Tracking F1 Student Work Hours: University Surveillance

F-1 students in the United States are subject to strict rules regarding employment during their studies. They must be enrolled full-time and can generally work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during classes, and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. Students must report their work and obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). Off-campus employment is only allowed in specific circumstances, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Severe Economic Hardship Employment. DSOs are responsible for keeping records and ensuring compliance with regulations, but the system relies on self-reporting by students. Failure to comply can result in the loss of F-1 status and the need to leave the country.

F-1 students can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during classes

F-1 students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during classes, and up to 40 hours per week during breaks and vacations. However, this is only applicable for on-campus jobs, and the work must not displace a US citizen or lawful permanent resident. On-campus employment includes jobs that are physically located on the school's campus or off-campus at a site that is educationally affiliated with the school. For example, a university bookstore or cafeteria.

F-1 students must maintain their status and follow the guidelines for on-campus employment. They must also keep a Designated School Official (DSO) informed of any changes in employer and hours. The DSO is responsible for keeping track of the number of hours worked by each employee and ensuring that the student's SEVIS record is terminated if they engage in unauthorized employment or work hours in excess of those allowed.

To avoid losing their F-1 status, students must not work for a company located on their school's campus that does not provide direct services to students. Students must also be mindful of their total work hours across all jobs, as their combined work hours must not exceed 20 hours during the school term.

F-1 students who wish to work off-campus must meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization. Off-campus employment is only allowed in specific circumstances, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is training in the student's field of study that fulfills academic credit or a degree requirement.

Students must report their work to receive a Social Security Number

International students in the United States with an F-1 visa have strict rules to follow regarding working during their studies. One of the primary guidelines is that F-1 students can generally work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session.

To work on-campus, F-1 students must first obtain approval from their Designated School Official (DSO) and a letter of approval from their employer. With these documents, the student can then apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). The SSN is a 9-digit number assigned by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to citizens, permanent residents, and eligible non-immigrant workers in the US. It is used for tracking individuals for taxation purposes, reporting wages to the government, and tracking Social Security benefits.

F-1 students must report their work to their DSO and receive a certification letter to present to the Social Security Administration to be eligible for an SSN. This letter certifies that the student's job qualifies as on-campus employment and that they are in F-1 status. The DSO is responsible for keeping a copy of this letter, as well as a letter from the employer describing the type of work, affiliation to the school, and the number of hours the student will work.

It is important to note that F-1 students must comply with these guidelines for on-campus employment. Failure to do so may result in a violation of status, leading to the student having to leave the United States. Additionally, students found working illegally risk losing their F-1 status and having their visa revoked.

Students can work off-campus in cases of severe economic hardship

Students with F-1 status are generally not allowed to work off-campus. However, off-campus employment may be authorized in cases of severe economic hardship. This benefit is available to students who have completed at least one academic year and can prove that they are experiencing severe economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances beyond their control. Examples of unforeseen circumstances include the loss of financial aid or on-campus employment (if the student is not at fault), substantial fluctuations in the exchange rate, or unexpected changes in the financial condition of the student's source of support.

To be eligible for off-campus work authorization, students must demonstrate that on-campus work opportunities are insufficient to meet their financial needs. They must also show that working will not adversely impact their ability to attend school full-time and maintain their academic standing. The decision to grant work authorization for off-campus employment is made by the USCIS officer on a case-by-case basis. If approved, the student will receive a Form I-766 "Employment Authorization Document" and a letter notifying them of the decision.

To apply for off-campus work authorization based on severe economic hardship, students should follow these steps:

• Schedule a meeting with their International Student Advisor or Designated School Official (DSO) to discuss their eligibility for Hardship Employment.
• If eligible, the student will be given an "Application for DSO Recommendation for Hardship Employment" to complete. This may include forms such as Form I-765 and Form G-1145.
• The International Student Advisor will review the documentation and, if approved, request Hardship Employment in the SEVIS system.
• The student will be provided with a new Form I-20, which includes a Hardship recommendation.
• The student must then file Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," along with Form I-20, and pay a fee to USCIS.
• USCIS will review the application and make a decision. If approved, the student's SEVIS record will automatically update to show off-campus employment approval.

It is important to note that off-campus work authorization for F-1 students is not granted lightly and is reserved for cases of genuine economic hardship. Students must carefully review the eligibility requirements and provide the necessary documentation to support their application. Working off-campus without authorization can result in severe consequences, including the loss of F-1 status and the risk of having their visa revoked.

Students must prove they can pay for tuition and living expenses before arrival

International students with F-1 status in the US must prove they can pay for tuition and living expenses before arrival. This is because there are limited work opportunities for F-1 students, and students found working without permission may have their F-1 status revoked and be forced to leave the country.

Each US college has its own requirements for how international students can prove their ability to pay expenses. However, there are some common forms of proof that are accepted by most institutions. These include bank statements, financial aid letters, and investment statements. Students must normally prove that they can pay for the first year of study and indicate how they will fund subsequent years.

Some institutions require multiple months of bank statements, while others do not. The age of the bank statement can also vary by institution. It is important to note that proof of financial ability can be provided in any currency, as schools use currency conversion tools to ensure the amount meets their minimum requirements.

In addition to demonstrating financial ability, international students should also be aware of the strict rules and regulations surrounding employment during their studies. F-1 students can generally work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not. Off-campus employment is only allowed in certain circumstances, such as curricular practical training directly related to the student's field of study.

To work on campus, F-1 students must first obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) and report their work to the Social Security Administration. They should also keep their Designated School Official (DSO) informed of any changes in employer or work hours.

F-1 students can work at a recognized international organization

F-1 students are allowed to work at a recognized international organization within the meaning of the International Organization Immunities Act (59 Stat. 669). To be eligible, students must be in F-1 status, and there is no waiting period. The work does not have to be related to the student's course of study, and the time approved by USCIS to work for an International Organization will not be deducted from the student's 12-month period of Optional Practical Training. The employment is for an internship with a recognized international organization and is within the scope of the organization's sponsorship. The student must be in good academic standing.

F-1 students can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session, or full-time during periods of recess. To apply for this type of employment, students must first obtain an internship offer with an international organization and then work with their DSO (Designated School Official) to apply for an Employment Authorization Document with USCIS. The DSO will need to certify the student's eligibility and enter their recommendation into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The DSO should then print the supporting Form I-20, sign it, and provide it to the student. The student will also need to submit a completed and signed Form I-765, along with two recent photos, their passport ID page, visa pages, and their I-94 record. There is a fee of $520 for the application, which should be made out to the US Department of Homeland Security. The USCIS processing time for the application is typically 3-4 months.

It is important to note that F-1 students must maintain their status and follow the guidelines for on-campus employment. They should keep their DSO informed of any changes in employer and hours. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in the student having to leave the United States.

Frequently asked questions