Employment in F-1 Status

This section discusses the kinds of employment that are available to F-1 students under the regulations.  In order to maintain valid F-1 status, a student must not work in the United States, unless the employment is specifically authorized under one of the categories discussed in this section.

Types of employment available to F-1 students

1. On-campus employment
2. Employment authorized because of severe economic hardship
3. Practical Training (Optional, Curricular)

All of these categories require that the student be currently maintaining valid F-1 status.  A student who is out of status is not eligible for F-1 benefits, including employment.  Each F-1 employment category has specific eligibility requirements, and most are also divided into subcategories, so be sure to review each category in detail.

Go to: "On-campus employment" page

Go to: "Employment based on severe economic hardship" page

Go to: "Optional Practical Training" page 

Go to: "Curricular Practical Training" page