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Can International Students Work in the US?
Some international students may work in the US if their visa status authorizes it and they have been approved for employment authorization through the applicable work benefits program.
- F students must speak to their designated school official (DSO) before accepting or beginning any form of employment. The training and employment opportunities available to them will depend on the work authorization they are applying for.
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J students must speak to their responsibility officer (RO) at their sponsoring organization to ensure they follow the rules to maintain their status and determine their eligibility for work authorization (Academic Training).
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All other nonimmigrant visa (NIV) student types are responsible for knowing their work eligibility and restrictions .
IMPORTANT: While immigration regulations provide a variety of employment opportunities for students in F-1 status, working without authorization is a serious violation; F-1 students must always consult with a DSO before accepting any employment.
On-Campus Employment
F-1 students can work on-campus during their first semester if they maintain F-1 status and do not work more than 20 hours per week during school (on-campus employment includes Graduate Assistantships “GA”). J students should contact their RO, and all other NIV types are responsible for knowing their employment guidelines and visa classification restrictions.
On-campus employment is the only work benefit that new F students are eligible for during their first semester; all other work benefits cannot be applied for until after one academic year (fall and spring semesters) of full-time enrollment has been completed or after completion of the program of study (graduation).
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F students may only work full-time (21 hours or more) during holidays and vacation periods, provided they intend and are eligible to register for the next school term.
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Work performed on university grounds is considered “on-campus employment” as long as the position provides direct services to students (e.g., Dining Facility).
How to Apply
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Students seeking to apply for on-campus employment must complete the F-1 On-Campus Employment learning module via CANVAS.
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This course will explain in detail the guidelines for working on campus; students must complete and pass the required quiz with 100% (unlimited attempts).
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Students who do not complete the course first will not have their request processed.
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Next, students must submit a copy of their employment offer letter to ISS@floridapoly.edu.
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The DSO will assist you with the next steps in your process, which include applying for a Social Security Number (SSN) .
When Can I Start Working?
After being cleared by the university’s Human Resources (HR) department, all students offered on-campus employment must complete HR onboarding tasks to be cleared to begin working.
Remember: You are not authorized to begin working until you have been cleared by HR; a DSO or supervisor cannot clear you to work.
How to Find an Internship or Employment
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The best way to locate an internship is to work with Career Services at Florida Poly, which can provide guidance and resources to help students identify internship opportunities on and off campus.
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Students may find on-campus employment opportunities on the Florida Poly Human Resources website and select Student Positions.
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Students who are eligible for off-campus employment or seeking employment after graduation are responsible for their employment search but may still contact Career Development for help with post-graduation employment opportunities.
Employment vs. Internships
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Employment may be permanent, contractual, or seasonal and is an agreement between an employer and employee to provide certain services; in return, the employee is paid a salary or hourly wage. Although employees can negotiate certain items in an employment agreement, the terms and conditions are primarily determined by the employer; both parties may also terminate the agreement.
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An internship is a learning opportunity in the workplace. It is an opportunity to gain knowledge and skills through experiential learning, complementing the knowledge gained in an academic setting. Internships may be paid or unpaid.
Unpaid Internship vs. Volunteering
There is a difference between volunteering and an unpaid internship. It is important to understand that just because a position is unpaid or for a non-profit organization, it does not constitute volunteering.
Unpaid Internship
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If the activity relates to the student’s studies or intended profession, it is considered training and requires advance authorization from a DSO or USCIS (i.e., CPT or OPT).
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If you are uncertain if an internship is considered unpaid or a form of volunteering, please contact your DSO (RO for J students) to ensure you do not violate the terms of your visa.
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Unpaid internships do not typically qualify as “volunteer” work; paid and unpaid internships are primarily offered by the private sector and related to the intern’s field of study.
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Please view the US Department of Labor (DOL) guidelines for unpaid internships.
Volunteering
Volunteering refers to donating time to an organization whose primary purpose is charitable or humanitarian in nature without remuneration or any other type of compensation, and the activity is unrelated to the student’s field of study or intended profession (e.g., donating time with the American Red Cross, working in a homeless shelter).
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F students are authorized to engage in volunteer work if it meets the criterion for performing civically charitable or humanitarian work without promise, expectation, or receipt of compensation.
- F students must submit the F-1 Volunteer Verification Form to ISS along with a statement from the organization verifying the volunteer position and expectations; if the position meets the volunteerism criterion, the student will be approved to volunteer and not require CPT authorization (volunteer positions are not eligible for CPT).
- You may view the US Department of Labor (DOL) volunteer guidelines.
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Students can search for volunteer activities at serv.gov.
Off-Campus Employment
Off-campus employment is a benefit available only for F students who are:
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Experiencing an economic hardship.
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Seeking special student relief due to emergent circumstances.
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Participating in an internship with an international organization.
A DSO must verify that the student qualifies for off-campus employment by entering the employment information in SEVIS.
- The student must then file a Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
International Organization (IO) Internship
An IO employment authorization is a benefit for F students who have been offered an internship with a recognized international organization.
IO Criteria
To qualify for International Organization employment authorization, you must meet the following criteria:
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You must have a written offer for an internship position offered by and within the scope of a recognized international organization as per 59 Stat. 669, International Organization Immunities Act.
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You must be a full-time student in a degree program.
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The position does not have to be related to your field of study, but the authorization cannot extend beyond the end of the student’s academic program.
