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This page provides an introduction to employment issues and options for international students in F-1 status at the University of Pennsylvania.

The most important employment issue to consider is legal (or "authorized") versus illegal (or "unauthorized") employment. Make sure that any employment you plan to engage in is legal, since illegal employment poses a grave threat to your ability to remain in or return to the United States. Also make sure you have the necessary employment authorization before you begin work. Starting work without prior authorization, even if you receive authorization later, constitutes illegal employment. Again, be aware that illegal, or unauthorized, employment renders you illegally present in the US and can have serious consequences. If you have any questions concerning your eligibility or category of employment, please consult with ISSS before commencing employment.

Definition of Employment

Employment is any type of work performed or services provided in exchange for money, tuition, fees, books, supplies, room, food or any other benefit. If you receive no pay or other benefit for the work performed and the position is normally an unpaid position, this activity is considered to be volunteer work.

Eligibility Requirements

Different requirements exist for each type of F-1 employment, but there are basic requirements which must be met for any F-1 employment:

• You must currently be in valid F-1 status and in good academic standing at the University of Pennsylvania while engaged in a full course of study, except during summer and school holidays.
• A student who is out of status is not eligible for F-1 benefits, including employment.
• Once employment is authorized, you must maintain your eligibility or you will lose your right to continue employment.

Categories of F-1 Student Employment

On-Campus Employment

F-1 students are generally permitted to work on the premises of the school that issued their currently valid I-20, while attending that school and maintaining their F-1 status. This work is part-time, limited to 20 hours per week when school is in session or full-time during holiday and vacation periods. Work on-campus is a benefit of F-1 visa status and no additional authorization is necessary. Work on Penn's campus is permissible if it meets certain requirements. Please see the types below as defined by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):

Type 1: Employment by the University of Pennsylvania

This refers to any on-campus work for which you receive a paycheck (or other compensation, i.e. room and board) from the University of Pennsylvania or the University of Pennsylvania Health System.

Type 2: Other Employment on Penn's Premises

This includes work on Penn's campus for an outside contractor if this work provides direct services to students. Please check with ISSS if you plan to work for an on-campus contractor.

Type 3: Certain off-campus employment where there is an official educational relationship between Penn and the off-campus employer

USCIS regulations allow work at an off-campus location provided:

1. the location is educationally affiliated with Penn
2. the educational affiliation is associated with your school's established curriculum or is related to a graduate level research project which your school has contracted to perform
3. the work is an integral or important part of your program of study

Clear documentation about the relationship between Penn and the employer is required. Please consult with an ISSS advisor.

If you are uncertain whether any proposed employment would qualify as "on-campus" employment as described above, please consult with an ISSS advisor.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

An F-1 students may be eligible for CPT authorization for work experience that is a required or an integral component of the program of study. These experiences may include internships, student teaching, cooperative education programs and practical experiences which are a required part of the student's academic program, or for which academic credit is granted. Students authorized for CPT will receive a new SEVIS I-20 with the CPT notation. For more information on eligibility for CPT and application procedures, please see F-1 Curricular Practical Training.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

F-1 students are eligible for a total of twelve months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) per educational level. OPT provides an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge obtained in an academic program to a practical work experience in the US. This employment opportunity must be directly related to your major field of study. Eligible students may apply for "pre-completion OPT" (before completion of program) and/or "post-completion OPT" (after completion of program). Students do not need a job offer in order to apply for OPT. OPT requires the student to have authorization from USCIS before you can beginning employment. This authorization can take up to 3 months to obtain. Students recommended for OPT will receive a new SEVIS I-20 with an OPT recommendation notation. For additional information, please see F-1 Optional Practical Training.

Internship with an International Organization

If an F-1 student is offered employment in the form of an internship by a recognized international organization, he or she may accept such employment upon receipt of authorization from USCIS. Examples of recognized international organizations include the United Nations, the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, etc. For more information consult with an ISSS advisor.

Economic Hardship

F-1 students who experience a serious economic hardship due to an unforeseen change in their financial situation may qualify for off-campus employment authorization. Among the changes that may qualify a student for economic hardship authorization are unexpected loss of a scholarship, significant currency devaluation or large business loss by a financial sponsor. Students must be able to document the change in their financial situation and prove that employment is necessary due to severe economic hardship caused by circumstances beyond their control. For more information, see F-1 Economic Hardship and meet with an ISSS advisor.

Social Security Number

In order to work in the US, you will need a valid Social Security Number (SSN). Your Penn ID number is not a valid Social Security number. Students may apply for an SSN only after they have been offered a job or upon receipt of work authorization. The Social Security Administration will process your application and a number will be sent to you. For more information, see F-1 Student Social Security Application (PDF).

Taxes

In general, F-1 students who have been in the US for no more than five calendar years are exempt from Social Security (also known as FICA) and Medicare taxes. You should be sure to bring this to the attention of your employer because many employers are not familiar with this provision of the tax laws. If you need more information about the F-1 Social Security and Medicare tax exemption, please see Social Security (FICA) Tax Prevention and Recovery (PDF). Students in F-1 status are subject to all other taxes that may apply: federal, state and local.

Employment Eligibility Verification

Within the first three days of beginning work, you and your employer must complete a form entitled Employment Eligibility Verification (USCIS Form I-9). This form should be provided by your employer and must be updated each time you receive a renewal of your work permission.