Employment
Student Employment
Many employment opportunities exist both on and off-campus for international students. Different policies and procedures exist depending on the situation.
On-Campus Employment
Work up to 20 hours per week during the quarter and more than 20 hours per week during school breaks.
![MustangMoveIn A building on the campus of Cal Poly](https://intladvising.calpoly.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20200904-MustangMoveIn-JoeJ0308.jpg)
![20211007-CareerFair-JoeJ0005_2560 career fair](https://isscalpoly.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/20211007-CareerFair-JoeJ0005_2560.jpg)
Curricular Practical Training
CPT
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) may be authorized when an internship is a required component of a student’s curriculum.
Optional Practical Training
OPT
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is 12 months of work authorization for F-1 visa students.
![20191002-CareerFair-JoeJ0133_2560 students attend a career fair on campus](https://isscalpoly.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/20191002-CareerFair-JoeJ0133_2560.jpg)
Other Employment Options
Learn about some other employment options for Cal Poly International Students.
F-1 Economic Hardship
F-1 Economic Hardship is off-campus employment that is approved by USCIS based on unforeseen severe economic hardship.
J-1 Academic Training
J-1 Academic Training is paid or nonpaid (volunteer) training directly related to the field of study listed on your DS-2019 form.
![Scenics A building on the campus of Cal Poly](https://intladvising.calpoly.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20230418-Scenics-ASh1737.jpg)
Social Security
A U.S. Social Security Card is required to work on and off-campus.
U.S. Taxes
Even if you do not work, all F-1 and J-1 visa holders must submit a form to the IRS each year.
![20200208-VITAPrep-JoeJ0272_2560 students work with an advisor over financial documents](https://isscalpoly.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/20200208-VITAPrep-JoeJ0272_2560.jpg)