How Can A Student On An F-1 Visa Work?

Students who are living, and studying, in the United States on an F-1 visa can work. But, they can only engage in specific types of work; many types of work are not available for students.

Being aware of the different types of work students on an F-1 can take on makes it easier for students to earn money and support themselves, while studying in the United States.

On-Campus Employment 

Every student, who is living and studying in the United States on an F-1 visa, can partake in on-campus employment.

Some examples of the different types of on-campus employment available to students are as follows:

• Janitorial work for the student’s university.
• Tutoring the students at the university.
• Lab maintenance work at the student’s university.

No matter the on-campus employment opportunity a student on an F-1 visa wishes to pursue, it must meet the following criteria:

• The work must occur on the premises of that student’s university.
• The paycheck for this work must come from the university.
• The work must not take away an employment opportunity for a U.S. citizen.
• The student can only work for 20-hours, during the weeks when school is in session.
• The student can only work for 40-hours, during the weeks when school isn’t in session.

Regarding the first two criteria, if the work does not occur on the premises of a student’s university, the paycheck for this work must come from the university.

To ensure that a particular work opportunity meets this criteria, it is wise for students to meet with their International Student Advisor, before they begin their new job.

Off-Campus Employment 

Right before a student can receive their F-1 visa, they must demonstrate their ability to support themselves and, as such, the fact that they do not need to work off-campus.

But, sometimes, working off-campus is the only way a student can support themselves.

Situations of this sort allow a student on an F-1 visa to demonstrate their financial hardship. In doing so, they may be able to receive authorization that enables them to work off-campus, as well as a work permit.

For a student on an F-1 visa to receive authorization, they must:

• Possess good grades and, then, maintain these good grades.
• Have completed one academic year, before they can receive authorization and a work permit.
• Work only 20-hours per-week, when school is in session.
• Reapply for work authorization every year, if it is necessary.

Each one of these criteria must be met before a student on an F-1 visa can receive authorization to work off-campus. Right after doing so, they can then acquire a work permit, which is also necessary.

Speak With A Houston F-1 Visa Attorney Today 

Students on an F-1 visa can live and study within the United States. But, students who have an F-1 visa and are familiar with the employment laws regarding an F-1 visa can earn money while studying in the United States.

Speak with a Houston immigration attorney today. We will assist you in acquiring an F-1 Visa and obtaining the work authorization and work permit you want.

 Source: 

uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/students-and-exchange-visitors/students-and-employment

ice.gov/sevis/employment#onCE

ice.gov/sevis/employment#offCE