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Off Campus Work For F1 Students

Information about Off Campus Work For F1 Students

Any student entering the U.S on an F-1 visa is allowed to opt for off campus work if he or she faces financial difficulties. However, the most important point is that the student will be allowed to work only if these financial difficulties were unforeseen at the time of enrollment in the academic program. It is the department of Homeland Security, or DHS, that gives permission for off campus work for F-1 status. The duration of off-campus work is 20 hours per week, during normal study. The student can also work during holidays and vacations. To obtain permission, the student should be enrolled for at least a one year full time course.

Steps To Obtain Off Campus Work

The student should follow step by step guidelines in order to obtain permission for off campus work for F-1 status and try to maintain good academic records throughout the year. He or she should also inform the concerned authorities, in writing, that there is a need to work due to unexpected financial problems. It is the DHS, which will issue the F-1 holder the authorization for employment. In fact, this card is called EAD. Before that the ISSO should send a letter of recommendation about the student to DHS. The student can start working after obtaining these permissions.

Important Documents Needed for Off Campus Employment

The student has to submit certain documents to the ISSO, in order to receive permission for off campus work for F-1 status. In addition, the student should submit a completed work sheet for the financial year. The F-1 holder should also submit a letter explaining the reasons of the unforeseen financial difficulties. The student should also explain why their parents or sponsors cannot cover the financial expenses. Student is also expected to submit documents like medical bills and other bills explaining the financial problems. After reviewing the student’s documentation, the ISSO, will update the information with the SEVIS record and then issue a recommendation for employment and a form I-765.

The Final Steps for Employment

The student has to submit the completed I-765 and an amount of $340 as fee. The fee should be in the form of a check or money order, which is payable to the U.S immigration services. For this purpose, students should update their address. Two recent photos as well as copies of recently issued I-20s are required. The DHS will send a receipt for the I-797 with the candidate’s application number. Once the application is approved, an EAD card will be sent to the student. This is the official permission for off campus work for F-1 status.

Any student should opt for off campus work for F-1 status only after reviewing the possibilities of other options like scholarships, grants, awards and other gift or merit awards. The concerned authorities, like DHS, will give a green light only after a scrutiny of the documents submitted by the student. A student can also undergo 2 types of training like OPT and CPT. OPT means optional practical training and CPT means current practical training. While undergoing these training/work programs, students will be able to get experience in the concerned field. This will help them gain temporary jobs as off campus employees.