Employment for F-1 Students
Overview of Employment for Students in F-1 Status
This page explains how "employment" is defined by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (CIS) and the types of employment authorization that may be available to you as an F-1 student.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
A fundamental eligibility requirement for all types of employment is that you must be in and must continuously maintain lawful F-1 status. Also, 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 the Center for International Exchange (CIE) in Belknap Hall. More information is provided below on each type of employment.
Definition of "Employment"
"Employment" is any type of work performed or services provided in exchange for money, tuition, fees, books, supplies, room, food or any other benefit. If you receive no pay or other benefit for work performed, this activity is not defined as "employment" but is considered to be "volunteer work."
Categories of F-1 Student Employment
On-Campus Employment "Incidental to Status"
Work on your campus is usually permissible if it meets certain requirements. CIS regulations state that this employment is automatically authorized for any student in lawful F-1 status. On-campus work is limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session; working more than 20 hours/week is allowed only during official school breaks. Click on the link above for further details and check with CIE for school procedures pertaining to the authorization of on-campus employment and the application for a needed social security number.
Employment to Avoid Economic Hardship
If you have been in F-1 status for a full academic year and you are able to prove to CIS that there has been an unforeseeable and dramatic change in your economic circumstances, then you may qualify to apply for authorization for part-time employment off-campus. This employment is restricted to 20 hours per week while school is in session, full-time during summer or annual vacation. Apply through CIE.
Curricular Practical Training (Internships)
Some work experiences which are an important part of your study program may be considered "curricular practical training" (CPT). These experiences may include alternate work/study programs, internships, cooperative education programs and practicum experiences. These work experiences are arranged with the approval of the Career Development Office. Graduate students must begin their processes in the graduate school. Any student who works for one year or more in full-time curricular practical training is not eligible for optional practical training after completion of studies. Before you begin such employment, it must be authorized on a new I-20 by an advisor in CIE.
Internship with an International Organization
If you are maintaining lawful F-1 status, you may accept an internship with a "recognized" international organization, such as the United Nations or the World Bank. You must obtain authorization from CIS before engaging in this work and you should apply through CIE. You must also maintain your F-1 student status while employed.
Optional Practical Training
If you have been in lawful F-1 status for a full academic year (excluding ESL) you are eligible to be employed up to twelve months in a job which is directly related to your major field. Such employment, called optional practical training (OPT), may take place at any location in the U.S. You may choose to take advantage of this opportunity part-time while school is in session, full-time during a summer or annual vacation, or full-time after completing your course requirements or after completing your entire course of study. This employment must be authorized by CIS. Pick up the government form and an OPT handout in CIE. If you elect to take advantage of practical training after completion of your program, know that your application must be submitted prior to the actual date that you complete your course requirements.
Employment Eligibility Verification
When you begin work, you and your employer must complete a form entitled "Employment Eligibility Verification" (CIS Form I-9), which the employer will keep. 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. However, your earnings are subject to applicable federal, state and local taxes. Students must file a tax return on or before April 15 each year, which determines if any of the withheld taxes can be refunded. Click on the Federal Tax Information link at the left for further information.
A Note of Caution
While CIS 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 staff in CIE before pursuing any employment.
Failure to Comply with Employment Regulations
It is your responsibility to comply with all Immigration regulations which apply to F-1 students. Staff persons in CIE will advise and counsel you regarding your responsibilities. If you fail to meet your responsibilities, you may not be eligible for benefits normally granted to F-1 students.
Employment for F-2 Dependents
Immigration regulations prohibit all employment for F-2 dependents (spouses and children of F-1 students).
More Information
Additional information on employment is available from the Center for International Exchange in Belknap Hall (603.645.9629). Staff there are pleased to offer information, counseling and assistance on all federal regulations related to maintaining your F-1 status.
This page explains how "employment" is defined by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (CIS) and the types of employment authorization that may be available to you as an F-1 student.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
A fundamental eligibility requirement for all types of employment is that you must be in and must continuously maintain lawful F-1 status. Also, 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 the Center for International Exchange (CIE) in Belknap Hall. More information is provided below on each type of employment.
Definition of "Employment"
"Employment" is any type of work performed or services provided in exchange for money, tuition, fees, books, supplies, room, food or any other benefit. If you receive no pay or other benefit for work performed, this activity is not defined as "employment" but is considered to be "volunteer work."
Categories of F-1 Student Employment
On-Campus Employment "Incidental to Status"
Work on your campus is usually permissible if it meets certain requirements. CIS regulations state that this employment is automatically authorized for any student in lawful F-1 status. On-campus work is limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session; working more than 20 hours/week is allowed only during official school breaks. Click on the link above for further details and check with CIE for school procedures pertaining to the authorization of on-campus employment and the application for a needed social security number.
Employment to Avoid Economic Hardship
If you have been in F-1 status for a full academic year and you are able to prove to CIS that there has been an unforeseeable and dramatic change in your economic circumstances, then you may qualify to apply for authorization for part-time employment off-campus. This employment is restricted to 20 hours per week while school is in session, full-time during summer or annual vacation. Apply through CIE.
Curricular Practical Training (Internships)
Some work experiences which are an important part of your study program may be considered "curricular practical training" (CPT). These experiences may include alternate work/study programs, internships, cooperative education programs and practicum experiences. These work experiences are arranged with the approval of the Career Development Office. Graduate students must begin their processes in the graduate school. Any student who works for one year or more in full-time curricular practical training is not eligible for optional practical training after completion of studies. Before you begin such employment, it must be authorized on a new I-20 by an advisor in CIE.
Internship with an International Organization
If you are maintaining lawful F-1 status, you may accept an internship with a "recognized" international organization, such as the United Nations or the World Bank. You must obtain authorization from CIS before engaging in this work and you should apply through CIE. You must also maintain your F-1 student status while employed.
Optional Practical Training
If you have been in lawful F-1 status for a full academic year (excluding ESL) you are eligible to be employed up to twelve months in a job which is directly related to your major field. Such employment, called optional practical training (OPT), may take place at any location in the U.S. You may choose to take advantage of this opportunity part-time while school is in session, full-time during a summer or annual vacation, or full-time after completing your course requirements or after completing your entire course of study. This employment must be authorized by CIS. Pick up the government form and an OPT handout in CIE. If you elect to take advantage of practical training after completion of your program, know that your application must be submitted prior to the actual date that you complete your course requirements.
Employment Eligibility Verification
When you begin work, you and your employer must complete a form entitled "Employment Eligibility Verification" (CIS Form I-9), which the employer will keep. 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. However, your earnings are subject to applicable federal, state and local taxes. Students must file a tax return on or before April 15 each year, which determines if any of the withheld taxes can be refunded. Click on the Federal Tax Information link at the left for further information.
A Note of Caution
While CIS 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 staff in CIE before pursuing any employment.
Failure to Comply with Employment Regulations
It is your responsibility to comply with all Immigration regulations which apply to F-1 students. Staff persons in CIE will advise and counsel you regarding your responsibilities. If you fail to meet your responsibilities, you may not be eligible for benefits normally granted to F-1 students.
Employment for F-2 Dependents
Immigration regulations prohibit all employment for F-2 dependents (spouses and children of F-1 students).
More Information
Additional information on employment is available from the Center for International Exchange in Belknap Hall (603.645.9629). Staff there are pleased to offer information, counseling and assistance on all federal regulations related to maintaining your F-1 status.