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Working in the United States

A Summary of Visas and Employment Eligibility

Employment Information for Students with F-1 Visas

F-1 students may only work in the United States under certain conditions. The Office of International Student Services must authorize all off-campus employment. Do not apply for off-campus employment without contacting International Student Services. All on-campus and off-campus employment requires a social security number.

On-campus employment
An F-1 student may accept employment at the institution he/she is authorized to attend. Students must be enrolled full time and may begin work immediately without approval from Immigration. On-campus employment means work performed on the school’s premises or work at an off-campus location which is educationally affiliated with the school.

On-campus work is limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session and may be full time during vacation periods for students who intend to register for the subsequent academic term. On-campus employment is not permitted after completion of a course of study.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Students may work off campus in conjunction with academic coursework, such as a co-op, internship, or fieldwork course which is related to the student's program of study. While this course does not have to be required for graduation, the credits from the course must be applicable towards graduation. Status as a student for one academic year is required to qualify for Curricular Practical Training. A specific job offer is also required. Employment may be part time (less than 20 hrs per week) or full time; however, more than six months of full-time CPT will be applied against the one year of Optional Practical Training available to students when they complete their studies.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Students may engage in off-campus employment through Optional Practical Training for one year, full-time, after completion of studies in a job related to their major. Full- or part-time employment is also possible during the program of study; however, this time will be counted against OPT after completion of the academic program. No specific job offer is required for OPT. In most cases, OPT is only available once during a student's academic career. A work permit (EAD) issued by INS is required for OPT.

Employment authorized because of severe economic hardship
F-1 students who have an unexpected loss of funding may apply for off-campus temporary work authorization. This can be part-time during the school year and full time during the summer. A student must have had F-1 status for one year to qualify. Strong documentation of the circumstances is required. A work permit (EAD) issued by USCIS is required for employment due to severe economic hardship.

The employment authorization is only valid if the student continues to maintain full time status at the institution which has recommended the authorization; if the student leaves the school or transfers, the authorization is voided.

Employment sponsored by international organizations
F-1 students can request permission to work at international organizations such as the World Bank, the United Nations, or the International Monetary Fund.

International Visitors and US Taxes
IRS Publication 519 "US Tax Guide for Aliens provides details of tax requirements for International Students and other non-US residents. International Students and Scholars are, in most cases, exempt from Social Security and Medicare taxes. See page 45 " Nonresident Alien Students" for specific information about this exemption.

The University of Colorado has a very good handbook on tax issues for International Students and Scholars. Click here to view it.

If you have been employed and these taxes were withheld, you should bring it to the attention of the Office of International Student Services and the Payroll Office.

If your employer has incorrectly withheld Social Security and Medicare taxes and will not refund them, you can apply for a refund yourself .

Form 843

Instructions for Form 843

Form 8316

Procedure ( what documents to send)

Sample cover letter

Please address any questions regarding employment and taxes to the Office of International Student Services.