F-1 STUDENT EMPLOYMENT: RULES & REGULATIONS FOR F-1 STUDENTS
Working in the United States
There are limited work opportunities available in the United States for F-1 students. For this reason, before coming to the United States, F-1 students must prove they have the financial means [i.e. present bank statements, sponsor and scholarship letters, etc.] to pay for tuition and living expenses while studying in the U.S.
If the Department of State issues you an F-1 student visa, this means that you are coming to the United States on an academic-related visa to study and obtain a degree. This means that your F-1 visa is NOT a work permit and does NOT extend to on or off-campus employment authorization to you as an F-1 student.
If you decide that you want to work, the first step is always to talk to your Designated School Official [DSO] to determine your eligibility and to receive the proper on or off-campus employment authorizations.
F-1 students must complete two [2] academic terms [one-year] of study at the College before being eligible to work or intern.
On-Campus Employment
Is specific to work that takes place on campus [i.e. bookstore, cafeteria, etc.]
Requires offer letter from the on-campus employer first; then apply for U.S. SSN [See DSO]
Does NOT require Curricular Practical Training [CPT] Authorization from the DSO
Off-Campus Employment: [CPT Authorization Required]
Is specific to work that takes place outside the physical campus with an external employer
Requires offer letter from off-campus employer first, then see DSO for CPT Eligibility and Authorization, SSN, etc.
Work Hour Restrictions for On and Off-Campus Employment
F-1 students cannot work more than twenty [20] hours per week when school is in session [i.e. Part-Time Basis Only]
F-1 students can work up to forty [40] hours per week [i.e. full-time basis] when school is NOT in session [i.e. Summer, Winter Breaks, etc.]
Curricular Practical Training [CPT]
F-1 students must complete two [2] terms [one-year] of study at the College before becoming eligible for CPT-related off-campus employment or internship
CPT employment or internship must be directly related to F-1 student’s academic major or course of study
DSO must authorize F-1 students for CPT in Student & Exchange Visitor Information System [SEVIS] first and then can proceed to issue CPT-endorsed Form I-20: Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status to student BEFORE F-1 student can begin CPT employment
CPT authorization is for one specific employer and for a specific period of time only
One [1] year of full-time CPT eliminates an F-1 student’s eligibility for Optional Practical Training [OPT] Employment Authorization upon completion of the student’s undergraduate studies.
The specific documentation needed by the Office of Int'l Programs [OIP] to process and complete Curricular Practical Training [CPT] employment authorizations for F-1 students selected for external employment or internship opportunities and to produce a CPT-endorsed I-20 is outlined below:
[1] Specific background information relative to the internship, employment, or training program [i.e. overview, structure, sponsor, time frame, training specifics, job description, and any other relevant details]
[2] Name, Academic Major, and Classification for Each F-1 Student
[3] Copy of Social Security Card for Each F-1 Student
[4] Copy of Offer Letter for Each F-1 Student
[5] Completed CPT/OPT Employer Information Sheet for Each F-1 Student [Supplied by OIP]
Post-Completion Optional Practical Training [OPT]
OPT employment must be directly related to F-1 student’s academic major or course of study
DSO recommends OPT in SEVIS for F-1 student
Authorized by U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services [USCIS]
F-1 students must apply for OPT within ninety [90] days of the Program End Date or within sixty [60] days after the Program End Date
Failure to abide by these regulations may result in institutional disciplinary action[s] as well as the termination of your F-1 visa status in SEVIS.