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Exploring employment opportunities as an international student at Nova Southeastern University is essential for your professional and personal growth. With the NSU Edge, you'll receive comprehensive support, enabling you to gain valuable work experience while achieving your academic goals.

What is Employment?

Employment is work in exchange for compensation, including money, room and board, or other significant benefits. Most employment opportunities require authorization, and working without it can seriously affect your ability to study, travel, or work in the United States. Abiding by these regulations is important as they directly impact your academic journey and future opportunities in the U.S.

The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) is here to support and guide you through the intricacies of maintaining your status. If you need clarification on any aspect of your employment or status, consult the OISS to ensure you comply with all regulations. F-1 students can seek off-campus employment authorization through Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which includes internships and practical experiences essential to their academic program. This must comply with guidelines established by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). 

Connect with OISS

On-Campus Employment

As an international student, you can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during the academic term and full-time (up to 37.5 hours per week) during approved vacations and breaks. On-campus employment does not require approval from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the OISS. To begin working, you must obtain a Social Security card and report your earnings to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Learn More About On-Campus Employment  Apply for a Social Security Number

Curricular Practical Training

Our Curricular Practical Training (CPT) program gives you the NSU Edge by combining real-world training with your academic studies. As an F-1 student, you'll gain valuable hands-on experience through internships, co-op education, or practicum opportunities directly related to your major. To qualify, you must be enrolled full-time for at least one academic year, secure a relevant internship, and complete the CPT Application Packet with approval from your academic adviser. Submit the packet to intl@nova.edu and start your journey towards a successful career.

Explore CPT Options

Optional Practical Training

Optional Practical Training (OPT) offers F-1 students the chance to gain practical work experience directly related to their major, both during and after their studies, enhancing their academic achievements with real-world skills. Post-Completion OPT allows you to work full-time for up to 12 months after completing your degree; apply as early as 90 days before your program end date and wait for your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before starting work. Pre-Completion OPT, available before completing your degree, lets you work up to 20 hours per week during classes and full-time during breaks, with any time used deducted from your total 12-month OPT period.

Discover OPT Opportunities

STEM Optional Practical Training Extension

F-1 students with a STEM degree (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) can extend their Post-Completion OPT by 24 months. To qualify, you need to be in a valid OPT period, hold a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate from an accredited, SEVP-certified U.S. institution in an approved STEM major (check the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List for your CIP code). The job must be related to your degree, paid, and at least 20 hours per week. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, have an EIN, and complete and sign Form I-983 Training Plan alongside you.

Learn About STEM OPT Extension

Career Development

NSU's Career Development resources provide valuable tools and guidance to help you achieve your professional goals. From resume templates and cover letter guides to graduate school planning and interviewing strategies, you'll find everything you need to succeed.  

Unlock Your Career Potential