On-Campus Employment

What is defined as on-campus employment?

International students may work on-campus. On-campus employment includes student worker positions in various offices or departments on campus. During the semester, you can work no more than 20 hours per week. During breaks, you may work more than 20 hours. You must get permission from the Center for Global Engagement before you start working for the first time. 

Here are the steps to work on campus:

• Work with the Center for Student Success Student Employment Program and apply for on campus jobs in Talent Track.
• Once you are hired, please complete and print the Social Security On-Campus Work Authorization Form, available by clicking here. Your supervisor will have to complete their section of the form before the CGE can sign.
• Go to the Social Security website by clicking here to complete your application and make an appointment. The Social Security Office no longer accepts walk-ins; you must make an appointment and complete the application online before visiting the office.
• Take the completed form with BOTH signatures to a Social Security Administration office for your appointment. You will also need to bring your valid passport, visa, I-94, and I-20 with you.
• Once approved for a Social Security Number (SSN), it takes an average of two weeks to receive the card in the mail. Once you receive your SSN, you may begin working.

Internships (CPT)

What is Curricular Practical Training (CPT)? 

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an opportunity for international students to obtain work experience in their field of study. These experiences can be internships, research positions, or cooperative education programs.

If you are being paid in anyway for these activities, you MUST apply for CPT. 

When can you start? 

• Start researching opportunities as soon as you can! Keep in mind that you must be lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for at least one full academic year (Fall and Spring) at Robert Morris University before you can start the CPT process. 
  • An exception exists for graduate students whose programs require immediate curricular training). 
• You will need to search for, find, and be hired for the job before you register for CPT. The Career Center can help you with that.
• You need to register and receive CPT approval before you start working.

What do you need? 

• To be enrolled as a full time student at Robert Morris University for one academic year.
• A letter or email from the company offering you the job that verifies the dates you will be employed, hours per week you will work, and the job description.
• To be enrolled in an internship class at Robert Morris University, including opportunities during the summer term.
• Complete CPT application, found here.

Things you should know:

• There is a limit to the amount of time per week you can work.
  • During the Spring or Fall, you can work a maximum of 20 hours per week.
  • During the Summer, you can work more than 20 hours per week.
• Your CPT is only valid for the dates printed on your I-20. It is possible to extend your CPT, but you must submit a new application each time and register for additional credits.
• CPT will be granted for the length of the semester that you are enrolled in an internship class and/or for no more than four months.

Questions? Please contact internationaloffice@rmu.edu for more information.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an opportunity for F-1 international students to gain valuable work experience in their field of study. This is a chance to learn how American businesses operate and possibly be offered further work opportunities!

Please note, this information is for Post-Completion OPT. For information on Pre-Completion OPTs, please contact internationaloffice@rmu.edu.

When can I apply?

Students must have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis at RMU for one full academic year (two semesters) before being eligible for OPT. Students may apply as early as 90 days before their program end date,* and up to 60 days after their program end date. It is highly recommended to apply as soon as possible. 

Please note that the OPT application is a time consuming process, so we are unable to honor walk-ins. Once your application is complete, please drop off the application for review. Once the application has been reviewed, you will receive an email of any changes needed and ask you to make an appointment to finalize and review your OPT application.

*Your program end date is three days after grades are due for your final semester. You can find these important dates on the  RMU Academic Calendar.

When can I start?

You may choose a start date that is within 60 days of your graduation. 

Important note: OPT applications take an average of 3 months to be processed. It is highly recommended that you apply as early as possible to make sure your application is processed before the day you want to start. You may not apply more than 90 days before your graduation date.

Please contact internationaloffice@rmu.edu to request an OPT application and appointment.

The application will be mailed by Robert Morris University on your behalf to USCIS. All original documents will be returned to you, and you will be given a copy of the application and all accompanying documents for your records if you wish.

You are advised to set up an appointment in the Center for Global Engagement as soon as you decide to pursue OPT, or at least 90 days before you graduate.

You must receive the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before starting any employment.

How do I check my case status?

After you apply for OPT, USCIS will notify the Center for Global Engagement that your application has been received. This will be scanned and forwarded to you. Included in this receipt is a number that begins with EAC or YSC. You can use this number to check the status of your case.

How do I report my OPT Employment?

Please provide the following information to internationaloffice@rmu.edu:

• Offer letter from employer that includes start date, job title, and number of hours worked per week
• Employer's Address (location where you will physically be working)
• Employer EIN number (not mandatory, but highly recommended)
• Supervisor's name, phone number, and email address
• Brief statement from you on how the job is related to your degree

How do I apply for a STEM Extension?

You are eligible for a STEM extension if your degree is in the STEM (Science, Engineering, Technology, and Math) field and your OPT position is directly related to your degree. Please review the RMU STEM application form for more information and instructions on how to apply.

Please visit Study in the States for more detailed information about the STEM extension including student and employer resources.

Contact Tabitha Slater slater@rmu.edu  with any questions or to make an appointment.

For a more comprehensive look at international student employment regulations, please click here.

IMPORTANT: Working in the United States without permission could result in a temporary or lifetime ban due to being considered illegally present.