Employment & Taxes
Employment
Strict regulations govern the employment of F-1 and J-1 students in the U.S. Students must maintain lawful student status. F-1 students must be in lawful status 9 months before off-campus employment/co-op term. Questions about the definition of "lawful student status" or "employment" can be answered in the International Office.
On-Campus Employment:
Students on F-1/J-1 visas may work on campus up to 20 hours a week during the academic term. The 20-hour limit includes all types of employment on-campus (student worker, graduate assistant, tutoring, etc.) Working over the 20 hour limit is a violation of status. Off-campus employment during academic term is not allowed without authorization.
Off-Campus Employment - Mandatory Co-op Term for Bachelor Degree Program in field of study at authorized sponsor/employer for F-1 and J-1 students: You can ONLY work for your authorized sponsor/employer.
F-1 students must be authorized for curricular practical training (CPT)/co-op in the U.S. before beginning each co-op/work term. During the academic term before each co-op term a letter from your employer with beginning and ending dates of employment must be brought to the International Office for processing of curricular practical training/co-op term in the SEVIS system. A SEVIS I-20 for CPT will be issued.
J-1 students are required to keep the International Office advised of authorized sponsor/employer each co-op term.
After completion of studies (all requirements for your degree program) you are not allowed to continue to work on campus or at your co-op sponsor. Additional information available in the International Office, Room 3-901 Campus Center.