F-1 Employment
If you are interested in working while in the United States, view the F-1 Employment Options Chart for a quick reference as to eligibility requirements and documents needed for applying. A more comprehensive description of each employment option is provided in the text below.
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F-1 students are generally permitted to work part-time on the premises of the school that issued their currently valid I-20, while they are attending that school and maintaining their F-1 status, subject to the restrictions outlined here. This type of employment is "incident to status," and does not require DSO (your ISSS Advisor) authorization, nor does it require an update to the SEVIS record.
Characteristics of F-1 On-Campus Employment
Preconditions: Eligible immediately upon obtaining F-1 status; no waiting period
Location: Must be considered "on-campus"
Duration: Can be used throughout the period student is pursuing a full course of study
Hours per week: Limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session; can be full-time during official school breaks for students who are eligible and intend to register for the subsequent academic term
Field/level of work: Can be in any on-campus position that does not displace a U.S. worker; does not have to be related to course of study
Offer of employment: Not required as a condition of eligibility
Effect on other work: All on-campus work is treated the same for the 20 hours per week limit; e.g., a teaching assistant working 15 hours per week can only work 5 additional hours per week in another on-campus job
Approval process: Employment is "incident to status," and does not require DSO (your ISSS Advisor) or DHS approval
Miscellaneous: Employment must not displace a U.S. resident [8 C.F.R. 214.2(f)(9)(i)] This has been interpreted to mean that an on-campus employer may not remove a U.S. worker to hire an F-1 student.
Types of On-Campus Employment
Limitations of On-Campus Employment:
The student wishes to work on-campus between academic levels at the same school.
When transferring schools, the student may engage in employment at the school having jurisdiction over the SEVIS record.
Eligibility to engage in on-campus employment is "incident" to F-1 status. This means that anyone currently maintaining F-1 status may engage in on-campus employment at the institution that issued his or her current I-20, within the limitations outlined above and without requesting formal authorization from either a DSO (your ISSS Advisor) or USCIS, and without updating the student's SEVIS record. Employment eligibility ends whenever a student fails to maintain status.
Procedures for On-Campus Employment
No formal authorization is required for on-campus employment.
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The F-1 regulations are very clear on who qualifies for off-campus employment authorization and who does not. Students in exchange programs and students in special/executive programs (i.e. Global Executive MBA, Higher Education Leadership), do not qualify for any type of off-campus paid employment before or after their studies (with the exception of Internship with an International Organization Employment for exchange students) since they do not meet the eligibility requirements for these Immigration benefits.
Exchange program students: In order to qualify for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and/or Optional Practical Training (OPT), a student must complete one full academic year (excluding time spent in F-1 status in Intensive English Programs) in F-1 status. In the case of CPT and pre-completion OPT, a student must be returning to study in the U.S. after employment. In the case of post-completion OPT, a student must receive a U.S. degree. Exchange Students are not eligible for employment at the end of their exchange year because they are neither returning to study in the U.S. after the employment, nor will they receive a U.S. degree.
Special/Executive program students: In order to qualify for off-campus employment, a student must complete one full academic year (excluding time spent in F-1 status in Intensive English Programs) in F-1 status. Special/Executive program students are not eligible for employment upon completion of their degree because they will not have completed one full academic year in F-1 status.
Provided that other employment opportunities are not available or are otherwise insufficient, an eligible student may request off-campus employment work authorization based upon severe economic hardship caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond the student's control. These circumstances may include loss of financial support (i.e., assistantship or scholarship) or loss of on-campus employment without fault on part of the student, substantial fluctuations in the value of the currency or exchange rate, inordinate increases in tuition and/or living costs, unexpected changes in the financial condition of the student's source of support, medical bills, or other substantial and unexpected expenses.
