Off-Campus Employment for F-1 Visa Students

If you are a currently enrolled or recently graduated student on an F-1 visa, there are off-campus employment options for you. All employment options require authorization from our office before you can legally begin working.

For currently enrolled F-1 students

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a  form of temporary off-campus employment authorization that you can participate in as a currently enrolled student under an F-1 visa. If seeking CPT, your employment must also grant you academic credit. 

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

OPT is a temporary off-campus employment authorization for one year. While this is typically completed after graduation, current students may be eligible. For current students, this option would be considered Pre-Completion OPT, and has additional requirements. Please contact us if you are interested in Pre-Completion OPT. 

For recently graduated F-1 students

POST-COMPLETION OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT)

Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a temporary off-campus employment authorization for one year that students complete after graduation. You may apply for OPT up to 90 days before your program end date and up to 60 days after your program end date.

STEM OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT), is a temporary off-campus employment authorization for up to an additional 24 months that students complete after graduation and participation in Optional Practical Training (OPT). STEM OPT is only available to graduated students with a major or degree that is considered to be in a STEM-related field.

Please note: If you have graduated from RISD, you are not eligible to work on campus or participate in Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

Contact us

flags from several countries standing on the ground on RISD beach

Hours

Mon–Fri: 8:30 am–4:30 pm


Advising hours: 
Mon–Tues, Thurs–Fri: 12–1 pm

Contact

Carr House, 3rd floor, Room 303
210 Benefit Street
Providence, RI 02903

401-277-4957

issa@risd.edu

Meet the team