International Student Work Hours

This is a reminder that under U.S. federal regulations, F-1 international students are limited to 20 hours of on-campus employment per week while school is in session. Exceeding this limit is considered unauthorized employment and this could bear consequences for the student.

Please note that any off-campus work is prohibited unless it has been specifically authorized by our office and the U.S. government before the student begins working.

If your academic program requires an internship or practical experience—even if it is unpaid or for academic credit—our office must review and authorize it in SEVIS prior to the student's start date.

If you have any questions, please contact us at inational@txstate.edu.

Credits for International Students

International students must maintain full-time enrollment each semester to comply with immigration requirements. This section explains the credit hour rules and how they apply.

Undergraduates

Students are required to enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester, with at least 9 credit hours taken in face-to-face classes. Only one online course may be a part of the 12 credit hours per semester. If a student’s first semester at TXST is during the summer, they must maintain a full-time schedule of 12 credit hours. Students who begin in other terms are not required to enroll in summer classes.

Graduates

Students are required to enroll in a minimum of 6 credit hours each semester, with at least 3 credit hours of face-to-face classes. Only one online course may be part of the 6 credit hours. If a student’s first semester at TXST is during the summer, they must maintain a full-time schedule of 6 credit hours. Students who begin in other terms are not required to enroll in summer classes. 

Doctoral

Students are required to enroll in a minimum of 9 credit hours each semester, with at least 6 credit hours of face-to-face classes. Only one online course may be part of the 9 credit hours. If a student’s first semester at TXST is during the summer, they must maintain a full-time schedule of 9 credit hours. Students who begin in other terms are not required to enroll in summer classes. 

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Hiring an International Student

Interested in hiring F-1 international students for on-campus jobs?
Click the link below to navigate the hiring process for F-1 visa holders.

Inviting a J-1 Scholar

Inviting a J-1 Exchange Visitor

Looking to invite a J-1 Exchange Visitor to your department?
Visit this page for guidance on the process, responsibilities, and required documentation.

Helpful Guides

We invite all departments to review the updated guides provided below regarding the understanding and hiring of F-1 international students.

Students looking into river

Understanding F-1 Student Needs

students talking together

Quick Guide to Students on an F-1 Visa

Faculty at a conference table laughing

Presentation for On-Campus Members

Student meeting with Career Services

Hiring International Faculty and Staff

Please note that the ISSS Office does not provide international employment guidance. You may contact the TXST International Employment Office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand FAQ List

  • Since being hybrid encompasses as off-campus component, an F-1 student cannot legally work off-campus (hybrid or otherwise) without proper authorization.

    Example:
    A student on an F-1 visa works at the university library. The job involves checking out books, shelving, and helping students.

    • On-campus: Yes, the student can work here without CPT/OPT because it is an on-campus job.
    • Hybrid: Suppose the library allows some administrative tasks (e.g., updating the online catalog) to be performed from home. Even if this work is related to the on-campus job, any off-campus component requires proper authorization. In this case, the student must request Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and the CPT form must be completed and submitted to the ISSS Office for review and approval before beginning any off-campus work. The off-campus portion cannot begin without CPT authorization, in compliance with USCIS regulations.
    • Remote only: The student cannot work entirely from home, because that would no longer be “on-campus employment” under F-1 rules.

  • International students are not permitted to work off-campus without proper authorization from the ISSS Office. Engaging in off-campus employment without approval is considered a violation of F-1 visa regulations and may negatively affect the student’s immigration status in the U.S.

    Even unpaid internships conducted off-campus may require CPT or OPT authorization through the ISSS Office. If the internship is a required or credit-bearing component of the student’s degree program, the student must request Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which will be submitted for immigration approval before beginning the internship.