Employment Information
F-1 students are able to work on campus and off campus in certain situations.
Most visas which allow for study in the U.S. also allow for some work authorization.
For F-1 visa holders, the intent is to study and there are work restrictions.
If you have a visa other than F-1, please speak with your immigration lawyer, program director, or the International Student and Scholar Services Office.
Learn more about rules for employment in the U.S.
To work on-campus, an F-1 student is follow these rules:
- You must maintain valid F-1 status
- You can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session
- You can work full-time during holidays and vacation periods if you are registered for the next academic semester. This is a WSU policy.
If you are transferring to another school, you are no longer able to work on campus on the day that your SEVIS record is transferred to the new school
Under certain conditions, you may be able to work off-campus to gain practical training experience or due to economic need.
You may not begin the employment unless you have received official authorization from ISSS or the U.S. government.
Practical training is work permission to obtain on-the-job training in the student’s field of study. This work experience supplements and complements the academic program.
Learn more about off-campus employment options:
How to Find a Job or Internship
ISSS provides workshops on CPT and OPT employment in fall and spring semesters. Watch for events on the WSU ISSS Facebook with more details.
Use Handshake to look for on-campus jobs and off-campus internships. WSU Career Services can help you write a resume, prepare for an interview and get other job search support.
Other Employment Authorizations
Severe Economic Hardship
If severe economic hardship circumstances happen, you may apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for authorization to work off-campus. F-1 students are only allowed to work off campus when pre-approved by USCIS.
Please talk to International Student and Scholar Services before submitting an application.
Student Special Relief
In emergency situations, the Department of Homeland Security will issue an announcement for citizens from a specific country to be authorized for additional work authorization, called Student Special Relief (SSR).
An application through USCIS is required for off-campus work in these situations. If your home country has an SSR, please connect with International Student and Scholar Services to review your options.
Forms
Forms can be completed online or submitted to the My Warrior Life portal.
Please make sure to complete all required boxes on each form submitted.
- Curricular Practical Training (PDF) — Request permission to participate in off-campus internships as part of a degree program
- OPT Request Form (PDF) — Apply for Optional Practical Training (PDF)
- OPT Reporting Form (PDF) — Report any updates or changes to OPT employment status
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