Since you are in the U.S. with the principal purpose of pursuing a full course of study or academic program, your employment options are very limited. Before engaging in any type of employment–paid or non-paid; on-campus or off-campus–you must first be clearly informed on what are the options and eligibility requirements.
Engaging in unauthorized/illegal employment is a deportable offense under U.S. immigration law.
Personal Funds: USCIS mandates that F-1 students be financially self-sufficient while in F-1 status in the U.S. Therefore, students must be financially self-supported during OPT and be prepared financially for any unforeseen contingencies.
Important About Employment, Internships or Volunteer Activities-Paid or Unpaid
- Obtain proper authorization before engaging in any off-campus employment whether the employment is paid or non-paid. (Working without proper authorization constitutes illegal employment, an offense that can lead to deportation.)
- Refrain from any on- or off-campus employment if/while you are out-of-status.
- ALWAYS check with the ISSS BEFORE you engage in anything resembling employment, internships, co-op experience, whether paid or unpaid. Avoid putting your immigration status at risk!
- If you are planning to engage in ANY volunteer activity, you MUST check with an ISSS Advisor BEFORE getting started.
Remember, when in doubt….check with ISSS!
The following is a basic overview of employment options for F-1.
Eligibility Requirements
A fundamental eligibility requirement for all types of practical training or employment is that you must continuously maintain lawful F-1 status. Maintaining lawful F-1 status includes the following:
- You must have a valid passport at all times.
- You must hold a valid FIU I-20 properly processed either through ISSS or by travel and reentry.
- You must be registered full-time each academic (Fall/Spring) semester. (At least 12 credits for undergraduate students and 9 credits for graduate students. Students are not required to register during the Summer unless they are initially admitted/changed levels effective Summer term OR are graduating by end of Summer term.)
- You must also be in good academic standing and making satisfactory progress towards completion of current degree.
- For any Practical Training employment, you must have been in valid status and enrolled full-time for at least one academic year (fall and spring) prior to application.