Employment Options for F-1 and J-1 Students
Most international students that hold an F1 or J1 visa are allowed to work in the United States, but only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Generally, all employment is contingent on remaining within the terms and restrictions of your F1 visa. There are several categories of employment during the term of your stay as an F1 student in the United States. On-campus employment is the most freely available, and then there are four categories of off-campus employment.
Types of Employment
On Campus Employment for F-1 and J-1 Students
Guidelines, Resources and Opportunities for International Students
Social Security & Tax Information
How to acquire a Social Security Card and Tax Preparation Guides for International Students
Off-Campus Employment (CPT/OPT/STEM OPT)
Guidelines for Internships, Working Off-Campus and Working after Graduation
Severe Economic Hardship
Overview
If other employment opportunities are not available or are otherwise insufficient, an eligible F-1 student may request employment authorization based on severe economic hardship caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond the student's control. These circumstances may include a loss of financial aid or on-campus employment without fault on the part of the student, substantial fluctuations in the value of currency or exchange rate, inordinate increases in tuition and /or living costs, or unexpected changes in the financial condition of the student's source of support, medical bills, or other substantial and unexpected expenses. Source: [8 C.F.R. 214.2(f)(9)(ii)(C)-(D) and (F)]
Eligibility Criteria
You are eligible to apply for employment based on severe economic hardship if:
- You have been in F-1 status for one full academic year
- You are in good academic standing and are taking a full course load
- Employment will not interfere with your studies
- You can demonstrate that the employment is necessary to avoid severe economic hardship due to unforeseen economic circumstances beyond your control
Documentation Needed to Apply
- A personal statement describing the unforeseen hardship situation and, if possible, attach backup documentation; for example, news articles, a letter from home telling of a change in family circumstances or proof of a currency devaluation in your country, etc.
- Completed Form I-765, using the code (C)(3)(iii) at item 16. Do notdate the form until you are ready to send the application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Copies of your current and previous I-20s
- Copy of paper or print-out of electronic Form I-94
- Copy of your F-1 visa page (except Canadians) or I-797 (approval of change of status to F-1), if applicable
- Copy of your unofficial transcript available from your FGCU Gulfline Account
How to Apply for Severe Economic Hardship Employment
- Schedule an appointment with the FGCU Global Engagement Office, and bring the documents listed here to your appointment.
- The FGCU Global Engagement Office staff will review your documents.
- The FGCU Global Engagement Office staff will send your request to SEVIS electronically, and generate a new SEVIS I-20. The recommendation will be written on page 2 of the new I-20.
- The FGCU Global Engagement Office staff will notify you when your new I-20 is available.
- Bring your FGCU ID front desk to pick up your new I-20.
- Sign your name on the I-20 immediately.
- Send your request to USCIS. Refer to Submitting Your Severe Economic Hardship Request Application to USCIS below.
Submitting Your Severe Economic Hardship Application to USCIS
Once you have requested a Severe Economic Hardship Employment recommendation and received your new I-20 from the FGCU Global Engagement Office, you will need to prepare and submit the following list of items to USCIS:
- A copy of the new I-20 with employment recommendation
- Copies of your previous I-20(s)
- Copy of paper or print-out of electronic Form I-94
- Copy of your passport page showing your biographical information and the expiration date
- Copy of your F-1 visa page (except Canadians) or I-797 (approval of change of status to F-1), if applicable
- Form I-765 and the base fee
- Two full-face passport style photos. The photos must be identical and in color with a plain background. They must be no more than 30 days old when the I-765 is filed to USCIS. Photos can be obtained at the FGCU Passport Services Photo Booth. Put photos in an envelope. You should attach the fee and the photo envelope on top of the entire application (on the upper left-hand corner). Please do not staple the fee and the photos.
- The personal statement along with any other supporting documents, if available.
Mailing to USCIS
USCIS Chicago Lockbox
U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS
PO Box 805373
Chicago, IL 60680
FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: I-765 C03
131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60603-5517
Employment Authorization Card (EAD)
If the application is approved, USCIS will issue an EAD (Employment Authorization Document) to you. If the application is denied, you will be notified by USCIS in writing.
You may not begin employment until you have received the EAD and the dates are valid. Authorization is granted in one-year intervals up to the expected date of completion of studies. You may work part time while school is in session and full time during official university holidays.
Social Security & Tax Information
-
Steps for obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN) for Employment:
Toggle More Info -
Items you will need to take to your Social Security Appointment
Toggle More Info -
Social Security Administration Office and Directions
Toggle More Info -
Other Helpful Social Security Resources
Toggle More Info
