Employment While in F-1 Student Status
Reuben S. Seguritan, Mar 13, 2008
International students who want to study in the U.S must first get an F-1 (Student) visa/status before they can enroll in an accredited
While on an F-1 status, there is no limit in the duration of stay in the
Engaging in unauthorized employment will be considered a violation of the F-1 status.
To be able to work, the F-1 student must first secure an employment authorization from the school’s designated school official (DSO) or international student advisor (ISA).
The employment authorization may or may not need prior United States Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) approval depending on the type of employment.
There are limited circumstances when F-1 students may be authorized to work in the
A. On Campus Employment
For on-campus employment, there is no need for a prior USCIS approval or a separate Employment Authorization Document (EAD). A notation on the student’s I-20 form by the DSO will do.
On campus employment means employment on the school’s premises, and includes employment with “on-location commercial firms that provide services for students on campus, such as bookstores, or cafeterias.” It can also include work off-campus only if there is an education affiliation between the school’s curriculum and the work or contractually funded postgraduate research programs.
The employment must be integrally related to the student’s education program. Allowable work is limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session. Full-time work (40 hours) is allowed during vacations or semestral breaks.
B. Optional Practical Training
Under the Optional Practical Training (
Pre-completion
Post-completion
To obtain
Should the F-1 student decide to pursue further studies (i.e. from Bachelor’s to Master’s or Master’s to Ph.D.), then he/she becomes eligible for a new one-year (12 months)
C. Other Off-Campus Employment
Other off-campus employment may be available to an F-1 student who is experiencing unforeseen economic hardship. To be eligible, the student must have been enrolled for at least one full-year academic study and show an unforeseen change in economic circumstances and unavailability or insufficiency of on-campus employment opportunities to meet the student’s financial needs. It is necessary for the student to apply for an EAD card with the USCIS by filing the appropriate forms and proofs of unforeseen change or circumstances and economic hardship.
*****
Editor’s Note: REUBEN S. SEGURITAN has been practicing law for over 30 years. For further information, you may call him at