Eligibility Requirements
An F-1 student who experiences unexpected financial difficulties of the sort described above may be authorized to work off-campus if the following conditions are met:
If you are unable to find adequate employment on-campus, you may then request off-campus employment authorization based on severe economic hardship. The request is made to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and requires all the following items:
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT IT WILL TAKE USCIS FROM 120 TO 150 BUSINESS DAYS TO ADJUDICATE THESE APPLICATIONS. YOU MAY NOT BEGIN EMPLOYMENT UNTIL YOU RECEIVE YOUR EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION DOCUMENT. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DECISION WHETHER YOU WILL BE GRANTED THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION RESTS ENTIRELY WITH USCIS. IN CASE YOUR APPLICATION IS DENIED, USCIS DOES NOT PROVIDE YOU WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO APPEAL THE DECISION.
Duration of Work Authorization
The employment authorization may be granted in one-year intervals up to your expected date of graduation in your current program of study. It may be renewed by USCIS if you are maintaining status and good academic standing.
Please note: If your application is approved by USCIS, your employment authorization allows you to work on a part-time basis. Part-time off-campus employment is limited to no more than 20 hours a week while school is in session (i.e., during spring and fall semesters). A student who is granted off-campus employment authorization may work full-time during holidays or school vacation.
An eligible F-1 student may request off-campus employment work authorization for an internship with an international organization. The employment offer must be extended by a recognized international organization such as the United Nations, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, etc.
Eligibility Requirements
An F-1 student who has received an employment offer from an international organization may be authorized to work off-campus if the following conditions are met:
If you meet the eligibility requirements listed above, you may then request off-campus employment authorization for an internship with an international organization. The request is made to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and requires all the following items:
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT IT WILL TAKE USCIS FROM 120 TO 150 BUSINESS DAYS TO ADJUDICATE THESE APPLICATIONS. YOU MAY NOT BEGIN EMPLOYMENT UNTIL YOU RECEIVE YOUR EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION DOCUMENT. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DECISION WHETHER YOU WILL BE GRANTED THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION RESTS ENTIRELY WITH USCIS. IN CASE YOUR APPLICATION IS DENIED, USCIS DOES NOT PROVIDE YOU WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO APPEAL THE DECISION.
Duration of Work Authorization
The employment authorization may be granted for the requested duration of your internship with an international organization. It may be renewed by USCIS if you are maintaining F-1 status and have not yet completed your current program of study.
Please note: If your application is approved by USCIS, your employment authorization allows you to work on a part-time basis. Part-time off-campus employment is limited to no more than 20 hours a week while school is in session (i.e., during spring and fall semesters). A student who is granted off-campus employment authorization for an internship with an international organization may work full-time during holidays or school vacation.
Eligibility Requirements
In order to be eligible for this type of work authorization, a student must meet the following requirements:
A job offer is not needed in order to apply for this type of work authorization. Employment can be in any job and does not have to be related to the student’s course of study. Students authorized for employment under this provision may be allowed to register for less than a full course of study during the period of employment. Undergraduate students must register for at least 6 credit hours per semester; graduate students must register for at least 3 credit hours per semester.
Application and Authorization Procedures
The following documents must be submitted to International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) to apply for on-Campus employment authorization based on special student relief:
The following documents must be submitted to ISSS to apply for off-Campus employment authorization based on special student relief:
It is estimated that it will take USCIS from 120 to 150 business days to adjudicate these applications.
Duration of Work Authorization
You may not begin employment before you have authorization, and you must end employment on the date noted. To begin early or continue past the ending date constitutes illegal employment.
There are no limitations on the amount of time allowed for this type of work authorization, which may be granted in one-year intervals until the expected date of program completion. Work authorization can be approved for full-time employment both on-campus and off-campus and automatically ends with transfer to another school.
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F-1 students are generally permitted to work part-time on the premises of the school that issued their currently valid I-20, while they are attending that school and maintaining their F-1 status, subject to the restrictions outlined here. This type of employment is "incident to status," and does not require DSO (your ISSS Advisor) authorization, nor does it require an update to the SEVIS record.
