F-1 employment opportunities  

On-campus employment usually means that you will be getting paid by Northern Arizona University. There are a few exceptions, so be sure to check with your International Student Adviser before beginning any employment.

Curricular Practical Training

CPT is work authorization for paid internships. For this work authorization, the student receives academic credit. Find more information on CPT, including eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Optional Practical Training

OPT is a work authorization benefit available to eligible F-1 students. This benefit allows one year of employment following graduation. Read for more information on OPT, including eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Northern Arizona University offers F-1 students job opportunities. Read more about the rules and requirements for employment. 

On-campus employment

F-1 students may work on-campus 20 hours or less per week when school is in session. Students may work on campus up to 40 hours per week during official breaks if registered for classes for the next semester. Official breaks are:

• summer break
• spring break
• winter break

Social Security number

F-1 students are not eligible for a Social Security number unless they have received a job offer and will be participating in authorized employment. You do not need a Social Security number to:

• open a bank account
• obtain a cell phone
• rent an apartment
• use in any other non-tax related purposes

The purpose of a Social Security number is for income tax reporting.

Process after receiving a job offer

• Once you receive a job offer, you need to provide your employer with the SSN Request form.

• Once your employer has completed the form, bring it to the Center for International Education’s front desk and drop it off for your International Student Adviser. Your International Student Adviser will fill out the bottom portion of the letter and will e-mail you when your form is ready to be picked up.

• You will take the form to the Social Security office in Flagstaff, along with all your immigration documents to apply for a Social Security number. Once you have applied for a number, you will be given a receipt. You may begin working while you are waiting to be assigned a Social Security number.

Off-campus employment regulations

F-1 students are not generally permitted to work off-campus. Students who engage in unauthorized work are subject to:

• loss of eligibility for benefits
• deportation

The employer is also subject to fines.

The only exception to this regulation is for F-1 benefits that are authorized before beginning employment. The F-1 benefits include:

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
• Optional Practical Training (OPT)