eligible for assistance, you must:
• Be a full-time student (unless you are on a vacation trimester)
• Have a valid Form I-20 and active SEVIS record
• Have a valid passport
• Have an I-94 card that is marked “F-1 D/S”
• Demonstrate that the employment is necessary to avoid severe economic hardship due to unforeseen economic circumstances beyond your control
• Have been in valid F-1 status for one full academic year
• Be unable to find a job on campus
You may not seek assistance if you:
• Are in violation of your F-1 status
• Are on a medical or academic leave of absence
• Have completed your degree program
To apply for an off-campus work permit, contact ISS.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) (F-1 Students Only)

Franklin University defines CPT as a part-time internship for college credit, which serves as an integral part of your academic Program. CPT is intended to provide you with hands-on, relevant work experience prior to graduation. Learn how to apply for CPT with our CPT Application Instruction Sheet.
To be eligible for CPT, you must:
• Be a full-time student (unless you are on a vacation trimester)
• Have been in valid F-1 status for one full academic year
• Have a valid Form I-20 and a valid active SEVIS record
• Have a valid passport
• Have an I-94 card that is marked “F-1 D/S”
Your internship must:
• Meet the definition of CPT as being “alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school” 8 C.F.R. § 214 (f) (10) (i)
• Be “an integral part of an established curriculum” 8 C.F.R. § 214 (f) (10) (i)
• Be a temporary internship through an employer and not a permanent employment position
• Be for college credit as an integral part of your academic program
• Be endorsed and monitored by your Program Chair
• Build upon required competencies that are aligned with specific program outcomes or your selected focus area (Graduate students only)
You may not seek CPT if you:
• Are in violation of your F-1 status
• Are on a medical or academic leave of absence
• Have completed your degree program
Although authorized part-time Curricular Practical Training employment is permitted with no penalties until completion of a degree, students who have received one year or more of full-time Curricular Practical Training are ineligible for Optional Practical Training (this includes practical training immediately after graduation).
Undergraduate students, download your internship manual. Pay special attention to Appendix H.
Graduate students, please download one of the following:
MBA CPT Form
MSCS CPT Form
MCM CPT Form
For more information, contact ISS.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) (F-1 Students Only)

OPT is intended to provide you with hands-on, relevant work experience complementary to your academic program. The employment must be directly related to your field of study and commensurate with your degree level.
While in OPT, individuals are still considered F-1 students at Franklin University even though they may be working elsewhere in the United States. OPT is available in the following cases:
• Pre-Completion: Part time (20 hours per week or less) while school is in session; full-time during breaks or vacations
• Post Completion: Full-time after completion of the course of study
As an F-1 student, you are eligible for 12 months of OPT. Part-time OPT (up to 20 hours per week) is deducted from the available training at one-half the full-time rate. OPT is available after the completion of either a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
To be eligible for OPT, you must:
• Be a full-time student (unless you are on a vacation trimester)
• Have been in valid F-1 status for one full academic year
• Have a valid Form I-20 and an active SEVIS record
• Have a valid passport
• Have an I-94 card that is marked “F-1 D/S”
• Meet all the degree requirements to complete your program (Post Completion OPT)
Submit your OPT application early! It may take U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) three months or more to send your approval. You must apply before graduation. USCIS must receive the application before your actual graduation date.
Special Note: After the end date of the OPT, students have a 60-day grace period. Students making a trip outside of the U.S. while in OPT after graduation will need a signature from the International Student Services Associate on Form I-20 within the last six months for re-entry into the United States. Students will also need to travel with an employer letter to prove they are presently employed to re-enter while in OPT. For more information contact ISS at 614.947.6752.