Employment on the student's campus may be authorized for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and 40 hours during intersession. Practical training employment in the field of study may be authorized before or after completion of the degree or certificate. F-1 students are eligible for 12 months of practical training. Before the student can engage in Optional Practical Training (OPT), the student must obtain a recommendation from his/her Designated School Official and apply for an Employment Authorization Card, from the Department of Homeland Security. Duke students should contact the appropriate International Office advisor to apply. The student may be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) only if the training is a requirement for graduation or it is a course of study for which academic credit is given. The student's Designated School Official must provide written authorization that the Curricular Practical Training has been approved. Reimbursement, honoraria, or per diem payments for guest lectures, etc. may be allowed only if these activities occur on the student's campus and are part of the student's authorized 20 hour/week on-campus employment OR if the student has prior written approval for curricular practical training from the student's Designated School Official OR if the student has OPT work authorization card, which is issued by the DHS.

Dependents of F-1s may be admitted as F-2s. They are not permitted to work; no exceptions.