Employment for F-1

A nonimmigrant who is permitted to engage in employment may engage only in such employment as has been authorized. Any unauthorized employment by a nonimmigrant constitutes a failure to maintain status.

4 types of employment available for F-1 students:

• 1. On-Campus Employment

  Qualifications for on-campus employment:

  • On-campus employment must be performed either on the school's premises or at an off-campus location that is educationally affiliated with the school. Employment performed remotely from a student's home or another telework location does not qualify as on-campus employment.
  • Limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session; can be full-time during official school holidays. E.g. A graduate assistantship working for 10 hours per week and an additional 10 hours per week in the cafeteria = 20 hours per week.
  • Employment does not have to be related to the student’s course of study.
  • Must maintain F-1 status as a full-time student.

  Types of on-campus employment:

  • Work on the school premises, employed by OSU. Includes teaching or research, university library, cafeteria, and other student positions.
  • Work on the school premises, employed by on-campus commercial firms. The commercial firms must provide services for students on-campus.

  Procedures for on-campus employment:

  • Refer to Apply for Work permit page Apply for Work Permit

  International students on an F1 visa should apply for an OSU International Work Permit before starting on-campus employment. Most on-campus work permits will expire yearly on May 31^st, or the program end date on the student's most recent I-20, whichever comes first.

  To renew the work permit, the student must be enrolled for the next semester, and submit a Work Permit Renewal Request.

• 2. Employment for Severe Economic Hardship

  Qualifications for Economic Hardship Employment:

  • Must have been in F-1 status for one full academic year. Must prove to Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) that employment is necessary due to severe economic hardship caused by circumstances beyond his or her control that arose after obtaining F-1 status.
  • Granted by CIS in increments of one year at a time.
  • Limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session; can be full-time during official school holidays.
  • Can be any type of employment.
  • Must apply for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from CIS.

  
  Procedures for economic hardship employment:

  • Student must prepare an explanation about the circumstances that caused the economic hardship. CIS requires extensive documentation. Several CIS forms must be completed including photos and required fees payable to CIS. If approved an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) will be issued. If denied there is no appeal.
• 3. Sponsored by International organizations

  This F-1 employment benefit is rare. The student must be employed by a recognized international organization. CIS requires an application for an EAD before the employment begins. Many international organizations hiring F-1 students may require the student to change to "G" status, which is reserved for employees of International Organization, e.g. World Bank Practical Training. An F-1 student may wish to engage in temporary employment to gain practical experience in his or her of study.

• 4. Practical Training

  For more information on Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT), please visit the following links:

  Curricular Practical TrainingOptional Practical Training