On-Campus Employment

1. How "on-campus employment" is defined by the U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), which is different in some important respects from commonly-held definitions
2. Conditions which must exist for employment to be lawful, and
3. Employment regulations which cover special circumstances.

Eligibility Requirements

You may work on campus provided:

1. You are maintaining F-1 status
2. You do not work more than a total of 20 hours per week while school is in session and
3. You do not displace a US resident.

You may be employed full time during holidays and vacation periods, including summer vacations, provided you are eligible and intend to register for the next school term. The 20-hour-per-week limit on your employment while school is in session applies to all types of on-campus employment discussed in this handout. A 20-hour-per-week graduate assistantship, for example, would exhaust your academic year on-campus (and off-campus) work eligibility.

Authorization of Eligibility

If a particular on-campus job meets certain requirements which are explained in this handout, work in that job is permissible and is automatically authorized by USCIS regulations. However, you should contact the International Student Services Office before beginning any on-campus employment.

Jobs Which Qualify as "On-Campus Employment"

1. Employment by Your School
   On-campus work performed for your school is usually acceptable, whether it is employment in the library, the computer center or the housing office, or work required by a scholarship, fellowship or assistantship.
2. Other Employment on Your School's Premises
   Work performed on your school's grounds is "on-campus employment" as long as the employer provides direct services to students. Employment in your school bookstore or cafeteria, both of which provide direct services to students, is acceptable even if the bookstore or cafeteria is operated by a private, commercial firm. Work for a construction company which is erecting a campus building is not acceptable since the construction company does not provide direct student services.

Employment for F-2 Dependents

Immigration regulations prohibit all employment for F-2 dependents (spouses and children of F-1 students).

Social Security Taxes

In general, F-1 students who have been in the US less than five years are exempt from Social Security (F.I.C.A.) withholding. For more information, refer to Social Security Coverage for Foreign Students & Exchange Visitors .

Federal, State and Local Taxes

The earnings of F-1 students are subject to applicable federal, state and local taxes, and these amounts should be withheld from paychecks. You must file an income tax return on or before April 15 of each year, which will determine if any of the withheld taxes can be reclaimed.

A Note of Caution

While USCIS regulations provide a variety of opportunities for you to be employed during your time in F-1 status, working improperly or without authorization is a serious violation of your status. You should therefore consult with your international student adviser before taking up any employment.

Failure to Comply with Employment Regulations

It is your responsibility to comply with all immigration regulations which apply to F-1 students. Staff memberss in the International Student Services Office have responsibility for advising and counseling you regarding your responsibilities. If you fail to comply with your responsibilities, you may not be eligible for benefits normally granted to F-1 students and, in some situations, may be subject to deportation.