F Visa

Employment Permission

The following information provides an introduction to how employment is defined by the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS). Click the links in the box below for information on F-1 employment authorization options.

Employment Options
On-Campus Employment	Optional Practical Training (OPT)	Post-Completion OPT Rules and Responsibilities
Off-Campus Employment	OPT Application Kit	OPT Extension For H-1B Cap Gap
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)	What to Bring to OPT Appointment	STEM OPT Extension Rules and Requirements
		OPT Video

Definition of Employment
Employment is defined as any type of work performed or services provided in exchange for money, tuition, fees, books, supplies, room, food, or any other compensation.

Employment Eligibility Verification
Within the first three days of beginning work, the employee and employer must complete a form entitled Employment Eligibility Verification (USCIS Form I-9), which will be kept by the employer. To complete the Form I-9, students may need to show their passports, visa documents or other documents proving that they are authorized to be employed in the United States. The Form I-9 must be updated each time the work permission is renewed or there is a change of employer. Anyone earning income in the United States is required to have a U.S. Social Security Number.

Notes of Caution
One should not assume that students are automatically eligible to work in the United States. USCIS considers unauthorized employment to be the most serious violation of F-1 status. Students should consult with their advisors in the HIO before accepting any employment. The HIO can help with matters pertaining to applications for employment authorization.