Characteristics of F-1 On-Campus Employment
Preconditions: Eligible immediately upon obtaining F-1 status; no waiting period
Location: Must be considered "on-campus"
Duration: Can be used throughout the period student is pursuing a full course of study
Hours per week: Limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session; can be full-time during official school breaks for students who are eligible and intend to register for the subsequent academic term
Field/level of work: Can be in any on-campus position that does not displace a U.S. worker; does not have to be related to course of study
Offer of employment: Not required as a condition of eligibility
Effect on other work: All on-campus work is treated the same for the 20 hours per week limit; e.g., a teaching assistant working 15 hours per week can only work 5 additional hours per week in another on-campus job
Approval process: Employment is "incident to status," and does not require DSO (your ISSS Advisor) or DHS approval
Miscellaneous: Employment must not displace a U.S. resident [8 C.F.R. 214.2(f)(9)(i)] This has been interpreted to mean that an on-campus employer may not remove a U.S. worker to hire an F-1 student.
Types of On-Campus Employment
- Work on the school premises, employed by the I-20 issuing institution
- Work on the school premises, employed by on-campus commercial firms
- Work done at off-campus locations, but treated as on-campus
Limitations of On-Campus Employment:
- Initial entry students cannot begin work more than 30 days before class start.
- On-campus work is limited to no more than 20 total hours per week while school is in session. On-campus employment may be full-time during vacation periods for students who are eligible and intend to register for the subsequent academic term.
- A student may not engage in on-campus employment during the 60-day grace period following the completion of a course of study or thereafter, except in the following situations:
The student wishes to work on-campus between academic levels at the same school.
When transferring schools, the student may engage in employment at the school having jurisdiction over the SEVIS record.
- Students temporarily attending two institutions concurrently may work only on the campus of the institution that issued their Form I-20.
Eligibility to engage in on-campus employment is "incident" to F-1 status. This means that anyone currently maintaining F-1 status may engage in on-campus employment at the institution that issued his or her current I-20, within the limitations outlined above and without requesting formal authorization from either a DSO (your ISSS Advisor) or USCIS, and without updating the student's SEVIS record. Employment eligibility ends whenever a student fails to maintain status.
Procedures for On-Campus Employment
No formal authorization is required for on-campus employment.
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The F-1 regulations are very clear on who qualifies for off-campus employment authorization and who does not. Students in exchange programs and students in special/executive programs (i.e. Global Executive MBA, Higher Education Leadership), do not qualify for any type of off-campus paid employment before or after their studies (with the exception of Internship with an International Organization Employment for exchange students) since they do not meet the eligibility requirements for these Immigration benefits.
Exchange program students: In order to qualify for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and/or Optional Practical Training (OPT), a student must complete one full academic year (excluding time spent in F-1 status in Intensive English Programs) in F-1 status. In the case of CPT and pre-completion OPT, a student must be returning to study in the U.S. after employment. In the case of post-completion OPT, a student must receive a U.S. degree. Exchange Students are not eligible for employment at the end of their exchange year because they are neither returning to study in the U.S. after the employment, nor will they receive a U.S. degree.
Special/Executive program students: In order to qualify for off-campus employment, a student must complete one full academic year (excluding time spent in F-1 status in Intensive English Programs) in F-1 status. Special/Executive program students are not eligible for employment upon completion of their degree because they will not have completed one full academic year in F-1 status.
Provided that other employment opportunities are not available or are otherwise insufficient, an eligible student may request off-campus employment work authorization based upon severe economic hardship caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond the student's control. These circumstances may include loss of financial support (i.e., assistantship or scholarship) or loss of on-campus employment without fault on part of the student, substantial fluctuations in the value of the currency or exchange rate, inordinate increases in tuition and/or living costs, unexpected changes in the financial condition of the student's source of support, medical bills, or other substantial and unexpected expenses.
Eligibility Requirements
An F-1 student who experiences unexpected financial difficulties of the sort described above may be authorized to work off-campus if the following conditions are met:
- The student has been in F-1 status for at least one full academic year;
- The student must be in good academic standing (i.e., G.P.A. of at least 2.0 for undergraduates, at least 3.0 for graduate students);
- The student must continue to carry a full course load (i.e., 12 credits per semester for undergraduates; 9 credits for graduate students); and
- The student has demonstrated that the employment is necessary to avoid economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances beyond his/her control, and that on-campus employment is unavailable or otherwise insufficient to meet the needs that have arisen as a result of the unforeseen circumstances.
