Can I work 20 hours on campus and 20 hours in CPT at the same time?

When arriving in the United States with an F visa, it is common to have questions about the possibilities of employment on and off campus. The F visa includes specific authorizations for both on-campus work and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) programs, which may have different rules and limitations. Therefore, it is always important to follow the guidance on your I-20 and respect the conditions authorized by your Designated School Official (DSO).

In cases where you wish to work 20 hours per week on campus and at the same time take on another 20 hours with a CPT-authorized job, it is essential to pay attention to a few points. First, on-campus employment is limited to 20 hours per week while classes are in session, but this limit applies exclusively to this type of work.

On the other hand, CPT is an authorization that allows the student to perform practical activities integrated into the academic curriculum-often in the form of an internship or mandatory professional experience. If your CPT is approved as part-time employment (usually up to 20 hours per week), it is considered a separate authorization from that granted for on-campus work, meaning, technically, it is possible to combine 20 hours of on-campus work with 20 hours of CPT.

However, it is essential that you are aware of the details:
• Check if your study program allows simultaneous employment on campus and CPT, since some institutions may have internal regulations that better guide this situation.
• Confirm that both authorizations-both on-campus employment and CPT-are properly documented and recorded on your I-20, as directed by your DSO.
• Always strictly comply with the terms of each authorization. Failure to follow work rules can complicate your immigration status and harm future benefits.

It is worth emphasizing the importance of staying updated with United States immigration laws and seeking support from specialized professionals or your institution”s international student office to learn about updates and interpretations of the rules. Be cautious about information from unverified sources or marketing campaigns that promise miraculous solutions; compliance with the law is always the best way to maintain your legal status.

In summary, if your CPT is part-time (20 hours per week) and properly authorized, and you continue within the allowed 20-hour limit for on-campus employment, in principle, this combination is feasible. However, for a detailed and personalized analysis, always consult the responsible department at your institution or a specialized professional-avoiding complications or misinterpretations that may affect your immigration status.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.