Students/Exchange Visitors

Off-Campus Employment for F-1 Students: Guidance for Designated School Officials

Work Hours And Period Of Work Authorization

3.1. Can F 1 students begin off-campus employment while their employment authorization application is pending?

3.2. How many hours can F 1 students work with authorization for off-campus employment?

3.3. Are there exceptions to the limit of 20 hours a week for on-campus employment?

3.4. How long is the authorization for off-campus employment valid?

3.5. If F 1 students have been working off-campus and their current work authorization has expired, can they continue working while the new employment authorization application is pending?

3.6. Will off-campus work authorization continue if F 1 students have a pending application for change of status?

3.7. Can permission for off-campus employment be terminated?

3.8. Can an F 1 student at my school who applied for a transfer continue to work off-campus?

3.9. Can students transferring in to my school with approval for off-campus employment continue working off-campus?

3.10. If F 1 students travel outside the United States, can they resume off-campus employment when they return?

3.11. What do I do if the student works more hours than authorized or works past the date their authorization ends?

3.12. Can a student who has graduated and has an unexpired EAD continue to work off-campus?



---

3.1. Can F 1 students begin off-campus employment while their employment authorization application is pending?

No.

3.2. How many hours can F 1 students work with authorization for off-campus employment?

F 1 students may work 20 hours a week or less while school is in session. They may work full-time during those periods when school is not in session or during the student’s annual break.

3.3. Are there exceptions to the limit of 20 hours a week for on-campus employment?

Rarely. If there are emergent circumstances, the Secretary of DHS may lift the limits by publishing a notice in the Federal Register.

3.4. How long is the authorization for off-campus employment valid?

One year. For more information, see the question on What are the guidelines for off-campus employment?

3.5. If F 1 students have been working off-campus and their current work authorization has expired, can they continue working while the new employment authorization application is pending?

No. F 1 students should apply to USCIS to renew their EAD at least ninety days – and not more than six months -- before their current EAD expires.

If USCIS does not approve or deny the employment authorization application within 90 days, the F 1 students may apply for interim employment authorization.

See the USCIS website for more information.

3.6. Will off-campus work authorization continue if F 1 students have a pending application for change of status?

Yes, as long as the EAD has not expired and the student otherwise maintains F 1 status.

3.7. Can permission for off-campus employment be terminated?

Yes. F 1 students must maintain status and be in good academic standing. Employment authorization automatically ends if they do not maintain status. One example of a violation of status is working more hours than authorized.

3.8. Can an F 1 student at my school who applied for a transfer continue to work off-campus?

Yes, if the student’s EAD has not expired, the student may work up to the transfer release date, but not after. If the student needs to continue working off-campus, he or she must apply at the new school.

3.9. Can students transferring in to my school with approval for off-campus employment continue working off-campus?

Not on the current EAD. You will need to review the students’ circumstances and make new recommendations, if warranted. The students will have to file new Forms I-765 with supporting documents and fees, but do not have to wait a year before reapplying.

3.10. If F 1 students travel outside the United States, can they resume off-campus employment when they return?

Yes, if their EAD has not expired and they are still attending your school.

3.11. What do I do if the student works more hours than authorized or works past the date their authorization ends?

Working more hours than authorized or beyond the dates authorized must be reported in SEVIS. The student’s record in SEVIS must be terminated for Unauthorized Employment.

Therefore, we recommend that you stay in touch with the student and emphasize the need to carefully follow the guidelines for off-campus employment.

3.12. Can a student who has graduated and has an unexpired EAD continue to work off-campus?

No, the EAD for off-campus employment cannot be used after graduation. However, the student may be eligible to apply for post-completion OPT.