If you are unable to find adequate employment on-campus, you may then request off-campus employment authorization based on severe economic hardship. The request is made to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and requires all the following items:
- Severe Economic Hardship Request Form
- Form G-1145, (Also available at ISSS); “E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance.”
- Form I-765 (Also available at ISSS); enter eligibility code (c)(3)(iii) in item #16)
- Two photos as specified in the instructions of the Form I-765 (with name and I-94 number written on back in pencil) (Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure that the photographs comply with the I-765 instructions, and that it is your decision and responsibility if the photographs are sent to USCIS as part of this application. ISSS does not assume any responsibility for USCIS' decision on whether your photographs meet the I-765 specifications.)
- Original SEVIS Form I-20 (signed by student on page 1)
- Original Form I-94
- Copies of passport biographical page, expiration date page, F-1 visa page, and page bearing stamp of last entry into the U.S.
- Money order for $380.00 made payable to the "Department of Homeland Security."
- Supporting materials. You need to provide strong evidence detailing the unforeseen circumstances as discussed on page 1 that require you to seek employment authorization based on severe economic hardship. You should include a budget showing your expenses (tuition, rent, food, utilities, etc.) and your sources of financial support.
- Certificate of Completion of ISSS' online employment session
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT IT WILL TAKE USCIS FROM 120 TO 150 BUSINESS DAYS TO ADJUDICATE THESE APPLICATIONS. YOU MAY NOT BEGIN EMPLOYMENT UNTIL YOU RECEIVE YOUR EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION DOCUMENT. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DECISION WHETHER YOU WILL BE GRANTED THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION RESTS ENTIRELY WITH USCIS. IN CASE YOUR APPLICATION IS DENIED, USCIS DOES NOT PROVIDE YOU WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO APPEAL THE DECISION.
Duration of Work Authorization
The employment authorization may be granted in one-year intervals up to your expected date of graduation in your current program of study. It may be renewed by USCIS if you are maintaining status and good academic standing.
Please note: If your application is approved by USCIS, your employment authorization allows you to work on a part-time basis. Part-time off-campus employment is limited to no more than 20 hours a week while school is in session (i.e., during spring and fall semesters). A student who is granted off-campus employment authorization may work full-time during holidays or school vacation.
An eligible F-1 student may request off-campus employment work authorization for an internship with an international organization. The employment offer must be extended by a recognized international organization such as the United Nations, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, etc.
Eligibility Requirements
An F-1 student who has received an employment offer from an international organization may be authorized to work off-campus if the following conditions are met:
- The student is in F-1 status at the time of application and continues to maintain F-1 status; and
- The student must continue to carry a full course load (i.e., 12 credits per semester for undergraduates; 9 credits per semester for graduate students).
If you meet the eligibility requirements listed above, you may then request off-campus employment authorization for an internship with an international organization. The request is made to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and requires all the following items:
- Internship with an International Organization Request Form
- Form G-1145, (Also available at ISSS); “E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance.”
- Form I-765 (Also available at ISSS); enter eligibility code (c)(3)(ii) in item #16).
- Two photos as specified in the instructions of the Form I-765 (with name and I-94 number written on back in pencil)
(Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure that the photographs comply with the I-765 instructions, and that it is your decision and responsibility if the photographs are sent to USCIS as part of this application. ISSS does not assume any responsibility for USCIS’ decision on whether your photographs meet the I-765 specifications.). - Copies of front and back of any previous employment authorization documents (if applicable).
- USCIS mailer in which previous employment authorization document was received (if applicable).
- Original SEVIS Form I-20 (signed by student on page 1).
- Copy of all previous Form I-20s.
- Original Form I-94.
- Copies of passport biographical page, expiration date page, F-1 visa page, and page bearing stamp of last entry into the U.S.
- Money order for $380.00 made payable to the "Department of Homeland Security."
- Offer of employment letter from a recognized international organization with specifics of employment.
