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Off Campus Employment

 

Regulation that defines off-campus employment for F-1 students is in 8 CFR 214.2 (f)(9)(ii). Generally, Off Campus Employment is employment that is for economic need and does not necessarily have to relate to the student's academic course of study.

There are three types of Off Campus Employment:
  • Economic Hardship
    • This is defined as a financial condition caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond the student’s control that make it difficult for a student to continue education in the United States.
  • Special Student Relief due to emergent circumstances
    • Under emergent circumstances, the government may suspend some requirements for affected F-1 students, including the requirements for off-campus employment. In such cases, The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will issue a notice in the Federal Register, giving details of such suspension.
  • Internship with an International Organization
    • Students who are offered an internship with an international organization may be eligible for an employment benefit provided that the internship is (1) in the United States and (2) with a public international organization that falls within the International Organization Immunities Act, as defined in 22 U.S.C. § 288 59 Stat. 669.

Eligibility
Off Campus Employment is not permissible in your first year of study in degree status in the U.S.  You must complete two full-time semesters in the U.S. in F-1 degree status before you are eligible to work off campus.  Exceptions are possible for emergent circumstances noted by DHS.


Application
To receive Off Campus Employment Authorization, students must meet with an ISSS Advisor and prepare an I-765 application to be mailed to USCIS.  At this time, USCIS is not accepting online applications for Off Campus Employment.


DO NOT WORK OFF CAMPUS WITHOUT ISSS OR USCIS permission! Unauthorized employment is a non-reinstatable offense.


Hours Permitted
All international students can work no more than 20 hours per week, except during office school breaks, such as summer break, winter break, and spring break.  During school breaks, you may work more than 20 hours per week.
The only exception is for students who are participating in an internship with an International Organization.  These students may work full time while school is in session, however, it is required that students maintain a full course of study.


Duration
The off-campus employment authorization ends 1 year after issuance or upon completion of the program, whichever comes first, and unless otherwise stipulated.  To extend Off-Campus Employment authorization, students will need to submit another application to USCIS.