Working while in the US on a student visa

The general rule for F-1 non-immigrants is that you may only work up to 20 hours per week and only on-campus. 

Working beyond or outside of the limits set by the US government violates the terms of your visa permission and will place you "out of status."  A student out of status cannot re-enter after traveling outside the country, cannot apply for any student benefits, cannot change to any other status (ie. H 1B work authorization), and cannot even legally work on campus.  It also subjects you to deportation proceedings.  

Maintaining your legal status in the US is important to your future and should be guarded.  The information below is designed to give you information so you know what you can do and how it can be done.  For more specific information, talk to your international student advisor (ISA) and carefully read the following web information:  http://www.ice.gov/sevis/employment/index.htm .

Types of work all F-1 students may do:

1. On-campus for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session.
2. On-campus up to 40 hours per week during summer break and other holidays when classes are not in session (ie. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break).

Types of off-campus employment F-1 students MAY be approved to do

ALL three of these types of off-campus employments require the student to be an F-1 student who has maintained status for at least one academic year.  None are available during the first year. 

1. Work authorization due to economic hardship
2. Work authorized as a part of the student's degree program

1. Work authorized to allow the student to gain work experience in the US in his field of study