F-1 Off Campus Employment
F-1 students may not work off campus except under special circumstances. This off-campus employment must be recommended in SEVIS by a Designated School Official and be adjudicated and approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A student may not begin off-campus employment until he/she has received an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS.
Students who believe that they may qualify and have an interest in obtaining authorization for off-campus employment under one of the following special circumstances should read the additional information provided, prepare the required documentation, then contact the ISSS office for an appointment with the appropriate advisor.
Severe, unforeseen economic necessity: The student must have been in F-1 status for a full academic year (two semesters), must prove to USCIS that the employment is necessary due to severe economic hardship caused by circumstances beyond the control of the student and that arose after the student was granted F-1 status, and must apply to USCIS for authorization (in one-year increments). Employment cannot exceed 20 hours per week while classes are in session.
Internship with an international organization: Students that have a written offer of employment from a qualifying international organization under the International Organization Immunities Act may apply for and EAD through USCIS valid for increments of one year. There is no waiting period, nor is there a limit on the number of work hours per week. However, students must maintain full-time enrollment and all other status requirements.
Employment based on the Special Student Relief program: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is allowed to suspend or alter rules regarding employment eligibility for specific groups of students from parts of the world that are experiencing emergent circumstances. The ISSS office will communicate with all students affected by Special Student Relief immediately upon publication of a notice to the Federal Register.
Note: All off-campus employment authorization ends when a student transfers to another school or fails to maintain status.