Yes, an F-1 student may accept employment at the institution they are authorized to attend without prior approval from DHS, provided the student is enrolled in a full course of study. Students should consult with the International Students and Scholars Office by calling (858) 635-4564 for any on-campus employment questions.
No USCIS approval is required for on-campus employment if the F-1 student is pursuing a full course of study.
On-campus employment is defined as employment on the school’s premises, but it can be with an on-location commercial firm providing on-campus services for the school’s students. On-campus employment at the graduate level can also be at an off-campus location educationally affiliated with the school.
Employment is limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session; full-time employment is permitted during official school breaks (i.e., when school is not in session) and during the student’s annual vacation.
The student must be pursuing a full course of study, or, if employed during annual vacation, intend to register for the next academic term at the school.
Employment may begin no sooner than 30 days prior to the start of classes for new students with initial entry to a new program.
Transfer student employment can only occur at the school responsible for the student’s SEVIS record. However, before the release date, he/she can only work at the transfer-out school; after the release date, he/she can only work at the transfer-in school.
Authorization for employment is based on the end date on Form I-20 unless the student completes or terminates his/her program before that date or transfers to another school.
Mexican and Canadian part-time border commuter students are not permitted to work on-campus. Regular F-1 Mexican and Canadian students are eligible for on-campus employment like any other F-1 student.