Good news! It is possible for you to work in the U.S. during your time as an F-1 or J-1 student. Read the descriptions below and click on the hyperlinks to learn more.
| Work Category | Description |
|---|---|
| On-Campus Employment | Available to all F-1 students and J-1 students in good academic and immigration status during their program. Limited to 20 hours per week during the semester unless the college has additional restrictions. Can be full-time during the summer, winter, or spring break. |
| Economic Hardship | Off-campus work that is permitted if financial support is significantly reduced due to loss of scholarship or unanticipated, significant change in student’s financial status. USCIS application is required. If you are experiencing financial hardship, please first contact the Financial Aid Office, the Dean of Students Office, and the ISSS Office. |
| Curricular Practical Training (CPT) | Off-campus training opportunities/experiences for F-1 students related to their major field of study. Requires authorization from the ISSS Office. Limited to 20 hours per week during the semester. Can be more than 20 hours over summer or winter break. |
| Optional Practical Training (OPT) | For F-1 students. Can be done Pre-Completion (before graduation) or Post–Completion (after graduation). The opportunity must be in your field of study. USCIS application is required. |
| 24-month STEM Optional Practical Training Extension (STEM OPT) | An extension of Post-Completion OPT available to F-1 students with degrees in STEM fields. USCIS application required. |
Social Security and Tax Implications
If you hope to obtain compensation for your work, click on the hyperlinks below to familiarize yourself with the following concepts.
- Social Security Number: A Social Security number is used by the U.S. government to track earnings for income tax purposes. Generally, employers will not pay you for your work until you provide them a social security number.
- Income Tax Filings: All international students are subject to U.S. income tax regulations. If you receive any taxable income, you will need to report that compensation to both federal and state tax authorities and be prepared to possibly pay taxes on that income.
Volunteer Work
F-1 students are allowed to do volunteer work as long as the work follows the requirements set forth by the U.S. Department of Labor. To be considered a volunteer, you:
- Must be doing work that is charitable in nature (e.g., feeding the poor, reading to the blind, volunteering at a dog shelter, etc.);
- Must not receive compensation; and,
- Must not be doing work that a regular employee would normally be paid for.
Important: Working without pay is not automatically considered volunteering. For any off-campus opportunity, please double-check with the ISSS Office to see if you will need work authorization.
Contact us
Assistant Director, International Student & Scholar Services
Access on E. Bonita Ave., across from Wig Hall