Other Student Employment Options
There are a few lesser known and lesser used employment types that might pertain to international students in certain situations. These are different from on-campus employment, optional practical training (OPT), curricular practical training (CPT), or academic training (for J-1s).
Unforeseen Financial Need (F-1 and J-1)
If a student encounters drastic, unforeseen economic need that will prevent the student from continuing and completing the academic program, OIS may be able to recommend or authorize a special economic need-based employment authorization for off-campus employment that is not restricted to the student’s field of study. This is reserved for drastic cases where on-campus employment is not available or sufficient. It also usually involves circumstances such as the death or financial ruin of a financial supporter, withdrawal of support from a government agency, or other unavoidable third party circumstances. Additional eligibility requirements exist and F-1 and J-1 students interested in this type of employment authorization must make an appointment with an OIS advisor.
Extended On-Campus Employment for F-1s (Industrial Assistantships)
There are several research assistantships and other contractually funded research programs between an NC State academic department and an outside agency that can – for employment eligibility purposes - be considered “extended on-campus.” An example would be an “Industrial Assistantship,” where a company or organization has a contract with a college or department on campus to do joint research and hires a graduate student as part of the research. The student may be paid either by the company or through the department (and via the GSSP if eligible) and the student’s site of activity may be either on campus or at the contract partner site. Students interested in this type of employment option may submit a request through the OIS HelpDesk system and submit the Extended On-Campus Request Form. The DGP must certify the contractual nature of the research.
F-1 Employment with a Government or International Organization
F-1 students who have been in status for at least nine months and are offered an internship with certain government or international organizations may be eligible to apply for a certain type of Employment Authorization Document. The application process is similar to the OPT process, but it requires an offer letter from a qualifying organization. It does NOT, however, get deducted form a student’s 12 month period of OPT. F-1 students interested in this type of employment authorization must make an appointment with an OIS advisor.