Employment and Training

On-Campus Employment

On-campus employment takes place on the school’s premises, and the paycheck is issued by A&M-Central Texas. If you are applying for a job on campus and you learn that an entity other than TAMUCT is going to pay you, please check with the International Office before accepting the job.

F-1 Students

You may work up to 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters. Full-time employment (21-40 hours per week) is allowed only during vacation periods for enrolled and continuing students. No special permission is necessary; however, a valid I-20 issued by the University is required.

Finding a Job

As an international student, you should only be looking for jobs that are for 20 hours/week or less.

• Visit your academic department and inquire about any job openings.
• Ask about job openings at the following offices on campus:
  • Computer labs
  • Library

Graduate Teaching Assistantships

For information on G/TA positions, visit the Graduate School Office.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training is work authorization available to international students who have been in valid F-1 status for two semesters and who plan to seek employment in their field of study. The earliest you can apply for OPT is 90 days before your “completion date.” The latest date the U. S. Citizenship and Immigrations Services (USCIS) will accept your application is 60 days after your completion date. In addition, OPT applications must be submitted to USCIS within 30 days of receiving an OPT I-20 from Texas A&M – Central Texas (Tarleton International Programs Office).

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment authorization that is related to an F-1 student’s academic program. The work done does not count towards course credit; therefore, it is the student’s option to apply for OPT. OPT may be used during a degree program as well as after completion of course requirements. The application process takes approximately three months.

To Be Eligible for Optional Practical Training:

• The student must have been lawfully in full-time status for one academic year preceding the OPT application.
• The student must be in valid F-1 status at the time of application. It is important to note that auditing courses, enrolling in correspondence courses and in absentia registration do not fulfill full-time student status requirements.
  • Students who finish all coursework required for graduation and plan to enroll in absentia for the following semester must apply for OPT before completion of coursework.
• If applying for OPT based on graduation, U. S. Citizenship and Immigrations Services (USCIS) must receive your OPT application before the official completion/graduation date.

Bring The Following to the International Office

1. Completed Form I-765
2. Original Form I-20, Passport, Form I-94 and copies of any previous EAD’s (work cards).
3. Check or money order for $410.00 made payable to Department of Homeland Security. (do not write or make corrections in the upper portion of the check)
4. Two recent, passport-style photos on white background. The photos must be 2 x 2 inches; the images must be 1 inch from the hair to the chin and 1 1/4 inch from eye height to the bottom of the photo. Your name and I-94 number must be printed in pencil on the back of the photos.
5. Letter from department or Registrar’s Office to verify expected graduation or completion of course requirements. If you are double-majoring, please be sure to bring a letter for each major.