F-1 and J-1 visa holders are able to work while pursuing a program of study. The following are some guidelines to follow when seeking employment:
1. No USCIS approval is required for on-campus employment if the student is pursuing a full course of study.
2. On-campus employment is defined as employment on the school’s premises, but it can be with an on-location commercial firm providing on-campus services for the school’s students.
3. Employment is limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session; full-time employment is permitted during official school breaks (i.e., when school is not in session) and during the student’s annual vacation.
4. Employment may begin no sooner than 30 days prior to the start date of classes for new students with initial entry to a new program.
5. Authorization for employment is based on the end date on the I-20 or DS-2019 unless the student completes or terminates his/her program before that date or transfers to another school.
There are other forms of employment that an F-1 Student may take advantage of while pursuing a program of study or after completion of a program. The following types of employment are listed below: