If you are a current F-1 student, or will be coming to the United States as an F-1 student for the first time this fall, you may have questions about job opportunities. Remember, your primary reason for coming to the United States is to study, and you cannot perform any unauthorized work. Depending on your status and school, there are limited opportunities to supplement your income (i.e., on-campus and off-campus) and for education-related training (i.e., practical training).

If you are interested in working, the first step is to talk to your designated school official (DSO). Your DSO will help ensure that you are eligible to work.

There are several types of employment available to you in the United States. Follow the steps below to ensure that you remain compliant with U.S. regulations.

Working On-Campus: F-1 students in Active status are immediately eligible to work on‑campus.

• First, seek approval from your DSO for employment.
• Then, follow the appropriate steps to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). Remember, in order to work in the United States, every eligible F and M student needs an SSN.
• Finally, keep in mind that you can only work 20 hours per week when school is in session.

Working Off-Campus: After a full year at school, you may be eligible to work off‑campus. This type of employment is authorized based on your financial need.

• First, you must receive a recommendation from your DSO and file a Form I-765, “Application for Employment Authorization,” with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
• Then, if USCIS approves your employment application, they will send you a Form I-766, “Employment Authorization Document” (EAD).
• Finally, remember that you cannot begin work until you have received your EAD. Similar to on-campus work, while school is in session you are restricted to a 20‑hour workweek.

As an F-1 student, you can also receive work authorization for training related to your studies. Optional practical training and curricular practical training are available to some students enrolled in an SEVP-certified school as an F-1 student for one full academic year.

Learn more on our Working in the United States page and talk to your DSO if you have any questions.