When you apply for an F-1 visa, you must prove that you have full financial support. The law assumes that you will not be employed in the U.S. and therefore will not accept employment that could be filled by a U.S. worker or student. There are some exceptions to this policy provided that full-time enrollment during the year is maintained and the appropriate permission is obtained, but you should always check with a DSO before accepting employment, especially if it is off campus. Some types of acceptable employment are given below:

On-Campus Employment: If you are maintaining your student status, you may take a part-time job (20 hours or less per week) on campus as long as it does not interfere with maintaining full-time enrollment. If you do not have a U.S. social security card, you will need to request one. Contact the Student Development Office for assistance. F-1 students do not need work permission from the INS to work on campus or to receive a graduate assistantship, but the Student Development Office must certify work eligibility. 

Off-Campus Employment (for Economic Necessity): International students may qualify for off-campus economic necessity employment only with the express authorization of INS. Authorization is very difficult to obtain and will be granted only under the following conditions:

· Unforeseen changes in financial conditions occur after beginning the program of study, which are beyond the student’s control and make employment necessary for the student's support.

· Acceptance of employment will not interfere with the student’s ability to maintain a full course of study.

· Employment will not exceed 20 hours per week while school is in session.

In order to apply for such permission, the student must be in good academic standing and carrying the required full course of study. F-1 students who have been in the U.S. for less than one academic year are prohibited from working off campus. See a DSO for further details.

Practical Training: The information on Practical Training is complicated and subject to change at any time. Please check with a DSO for any updated regulations and additional information. In order to qualify for practical training the following criteria must be met:
· A student must have been in F-1 status for at least nine months before any practical training may be authorized.

· A student must be registered full-time in the preceding semesters and must be IN-STATUS with INS.

· The practical training employment is authorized only in the student's field of major study.

Curricular Practical Training: If you register for a paid internship off campus, there are, as with any off-campus employment, INS procedures to follow. Contact the Student Development Office for assistance. Unpaid internships do not require INS paperwork.