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Working in the U.S.

The information on this page is primarily for students holding an F-1 visa at Linfield University.  Employment, for the purpose of maintaining your status, is receiving compensation for performing a task or providing a service.   Volunteer work done for the purpose to help your academic or professional career should be discussed with the IPO.

On-Campus employment

  1. Definition: On-campus employment is work that you have been hired for by Linfield University.  This is usually located on campus.  There are some jobs that are located on campus, but your employer may not be Linfield University, such as Dining Services, that are allowed.
  2. Eligibility and Hours
    • F-1 students at Linfield University may work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and 40 hours per week during vacation periods.
    • J-1 students must be authorized by their sponsor before they can begin working on campus
    • On campus employment is tied to financial aid. Short term exchange students receiving tuition waivers are not eligible for financial aid, so are not eligible to work on campus. 
    • You may work multiple jobs, but the total cannot exceed 20 hours per week while school is in session.
    • It is your responsibility to work with your employer to ensure you do not exceed 20 hours per week.
    • 20 hours per week is a strict limit and it must be followed every week.  Your hours cannot be averaged out across a pay period. 
    • Vacation Periods - F-1 students are allowed to work full-time during the vacation periods
    • Federal Work Study - there are a few jobs on campus that are considered federal work study positions.  F-1 and J-1 international students are not eligible for these positions.

Finding employment

  1. Linfield Student Employment Website

Curricular practical training (F-1 students)

  1. Definition: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is employment authorization for employment that is an integral part of your program of study.  CPT is authorized for required internships, required training, and credited internships.
  2. Eligibility for CPT
  • Maintained F-1 status at Linfield for at least one academic year
  • Receiving academic credit for your program of study
  • CPT can only be authorized during your program of study.  It cannot be authorized after your have completed your program.  See OPT for this.
  1. Application Procedure

Optional practical training (F-1 students)

  1. Definition: Optional Practical Training (OPT) is employment authorization for employment opportunities that are directly related to your field of study.
  2. Eligibility for OPT
    • Do not need to receive academic credit.
    • Post-completion OPT is granted for twelve months. Students in approved STEM fields can apply for an additional two year STEM extension.
  3. Types of OPT
    • Pre-Completion OPT (rare): On a part-time basis(Twenty hours or less) while you are pursuing your degree, or on a full-time basis during summer vacation
    • Post-Completion OPT: Full-time (More than twenty hours a week)  for all students during the year immediately following completion of your degree.

Applications for post-completion OPT must be submitted to the IPO no earlier than 90 days prior to your graduation date and no later than 60 days following graduation. 

  1. Application Procedure
  • We strongly recommend applying as early as possible.  OPT applications can take up to 90 days (sometimes longer) to be approved by USCIS. Applications for post-completion OPT will be accepted by USCIS no earlier than ninety days prior to your program completion, and no later than sixty days after program completion.
  • Refer to the OPT Checklist and Application Instructions for the application procedure.
  • I-765 Form

Academic training (J-1 students)

  1. Definition: Academic Training (AT) is for J-1 students.  It is training related to a student's field of study.  AT is authorized for credited internships, paid or unpaid. 
  2. Eligibility for AT
    • J-1 student in their 2nd term at Linfield.  AT will not be authorized for students in their first semester at Linfield.
    • Receiving academic credit for your internship
    • Internship must be related to your major field of study listed on your DS-2019
  3. Application Procedure

Social Security Number

A Social Security Number (SSN) is an identification number that is used primarily for the reporting of wages (income) for people who are authorized to work and for determining eligibility for social security benefits. If you are working on campus, then you will need to apply for a SSN.

  • Eligibility
    • International students are eligible for social security numbers only if they have evidence of employment. If you do not have a job, you will not be eligible to apply for a SSN.
  • Apply
    • After you have been offered a job, you will need to apply for a SSN. 
      • Request an employment verification letter from your employer for Social Security. The Social Security office has some specific information for what should be included in the letter. Please provide your employer with this letter request form
  • For McMinnville Campus
    • Visit the International Programs Office to gather the documents you will need.
    • The IPO will arrange a ride for you to visit the Social Security Office in Salem during work hours, Monday through Friday, as the SS Office is not open on weekends.  You should plan for either a full morning or full afternoon to complete this process.
  • For Portland Campus
    • Portland students are responsible for going to the Social Security Office themselves.  The office is located at:
      17925 Se Division St
      Portland, OR 97236