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International Student Work Authorization

Work Authorization

F-1 Student Employment and Work Options

F-1 Students are allowed to work in the U.S. however there are many restrictions on what kind of employment and how much employment is allowed. Remember an F-1 visa is a student visa not a work visa. Please find a list below of acceptable employment options as well as processes to apply for employment authorization.

On Campus Employment

F-1 Students can work no more than 20 hours per week on-campus during the Fall and Spring semester. Legally, students can work on-campus more during the Spring Break, Winter Break and Summer Break. UIW limits all student employment to 20 hours a week, however some departments may allow more during the summer term.

Note: It is your legal responsibility to monitor your hours and not exceed 20 hours a week for the Fall and Spring term. Be sure to explain these restrictions to your supervisor and abide by the restrictions.

To Apply for an On Campus Job

  • Find an open on-campus position by visiting https://jobs.uiw.edu/ (search "Student" position type only) or ask professors and campus offices if they have any openings.
  • Apply for the job - Most applicants will need to provide a Resume/CV, Cover Letter and a list of references. Find out how to create a Resume and Cover Letter from the UIW Career Services office. Career Services provides career counseling and education to all students and alumni in all UIW programs. They help with individual career counseling, personality and career assessment, resume and cover letter review, career related workshops, and software resources. In addition, they host on-campus employer events each semester.
  • Social Security - You do not need any special permission from the ISSS office to work on campus. However if it your first time working in the U.S. you may need a Social Security Number. Learn how to apply for an SSN

Off Campus Employment Options

Curricular Practical Training/CPT - Internships

Under U.S. immigration regulation, international students are generally restricted from off-campus work (paid or unpaid). However an international student may be academically required to participate in an internship or temporary employment to gain practical experience in their field of study. In order to participate in these activities, the student must meet with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) prior to enrolling in an internship course or a course with an internship component and agree to the CPT Policy and work with your advisor complete the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) application.

Optional Practical Training/OPT

Schedule an Appointment with an ISSS Advisor to discuss your OPT eligibility and the application process.

Economic Hardship, Emergency Relief or Temporary Protected Status

Schedule an Appointment with an ISSS Advisor to discuss Economic Hardship eligibility and the application process.

Employment with an International Organization

As an F-1 student, you may work for a qualified international organization, as defined by the International Organization Immunities Act of December 29, 1945. If you have an offer from an employer on the List of International Organizations you may be eligible to Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS.

Schedule an Appointment with an ISSS Advisor to discuss your eligibility and the application process.