What is “on-campus” employment?
F-1 students are generally permitted to work on the premises of the school that issued their currently valid I-20. Students should consult with an ISS advisor for a better understanding of the conditions and types of on-campus employment allowed if there is any question.
Types of On-Campus Employment
- Work employed by the I-20 issuing institution (e.g., teaching assistant, library, administrative office)
- Work employed by on-campus commercial firms that provide direct student services (e.g., cafeteria)
- Work done at off-campus locations, but treated as on-campus (e.g., research projects)
Conditions
- Eligible immediately upon obtaining F-1 status
- Must be considered “on-campus”
- Can be used throughout period students is pursuing a full course of study
- Limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session; can be over 20 hours during official school breaks
- Can be done in any on-campus position that does not displace a US worker; does not have to be related to course of study
- Offer of employment not required for eligibility
- All on-campus work is treated the same for the 20 hour per week limit; for example, teaching assistants who work 20 hours per week are not allowed to work more hours unless on break
Limitations
- “Initial” entry students may not begin work more than 30 days before class start
- Limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session; over 20 hours during official schools breaks for students who are eligible and intend to register for the subsequent academic term
- May not engage in on-campus employment during the 60 day grace period following completion of study except in the following situations:
- Employment authorized by Optional Practical Training
- Between academic levels at same school
- Between programs when transferring schools
- Concurrently-enrolled students (students attending two institutions at the same time) may work only on the campus of the institution that issued their I-20 and has jurisdiction over the student’s SEVIS record.