F-1 students enrolled in English language training programs cannot participate in practical training during their program of study, including any unpaid opportunities.

Federal regulation prohibits Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified English language training programs from offering practical training opportunities to international students enrolled in an English language program of study. This includes:

• Unpaid employment.
• Optional practical training or curricular practical training.

The U.S. government takes working illegally seriously and doing so is a violation of a student’s nonimmigrant status. Similarly, schools offering any such opportunities to students jeopardize their SEVP certification to enroll international students.

However, students enrolled in an English language training program may be eligible for on-campus and off-campus employment, as well as an internship in an international organization.

For more information, visit the Working in the United States page on Study in the States.