Important Update: Court Action on Duration of Status (D/S) Rule:
On Monday, September 14, 2026, a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the
District of Massachusetts (Presidents' Alliance et al. v. DHS) has issued an injunction,
temporarily blocking DHS from implementing this rule for F and J visa holders. As
a result, the rule ending D/S will NOT take effect on September 15th as originally scheduled, and the current D/S framework
remains in place for now.
What this means is that:
- You and your dependents may continue to be admitted and to remain in the U.S. for Duration of Status, as long as you continue to comply with the terms of your program.
- You do not currently need to apply for an Extension of Stay under the fixed-admission-period system the new rule would have created
- If you are an F-1 student, you are not subject to the rule's new limits on changing your educational objective, transferring institutions, or pursuing additional programs of study – these restrictions also do not go into effect while the preliminary injunction is in place.
- No action is required on your part at this time.
On July 17, 2026, DHS published a final rule establishing a fixed time period of admission and an extension of stay procedure for F nonimmigrant academic students and J exchange visitors. This rule is effective on September 15, 2026, and will impact several aspects of the F-visa and J-visa program regulations. For detailed information regarding the DHS Final Rule, we encourage you to visit Study in the States, the official online resource managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) by clicking HERE. Accordingly, updates to our website content are in progress.
Exploring employment opportunities as an international student at Nova Southeastern University is essential for your professional and personal growth. With the NSU Edge, you'll receive comprehensive support, enabling you to gain valuable work experience while achieving your academic goals.
What is Employment?
Employment is work in exchange for compensation, including money, room and board, or other significant benefits. Most employment opportunities require authorization, and working without it can seriously affect your ability to study, travel, or work in the United States. Abiding by these regulations is important as they directly impact your academic journey and future opportunities in the U.S.
The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) is here to support and guide you through the intricacies of maintaining your status. If you need clarification on any aspect of your employment or status, consult the OISS to ensure you comply with all regulations. F-1 students can seek off-campus employment authorization through Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which includes internships and practical experiences essential to their academic program. This must comply with guidelines established by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
On-Campus Employment
As an international student, you can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during the academic term and full-time (up to 37.5 hours per week) during approved vacations and breaks. On-campus employment does not require approval from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the OISS. To begin working, you must obtain a Social Security card and report your earnings to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Curricular Practical Training
Our Curricular Practical Training (CPT) program gives you the NSU Edge by combining real-world training with your academic studies. As an F-1 student, you'll gain valuable hands-on experience through internships, co-op education, or practicum opportunities directly related to your major. To qualify, you must be enrolled full-time for at least one academic year, secure a relevant internship, and complete the CPT Application Packet with approval from your academic adviser. Submit the packet to intl@nova.edu and start your journey towards a successful career.
Optional Practical Training
Optional Practical Training (OPT) offers F-1 students the chance to gain practical work experience directly related to their major, both during and after their studies, enhancing their academic achievements with real-world skills. Post-Completion OPT allows you to work full-time for up to 12 months after completing your degree; apply as early as 90 days before your program end date and wait for your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before starting work. Pre-Completion OPT, available before completing your degree, lets you work up to 20 hours per week during classes and full-time during breaks, with any time used deducted from your total 12-month OPT period.
STEM Optional Practical Training Extension
F-1 students with a STEM degree (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) can extend their Post-Completion OPT by 24 months. To qualify, you need to be in a valid OPT period, hold a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate from an accredited, SEVP-certified U.S. institution in an approved STEM major (check the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List for your CIP code). The job must be related to your degree, paid, and at least 20 hours per week. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, have an EIN, and complete and sign Form I-983 Training Plan alongside you.
Career Development
NSU's Career Development resources provide valuable tools and guidance to help you achieve your professional goals. From résumé templates and cover letter guides to graduate school planning and interviewing strategies, you'll find everything you need to succeed.
Contact Us
Phone:
(954) 262-7240 or
800-541-6682, ext. 27240
Email:
intl@nova.edu
Office Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Closed weekends and major holidays
Address:
Nova Southeastern University
3300 S. University Drive
Horvitz Admin. Bldg, 2nd Floor
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328-2004