If you work without authorization and are caught, you and your dependents F status will be terminated and reported in the SEVIS database. It is illegal for employers to hire an F-1 visa holder without USCIS permission. The only exception to this law is work on-campus or work with prior authorization from USCIS.
If you work without authorization and are caught, you and your dependents will have the F status terminated and reported in the SEVIS database. You will need to prepare for departure immediately. Do not work without authorization!
If you are interested in employment options, please review the information below and schedule an appointment with the International Admissions Coordinator to discuss.
On-Campus
F-1 students who are maintaining status may engage in on-campus employment. To find out about institutional work-study positions that are available, you may contact the International Admissions Coordinator for verification and authorization employment.
Off-Campus
An F-1 student who has been enrolled for at least one academic year, has maintained F-1 status and is in good academic standing may apply for off-campus employment based on "economic hardship."
Off-campus employment is a case-by-case exception made for students who can show that new, unexpected circumstances beyond the student's control have created severe economic hardship. These may include:
- Loss of financial aid or on-campus employment - if it is not the student's fault;
- Part-time on-campus employment opportunities are insufficient to meet student's financial needs or student is unable to find an on-campus position
- Large increases in tuition or living costs
- Substantial decrease in the relative value of currency the student depends upon to pay expenses;
- Unexpected changes in the financial conditions for his or her sources of financial support;
- Unexpectedly large medical bills not covered by insurance; or
- Other substantial, unexpected expenses
If you believe you are experiencing economic hardship, please schedule an appointment with the International Admissions Coordinator to discuss your situation. Do not apply for work authorization with USCIS without consulting with the International Admissions Coordinator and getting a recommendation on the I-20 first.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Students who have lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for at least one academic year are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Employment must be in the student's field of study and for the purpose of gaining practical experience. Students are eligible for a maximum of 12 months of OPT per educational level.
Students may apply for authorization for OPT training directly related to their field of study and commensurate with their educational level [8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(D)(1)] in the following cases:
- During the student's annual vacation as long as the student intends to register for the next semester at current school (it is recommended that students have a job offer before applying)
- While school is in session, provided that practical training does not exceed 20 hours a week (it is recommended that students have a job before applying)
- After completion of course requirements except for thesis, project or portfolio (it is recommended that students have a job offer before applying)
- After completion of the course of study (this type of practical training should be applied for before completion of the program)
If you are interested in applying for Optional Practical Training, please schedule an appointment with the International Admissions Coordinator to discuss your options. Do not apply for work authorization with USCIS without consulting with the International Admissions Coordinator and getting a recommendation on the I-20 first.