Working During the Academic Term
Employment opportunities for international students are limited by USCIS regulations and are available only to students who have maintained their immigration status and academic standing. F-1 students may work on campus without permission from the USCIS or the international-student advisor. To work off campus however, F-1 students must obtain approval from the international-student advisor or the USCIS, depending on the circumstances. Do not work without authorization. International students may not be “self-employed,” that is, they may not provide professional services for a fee or work as “independent contractors.”
F-1 students who are maintaining status may work part time on campus while classes are in session. “Part time” means not more than 20 hours per week. F-1 students do not need special authorization to work on campus. Student assistantships are considered as on-campus employment and are also limited to 20 hours per week. During vacation periods and academic breaks, you may work full time on campus if you are returning to classes the following term. In general, you may not work on campus after completing your course of study, but if you are continuing for another educational program, consult your international-student advisor. The USCIS changes its regulations periodically, you should check with your international-student office before seeking or accepting any employment, including a job at the University.