Employment Opportunities for F-1 Students

This information is designed for students in F-1 status. It will provide you with an introduction to (1) how "employment" is defined by the U. S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (USCIS) and (2) the types of employment authorization, which may be available to you.

Eligibility and Application Requirements: Different requirements exist for each type of F-1 employment but those requirements are not discussed in this handout. For example, a fundamental eligibility requirement for all types of employment is that you must be in and must continuously maintain lawful F-1 status. 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 your international student advisor.

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 "Incident to Status": Work on your campus is usually permissible if it meets certain requirements. USCIS regulations state that this employment is automatically authorized for any student in lawful F-1 status. Check with Admissions Center for school requirements and procedures governing the authorization of on-campus employment.

Curricular Practical Training: Some work experiences, which are an important part of your study program, may be considered "curricular practical training". These experiences may include alternate work/study programs, internships, cooperative education programs and practicum experiences. Any student who works for one year or more in full-time curricular practical training is not eligible for practical training after completion of studies.

Practical Training Before and After Completion of Studies: You may be eligible to be employed in a job which is directly related to your major field of study for one year before and/or after you complete a study program. Such employment may take place at any location in the U. S.

Employment Eligibility Verification: When you begin work, you and your employer must complete a form entitled "Employment Eligibility Verification" (USCIS Form I-9), which the employer retains. The I-9 must be updated each time you receive a renewal of your work permission.

A Social Security Number. To put you on the payroll, your employer will need your Social Security number, which you can obtain by applying for a Social Security card. Take your passport (if you are Canadian you may use another form of photo-bearing identification), I-94 Departure Record card, the student copy of your form I-20, and written work authorization to an office of the Social Security Administration. Please note: A Social Security Card may not be used to verify your employment eligibility.

Social Security and other taxes: Social Security taxes. In general, as an F-1 student, you will be exempt from Social Security (F.I.C.A.) taxes for your first five years in the United States, as long as you continue to declare non-resident status for tax purposes (see Internal Revenue Service Publication 519, "U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens").

A NOTE OF CAUTION

While USCIS 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. Always consult with Admissions before taking up any employment.

Failure to Comply with Employment Regulations: It is your responsibility to comply with all Immigration regulations, which apply to F-1 students. If you fail to comply with 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).

For further information, please contact the Admission Center at admissions@leeuniversity.edu.