Northern Illinois University
International Student and Scholar Services
Division of International Affairs

International students' employment options are restricted in the US by law. You have the option to work on campus or receive permission to work off campus.

On-campus Employment

F-1 Students:

• Can work on campus without authorization from our office
• Cannot work more than twenty hours a week
• Must maintain good status academically and with immigration

J-1 students have different rules governing working on-campus.

Off-campus Employment

F-1 Curricular Practical Training is off campus work permission for F-1 international students who will be employed in their field of study who have not yet graduated.

F-1 Optional Practical Training is off campus work permission for F-1 international students who have recently graduated.

J-1 students also have academic training options.