An F-1 student visa classification means that one’s primary reason for being in the U.S. is to study. However, the USCIS allows such a person to work in the U.S. if it is on-campus employment, off-campus pilot program employment, practical training, or specially authorized off-campus employment due to unforeseen economic hardship. The school’s Designated School Official (DSO) may be able to identify more sources of employment.
On-campus work opportunities depend on the type of school. Typically, these opportunities include working at a school cafeteria, dining hall, or snack bar, at the campus bookstore, library, computer lab, campus newspaper, or administrative office. Graduate-level students may be able to work as teaching assistants or research assistants. On-campus employment must not exceed 20 hours per week.
An F-1 student is automatically permitted to work on campus as long as s/he is otherwise maintaining his/her valid F-1 status. Generally, no specific employment authorization is required, although it is recommended that the F-1 student notify the DSO in the event that the school has an internal procedure for monitoring on-campus employment of international students.
