FAQs about Employment as an F-1 Student

• Can I work on an F-1 visa?

• How do I qualify for off-campus employment?

• What may constitute ‘unforeseen circumstances’ for getting permission for off-campus employment?

• How do I receive authorization for off-campus employment?

 

Can I work on an F-1 visa?

Yes, you may work on-campus while in F-1 visa status.  You should see the designated school official (DSO) for permission, but you do not have to file a request with the USCIS to work on campus.  You may also get permission to work off-campus while in F‑1 status, but only if “unforeseen circumstances” that were beyond your control caused financial hardship. 

How do I qualify for off-campus employment?

To qualify for off-campus employment, you must:

• Have been in F-1 status for one academic year;
• Be in good academic standing and be registered as a full-time student;
• Be able to handle effectively your employment and schedule as a full-time student;
• Have made a serious attempt to find on-campus work; and,
• Be able to demonstrate that your financial circumstances have changed unexpectedly, beyond your control, and are causing financial hardship.

What may constitute ‘unforeseen circumstances’ for getting permission for off-campus employment?

The USCIS recognizes that ‘unforeseen circumstances’ may change a student’s financial situation and require the student to work off campus.  These may include:

• The school reduces or eliminates your financial aid through no fault of the student.  For instance, if budgets change, a professor leaves and takes the research grant that paid you, or your on-campus job (though not if you were fired due to poor performance);
• The tuition, costs or living expenses of school suddenly increase;
• The student incurs unexpected and necessary expenses, such as medical bills or an emergency; or,
• Your financial source changes unexpectedly, such as your father loses his job, your government devalues its currency, or your sponsor declines further support.

How do I receive authorization for off-campus employment?

First, talk to your designated school official about your options, and your need to work.  You will have to file an I-765 requesting employment authorization from the USCIS.  It is important that you have sufficient documentation to convince the USCIS that your request is valid.  These applications generally take about three months to decide.  If your request is approved, you will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) which is valid for up to one year. You may then begin working off-campus for any employer for up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session. You may not legally work off-campus before receiving your EAD.  You can renew your EAD by filing another I-765 with the USCIS.