A nonimmigrant who is permitted to engage in employment may engage only in such employment as has been authorized by BCIS. Any unauthorized employment by a nonimmigrant constitutes a failure to maintain status.

Types of employment available to F-1 students:

. On-Campus Employment
. Employment authorized because of Severe Economic Hardship
. Special Student Relief Program
. Employment sponsored by International Organizations
. Practical Training- Curricular and Optional

On-Campus Employment Qualifications:

1. Limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session; can be full-time during official school holidays.
2. Employment does not have to be related to course of study.
3. Student must maintain F-1 status as a full-time student.
4. Employment includes teaching or research, university library, cafeteria, and student positions.

Procedures for on-campus employment
Student must take the following documents to the Payroll office: Passport, Current I-20, I-94 card, Social Security Card or receipt from Social Security office, most recent grade report and current enrollment verification (copy of current class schedule).

 

Severe Economic Hardship Qualifications:

1. Must have been in F-1 status for 12 months. Must prove to INS that employment is necessary due to severe economic hardship caused by circumstances beyond his or her control that arose after obtaining the F-1 visa
2. Granted by INS in one year at a time increments
3. Limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session; can be full-time during official school holidays
4. Can be any type of employment
5. Must apply for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from BCIS

For information on how to apply for economic hardship employment authorization, please visit the International Office.

 

Special Student Relief Qualifications:

1. Student must have been in F-1 status since June 10, 1998.
2. Student must show that his or her financial support comes from one of the following countries: Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, and that employment is necessary due to severe economic hardship due to the economic circumstances in that country.
3. Can be off-campus or on-campus employment. However, an EAD is required for employment.
4. Can be any type of employment
5. On-campus employment authorization must be noted on back of student I-20 by the PDSO
6. Student can be enrolled for less than full-time under this provision.

Procedures for Off-Campus Special Student Relief
Student must prepare an explanation about the circumstances that caused the economic hardship. For information on how to apply, contact the International Office.