Published: November 10, 2021
Even with scholarships and sustenance programs, living as a student in the United States is expensive. Especially for those in university, many international students opt to work part-time to fill in their needs. However, student visas can have work restrictions on them. Are there ways to resolve this issue?
The short answer is YES. However, international students must comply with specific conditions to legally work while completing their education. To know more about this, please keep on reading.
Consult With your DSO
Before applying for a job, consult with your Designated School Official (DSO). They are the immediate person to provide you with a well-rounded insight into what you can and cannot do as a working international student. More so, they are most likely familiar with job opportunities that might suit your profile.
On-campus employment
A student is working on-campus when they perform job duties within school premises or on other school-affiliated locations. On-campus workers typically take a job at the university bookstore, cafeteria, or research office. For the holders of F-1 visas or academic students, they may work on-campus part-time or full-time. They may have up to twenty (20) work hours per week when school is still in session. During school break, they may work up to forty (40) hours per week.
Off-campus employment
Most of the time, DSOs discourage students from working off-campus. Aside from fearing for their safety, DSOs know that students need to comply with stringent regulations. USCIS allows F-1 visa holders to work off-campus when special situations exist, like severe economic hardship. F-1 visa holders must take note that their chosen off-campus jobs must relate to their area of study and have the authorization of their DSO before working.
Working without authorization
Unauthorized work can prevent international students from having future on-campus or off-campus job opportunities. In severe cases, it can even revoke their student visas. For a more elaborate discussion on this matter, please consult an immigration lawyer.
Being an International Student Is Challenging
ALG Lawyers feel for the struggle of international students. Aside from being far from family, some legal issues can be confusing and even daunting. For your guidance, please keep in touch with our Los Angeles immigration lawyers.
(Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers. Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from a qualified attorney based on their individual circumstances. Thank you.)