Off-Campus Employment Authorization
International students must always obtain work authorization to work off-campus. Off-campus employment must be related to your UMN major.
These requirements apply to any type of off-campus employment, including:
- Paid internships (including those required by an academic program)
- Employment during the summer, winter break, or spring break
- Employment that receives a stipend, bonus, etc.
- Positions where the individual receives a benefit instead of pay (for example, getting free rent in exchange for babysitting or being a caretaker of an apartment building).
ISP encourages international students to consult with an ISP advisor early in the job search process to ensure they can receive authorization for the type of work they are seeking.
CPT is work authorization that allows a student to work before graduation in a job directly related to their major area of study. CPT authorization is provided by ISP.
OPT is work authorization that allows a student to work before graduation in a job directly related to their major area of study. OPT authorization is provided by USCIS.
Graduates with a certain STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degree are eligible to apply for an additional 24 months of OPT STEM Extension. Graduates apply for STEM OPT as they near the end of their initial OPT period, and the permission is granted by USCIS.