F-1, J-1 Restrictions F-1 students may engage in on-campus employment. It is limited to on-campus jobs and to no more than 20 hours per week while school is in session. Students may work full-time on campus during vacation periods as long as they intend to register the following term. The 20 hour limit applies to assistantships and fellowships as well. Students need to obtain an I-9 Form from the Center and have a social security card issued by the Social Security Administration. Although it is possible under certain circumstances, J-1 students are not normally working for financial remuneration while studying at Frostburg.

Fellowships and Assistantships Several departments have fellowships and assistantships that are available to international graduate students depending upon availability. For detailed information and application contact the Office of Graduate Services.

Optional Practical Training F-1 Students are eligible to apply for up to 12 months of Optional Practical Training that must be related to their field of study. Normally OPT begins after the completion of a degree program, but employment can be part-time during the school year and full-time during periods of vacation. Students need to apply to USCIS for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card through the CIE at a current cost of $185.00.

Curricular Practical Training CPT is employment that is an integral part of an established program. It is not available at FSU.

Employment Based on Unforeseen Economic Hardship A student may apply for this type of employment if there are unforeseen circumstances in the loss of financial support, such as loss of financial aid without fault of the student, substantial fluctuations in the value of currency or exchange rate, increase in tuition or living costs or unexpected changes in the financial condition of the student's financial support. Each type of off-campus employment must be approved by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). There is also a fee for the application. Presently the fee is US$185.00. (8/06)