Employment (CPT/ OPT)
Meharry Employment
Students in valid F-1 status, with an I-20 issued by Meharry, are eligible to work for Meharry within certain limits.
Eligibility
Employment authorization is not necessary for Meharry on-campus employment during the academic year and official breaks for F-1 students. Students can work for Meharry on-campus a total of 20 hours per week during the Fall and Spring semesters and as many hours per week (on-campus) as they wish during official school breaks (Summer Break). Students must first contact the International Office.
Non-Meharry Employment/Earning Money
If a student would like to work in a job that does not qualify as Meharry employment, F-1 students can do so through CPT or OPT. A student’s work for CPT or OPT must be related to their major.
During Fall and Spring Semesters
F-1 students may work up to a total of 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters. This total is the aggregate of all employment.
During Official Breaks
During Winter Break, Spring Break, and Summer Break, F-1 students may work for Meharry full-time (more than 20 hours a week).
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT Duration of Authorization
- Part-time CPT is for employment 20 hours per week or less. During the fall and spring semesters, students may only be authorized for part-time CPT (see “Full-time CPT” below for exceptions). If the student has an on-campus job, the on-campus job and CPT employment cannot exceed 20 hours per week
- Full-time CPT is for employment over 20 hours per week. Students may only be authorized for full-time CPT during official school breaks (spring, winter, and summer breaks only).
- Students must be registered for the appropriate CPT course for each semester of authorization.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
This provides information regarding the 12-month period of post-graduation OPT*.
- If a student is interested in applying for OPT, they must first attend an OPT session.
*Most students use OPT for post-graduation employment and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for pre-graduation employment.