This type of employment authorization does not impact your eligibility for participation in other types of employment related to F visa status. However, during the period of employment, you must otherwise continue to maintain your F-1 status, including continuing to pursue a full course of study.
How to Apply
Applying for IO employment authorization is a two-step process. Please view the International Organization (IO) Internship Guide on how to apply.
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First, you must obtain a DSO recommendation and be issued a new I-20.
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Next, you must apply with USCIS by filing Form I-765 for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
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Students must present a letter of certification from the international organization on official letterhead that indicates employment is within the scope of the organization’s sponsorship.
Severe Economic Hardship
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) defines “severe economic hardship” as a financial condition caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond the student’s control that make it difficult for a student to continue education in the United States.
These financial conditions may include:
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Loss of financial aid or on-campus employment through no fault of the student.
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Substantial changes in the exchange rate or value of the currency the student depends on.
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Inordinate increases in tuition or living costs.
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Unexpected changes in the financial state of the student’s source of support.
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Medical bills.
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Other substantial and unexpected expenses.
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 by completing the F-1 Economic Hardship Guide for DSO recommendation, then filing the online Form I-765 and paying the required fee to USCIS for approval.
Special Student Relief (SSR)
Special Student Relief (SSR) is the suspension of certain regulatory requirements for F-1 students due to emergent circumstances as determined by the Secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by means of a notice in the Federal Register. SSR suspends restrictions related to on- and off-campus employment and alters the full course of study requirements for eligible F-1 students.
What Circumstances Constitute SSR?
SSR applies when emergent circumstances occur. Emergent circumstances are world events that affect F-1 students from a particular region and create significant financial hardships, such as but not limited to:
What are the Criteria for SSR?
DHS issues a Federal Register (FR) notice when the secretary declares that an event constitutes emergent circumstances. You are eligible if:
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You are a citizen of a country specified in the FR notice.
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You have lawfully resided in the US for the dates indicated in the FR notice.
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You have reported on time to your DSO and have been enrolled in a SEVP-certified school since the event.
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You are currently maintaining your F-1 status.
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You are experiencing severe economic hardship.
Your DSO must certify in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) that you meet all the above requirements to qualify for SSR. You must first file Form I-765, “Application for Employment Authorization,” with USCIS and receive authorization before beginning off-campus employment.
Please note that SSR and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) are different. When applicable, TPS may be offered to various visa classifications, including F-1 students. However, when applicable, SSR is offered only to eligible F-1 students.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
TPS is a temporary immigration status provided to nationals of certain countries experiencing problems that make it difficult or unsafe for their nationals to be deported there. Individuals eligible for TPS must register by submitting an application to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), an agency of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). If a person demonstrates eligibility and USCIS grants TPS, that person receives temporary protection from deportation and temporary authorization to work in the US.
- Please view the eligibility requirements here.
F-1 students may hold TPS status simultaneously or solely; however, once TPS ends, if they are not in F-1 status, they will need to change to an eligible status to remain in the US or may be required to return to their home country. Students who are citizens of an eligible TPS country and are interested in applying are recommended to contact an immigration attorney or professional who can assist them with this process.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT is an alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or another type of required practicum that a sponsoring employer offers through cooperative agreements with a college or university; it must be integral to the degree program of study and an established curriculum within a school, F student must be in good academic standing, maintaining status, and meet all criteria to be considered for approval.
- F students can apply for CPT after one academic year (fall and spring) and must meet pre/co-requisites for the required internship course.
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Undergraduates: Must use CPT to be eligible to secure an off-campus internship to satisfy their program requirement for the IDS 4941 Professional Experience Internship course and complete the required Undergraduate CPT learning module via CANVAS.
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Graduates: CPT may be used to be eligible for an off-campus internship. They must enroll in the EGN 5911 Research course and complete the required Graduate CPT learning module via CANVAS.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT is a work authorization that allows F students to gain work experience directly related to their major field of study and can be used either before (pre-completion) or after (post-completion) degree completion. Students must complete the OPT learning module via CANVAS to apply for OPT.
Students must request a DSO recommendation, file the I-765 online application, and pay the required fee to USCIS for approval.
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A job offer is not required to apply for OPT; however, students must find employment within 90 days of being approved for OPT to maintain legal F-1 status.
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Employment must be directly related to the earned degree program of study
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Students cannot begin their employment until they have received their approved EAD card
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Students who use 12 months of OPT (pre or post) are not eligible for another 12 months of OPT unless they move to a higher degree level (e.g., Bachelor’s to Master’s, Master’s to Ph.D.)
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Students who use full-time CPT for one year or more are ineligible to use OPT (pre or post) - use of part-time CPT does not affect eligibility for OPT
- There are two forms of OPT, pre-completion OPT (pre-OPT) and the most commonly utilized, post-complete OPT (post-OPT):
- See OPT FAQs for more employment information
STEM OPT Extension
A 24-month work authorization extension that must be directly related to their STEM degree; eligible F students with STEM degrees who finish their program of study and participate in an initial period of regular post-completion OPT (often for 12 months) have the option to apply for this STEM OPT extension by completing the STEM OPT Onboarding.
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Students may not apply for STEM OPT extensions during the 60-day grace period following an initial period of regular post-completion OPT.
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STEM OPT requires a student to have a USCIS E-Verify employer that can provide the student with formal training and learning objectives.
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Students may work a minimum of 20 hours or more.
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Students may not be self-employed; they must be a bonafide employee.
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STEM OPT has reporting requirements that include an annual self-evaluation.
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