Internship and Work Opportunities

Working in the U.S.

You may work in the U.S. only under certain conditions. Please read below for more information:

• Non-immigrant students (F or J visa holders) may NOT work OFF-CAMPUS unless employment is part of registered OPT or CPT, or approved in U.S. government "emergency economic hardship" categories.
• International Student-Athletes are NOT eligible for Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) benefits.
• International Students can NOT receive goods or sell services on social media accounts.

On-campus Employment

• Degree-seeking J or F visa students may work on-campus for up to 20 hours/week.
• Employment may begin as early as the first semester.
• Jobs must be applied for through Student Employment.
• To obtain the required Social Security card, bring the offer of employment to Patti Trent in the Center for Global Engagement.
• Schedule an appointment to discuss on-campus employment with Patti Trent at trentpf@longwood.edu or Cheng Peng at pengc2@longwood.edu. 

Internships

• All internships must be recorded by a DSO in the Center of Global Engagement.  Some internships must be recorded by a DSO in your SEVIS record.
• Internships that will take place off-campus, paid or unpaid, must be approved by a DSO and recorded in your SEVIS record.  These are considered Curricular Practical Training (CPT) experiences and there are rules and timelines connected to them – a DSO will provide more information when you make an appointment.

Employment after the degree

• You may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows paid employment for up to one year at the end of your program of study.   You must apply for the option within 90 days of the end of your program of study – make sure you contact a DSO and complete a request form before your last semester.
• Remember that intentionally violating your nonimmigrant student status is grounds for the immediate cancellation of your student visa.