- Certificate of Completion of ISSS' online employment session
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT IT WILL TAKE USCIS FROM 120 TO 150 BUSINESS DAYS TO ADJUDICATE THESE APPLICATIONS. YOU MAY NOT BEGIN EMPLOYMENT UNTIL YOU RECEIVE YOUR EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION DOCUMENT. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DECISION WHETHER YOU WILL BE GRANTED THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION RESTS ENTIRELY WITH USCIS. IN CASE YOUR APPLICATION IS DENIED, USCIS DOES NOT PROVIDE YOU WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO APPEAL THE DECISION.
Duration of Work Authorization
The employment authorization may be granted for the requested duration of your internship with an international organization. It may be renewed by USCIS if you are maintaining F-1 status and have not yet completed your current program of study.
Please note: If your application is approved by USCIS, your employment authorization allows you to work on a part-time basis. Part-time off-campus employment is limited to no more than 20 hours a week while school is in session (i.e., during spring and fall semesters). A student who is granted off-campus employment authorization for an internship with an international organization may work full-time during holidays or school vacation.
Eligibility Requirements
In order to be eligible for this type of work authorization, a student must meet the following requirements:
- The student has been in valid F-1 status since June 10, 1998.
- The student’s financial support comes primarily from Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, or the Philippines.
- Employment is necessary due to severe economic hardship given the economic circumstances in that country.
A job offer is not needed in order to apply for this type of work authorization. Employment can be in any job and does not have to be related to the student’s course of study. Students authorized for employment under this provision may be allowed to register for less than a full course of study during the period of employment. Undergraduate students must register for at least 6 credit hours per semester; graduate students must register for at least 3 credit hours per semester.
Application and Authorization Procedures
The following documents must be submitted to International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) to apply for on-Campus employment authorization based on special student relief:
- SEVIS Form I-20 (signed by student on page 1)
- Original Form I-94
- Proof (in the form of prior Forms I-20) that student has been in valid F-1 status since June 10, 1998, and that funding comes primarily from one of the designated countries.
- Written statement which includes a specific description how the personal financial situation has been adversely affected by the economic crisis in the country of financial support, and a certification that the student will register for the required minimum number of credit hours.
- Supporting documentation; for example, a letter from home telling of a parent’s loss of employment or revenue because of the economic crisis, or an account statement demonstrating that funds intended for a student’s education were reduced in value by a currency devaluation that occurred as a result of the economic crisis.
The following documents must be submitted to ISSS to apply for off-Campus employment authorization based on special student relief:
- Form G-1145, (Also available at ISSS); “E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance.”
- Form I-765, “Application for Employment Authorization.” (Also available at ISSS; enter eligibility code (c)(3)(iii) in item #16. Next to that code, also write in the phrase “Special Student Relief”)
- 2 photos (compliant with I-765 specifications)
- SEVIS Form I-20 (signed by student on page 1)
- Copy of all previous Forms I-20
- Copy of any previously issued EAD, if applicable
- Copy of passport pages (biographic data, photo, F-1 visa, and passport page with last entry stamp)
- Original Form I-94
- Documents establishing that the student has been in valid F-1 status since June 10, 1998, and that funding comes primarily from one of the designated countries.
- Written statement which includes a specific description how the personal financial situation has been adversely affected by the economic crisis in the country of financial support, and a certification that the student will register for the required minimum number of credit hours.
- Supporting documentation; for example, a letter from home telling of a parent’s loss of employment or revenue because of the economic crisis, or an account statement demonstrating that funds intended for a student’s education were reduced in value by a currency devaluation that occurred as a result of the economic crisis.
- Certificate of Completion of ISSS' online employment session (www.miami.edu/employmentsession)
It is estimated that it will take USCIS from 120 to 150 business days to adjudicate these applications.
Duration of Work Authorization
You may not begin employment before you have authorization, and you must end employment on the date noted. To begin early or continue past the ending date constitutes illegal employment.
There are no limitations on the amount of time allowed for this type of work authorization, which may be granted in one-year intervals until the expected date of program completion. Work authorization can be approved for full-time employment both on-campus and off-campus and automatically ends with transfer to another school.
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