F-1 Status Employment

Please review the employment options and requirements below. It is important that you're aware of the information below to maintain your immigration status.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2025:  All students requesting a Form I-20 for OPT and the STEM OPT extension will be required to pay a processing fee to the office of International Services.  The fee is $75 for OPT (pre- and post-completion) and $150 for the STEM OPT extension.  This fee directly supports the operations of the International Services office so that we can provide you with optimal immigration advising and compliance services before and during your work authorization.  More information can be found on page 16 of the approved 2025-2026 Fee Schedule.

Optional practical training is one type of work authorization available for eligible F-1 students. It allows students to get real-world work experience related to their field of study.

While a Designated School Official (DSO) recommends OPT in SEVIS, it is the student who must apply for the work permit with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). If the OPT is approved, USCIS will issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The student must not begin working before the start date on the EAD.

For more Information on OPT please visit the Department of Homeland Security's website "Study In The States".

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is temporary employment authorization that allows an international student in F-1 immigration status to work off-campus and gain practical experience in their field of study. The employment must be in the student’s field of study and have a curricular requirement. Only a Primary or Designated School Official (P/DSO) in the International Services Office can authorize CPT.

Economic Hardship

Students who are experiencing severe economic hardship may be authorized to work off-campus. Although MSU will provide some guidance as they do play a small part in the application, it is up to the student to apply independently. They can find out more on this application process online at USCIS.