Overview of Employment
for Students in F-1 Status
Eligibility and Application Requirements:
Different requirements exist for each type of F-1 employment. A fundamental eligibility requirement for all types of employment is that you must be in and must continuously maintain lawful F-1 status. Maintaining eligibility for most types of F-1 employment means that you must limit your work to no more than 20 hours per week while school is in session. Do not assume that you are eligible to work without first contacting your International Student Advisor.
Categories of F-1 Student Employment:
On-Campus Employment "Incident to Status" Work on your campus is usually permissible if it meets certain requirements. INS regulations state that this employment is automatically authorized for any student in lawful F-1 status. Check with the Human Resources Department, and any vendors on campus (Chartwells Food Service, WFF Custodial Services or Barnes and Noble Bookstore) for any job openings and interview opportunities. When the job is offered to you, you will be given a form to bring to the International Student Advisor for the authorization of on-campus employment.
Optional Practical Training Optional practical training is designed to provide you with an opportunity to gain actual employment experience in your chosen profession for a maximum of one year. Its purpose is to complement your academic work. Optional practical training falls into four categories:
(1) full or part-time employment during your annual vacation if you are enrolled and intend to register for the next session;
(2) part-time employment (20 hours per week or less) while school is in session;
(3) full or part-time employment after you have completed your course requirements but before you have finished your thesis; and
(4) full-time employment after you have completed your degree.
Severe Economic Hardship Immigration & Naturalization Service (INS) considers severe economic hardship to be situations that are unforeseen and beyond your control. These may include loss of financial aid or on-campus employment that is not your fault, significant devaluation of your home currency, inordinate increases in tuition, or unexpected changes in the financial condition of your main source of support.
Curricular Practical Training
(Internships, Externships, Practicums for Class Credit)
Some work experiences which are an integral part of your study program may be
considered "curricular practical training". These experiences may include
alternate work/study programs, internships, cooperative education programs and
practicum experiences. The work experience is limited to part time hours
(20 per week) except during the summer during which time full time employment
may be possible. Internships must be approved on a sememster by semester basis. Any student who works for one year or more in full-time
curricular practical training is not eligible for practical training after
completion of studies. Below is a summary of the steps involved in pursuing
Curricular Practical Training.
1.
Academic Department’s Approval with stated Employer
2.
Completed Request for Irregular Enrollment Form
3.
Transcript
4.
Employer’s Letter
Note: Employer’s Letter should include Position Title or Job Description,
Beginning/Ending dates, Number or Hours per Week, Paid or Unpaid, and Physical
Address of Location. It should be on company letterhead.
5.
Passport and I-94
6.
I-20
Internship with an International Organization If you are offered an internship by a "recognized" international organization, such as the United Nations and the World Bank, you may obtain written permission to engage in this work. You must maintain your F-1 student status while employed by such an organization.
Procedures to Obtain Work Authorization:
In all above off campus employment categories, the application process starts with the International Office. For some categories, an application needs to be submitted to INS along with the appropriate fee.
*A NOTE OF CAUTION: While INS regulations provide a variety of opportunities for you to be employed during your time in F-1 status, working improperly or without authorization is a serious violation of your status. You should therefore consult with your International Student Advisor before taking up any employment.
Employment Eligibility Verification:
When you begin work, you and your employer must complete a form entitled "Employment Eligibility Verification" (INS Form I-9), which the employer retains. The I-9 must be updated each time you receive a renewal of your work permission.
Social Security and Other Taxes:
In general, F-1 students who have been in the U.S. less than five years are exempt from Social Security (F.I.C.A.) taxes. Your earnings are subject to applicable federal, state and local taxes. Your employer will withhold these taxes during the year. Students must file a tax return on or before April 15 each year, which will determine if any of the withheld taxes can be refunded.
Failure to Comply with Employment Regulations:
It is your responsibility to comply with all immigration regulations which apply to F-1 students. The staff in the International Office is available to advise and counsel you regarding your responsibilities. If you fail to comply with your responsibilities, you may not be eligible for benefits normally granted to F-1 students and you may be subject to deportation.
Employment for F-2 Dependents:
Immigration regulations prohibit all employment for F-2 dependents (spouses and children of F-1 students).
Further Information:
Additional information on employment is available from the International Office. Mr. Jalal Daneshfar or Mr. Glenn Freeman can offer information, counseling and assistance on all federal regulations related to maintaining your student stat