F-1 Students are able to work in the United States under a few limited circumstances:
On campus for ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ (no approval needed)
On campus for ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ through an internship experience (CPT) (approved by a DSO)
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) (approved by a DSO)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) (approved by USCIS)
It is your responsibility to make sure that any employment you engage in is authorized; if you engage in unauthorized employment, you could be considered in unlawful status, which could lead to the termination of your visa and a requirement to immediately leave the U.S. A termination of visa could impede your ability to be approved for any immigration status in the future.
Definition of Employment
Employment is any type of work performed for services provided in exchange for money, tuition, fees, books, supplies, room, food or any other benefit. If you receive no pay or other benefit for the work performed, this activity could be considered volunteer work or an unpaid internship; however, there are still specific requirements for such experiences, and so it is best to discuss them with a DSO even before engaging in these types of opportunities.
Contact a DSO
The best way to make sure that you are authorized to engage in a certain kind of work, including unpaid or 'volunteer' work, is by discussing the opportunity with a DSO in the Intercultural Office.
Please note: F-1 Students are limited to working a maximum of 20 hours per week while classes are in session.
On-Campus Employment
International students are eligible for on-campus employment.