F-1 Student Employment
F-1 student visas are primarily study visas, rather than work visas. There are four legal types of employment for students on F-1 visas. which are all highly regulated. Legal employment types include:
- On-campus employment
- Curricular Practical Training
- Optional Practical Training
- Severe Economic Hardship
Students should consult a DSO to determine eligibility for legal employment as an F-1 visa holder.
As an F-1 student, it is important to not work illegally. Working illegally:
- cannot be rectified (no reinstatement of status allowed),
- could ruin future plans, and
- DSO's are obligated to report this and have no discretion in this reporting obligation.
Work is defined as anything that is compensated with:
- money,
- housing,
- food or living essentials,
- reduction in fees, and/or
- knowledge (in some experiential learning situations).
- Wages need not be received in order for an activity to be considered work
- Students with approved OPT may accept employment anywhere in the U.S., as long as that employment is directly related to the student's field of study.
- No offer of employment is necessary in order to apply for OPT
- May apply for OPT up to 90 days before degree completion date
- USCIS may take up to 12 weeks to adjudicate OPT applications
- OPT start date is chosen by the student. Start date may begin the day after graduation, or up to 60 days after degree completion
- A total of 90 days of unemployment is allowed during OPT
OPT Application Process
- Form I-765
- Form G-1145
- Appropriate Payment of current fee
- 2 passport photos
- I-20 copies, including I-20 with OPT recommendation
- Copy of F-1 visa
- Copy of passport
- Copy of I-94 Arrival/Departure record. Print electronic copy, or make copies of both front and back of paper copy if a paper form was issued.
Processes and fees are subject to change without notice. Always check the USCIS.gov website for current filing instructions.