Employment and Social Security

International Student Employment

International students on F-1 visas do have employment opportunities while they are studying, but they have restrictions based on the rules governing their visas.

While students are studying at NU, they can either work on-campus or work off-campus under CPT (Curricular Practical Training). CELE Students can only work in an on-campus job, no off-campus work is allowed.

Undergraduate International Students can work on-campus throughout their studies at Northwest. They are eligible to work off-campus through CPT after they have attended Northwest for one academic year, are in their junior or senior year, and are enrolled in their major’s internship course.  

Graduate International Students can work on campus throughout their studies at Northwest. They are eligible to work off-campus if their program is approved to do CPT. It is possible to work both a part-time on-campus job and do part-time CPT at the same time.

After Completing a Degree

All students except CELE students can do OPT (Optional Practical Training). All students will need to stop CPT and on-campus jobs when they apply for OPT. The only exception to this is if their on-campus employment is their OPT job after their OPT is approved.

General Financial Advice

Most authorized work is part-time while students are studying. Unfortunately, this means that students cannot usually make a significant amount of money. It is unlikely that someone can earn enough money working to pay all of their tuition and fees. Therefore, students should have some source of savings, sponsorship, or scholarship that will help pay the majority of their costs while a student.

Social Security Number

To receive a Social Security Number (SSN) and get paid in the United States you must have an approved job. Once you have an approved (on campus or CPT) job, our team can help you prepare your SSN application.