Employment for F-1 Students

F-1 Visa students enrolled full-time are permitted to work on-campus up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and up to 40 hours per week during vacation periods.  NOTE:  First year J.D. students are limited to 5 hours per week.
Permission from the BCIS is not needed for on-campus employment.

F-1 students are also permitted to work off campus if, after one year of study, they have a severe economic need.  Permission is required from BCIS.

OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT)
F-1 students may be eligible to engage in practical training related to their field of study at various times during or after their studies at CWSL.  In order to be eligible for OPT, you must be enrolled and in good status for at least one academic year prior to applying.

EMPLOYMENT OF DEPENDENTS
F-2 dependents may not be employed under any circumstances.

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS
A Social Security number is required of everyone who works in the U.S., and is also used as identification for other purposes, such as obtaining a driver's license.  If you plan to engage in lawful employment, go to the nearest Social Security Office to apply for a card.  Take your passport, Form I-20, I-94 card and proof of employment authorization or proof of an on-campus job offer with you.