Are you a foreign student eagerly anticipating the approval of your F-1 visa so that you can start your studies in the United States? Although it can be anxious, there is good news: you can work on campus while your visa application is being processed. To make sure you're following the law, there are several specific rules and requirements you should be aware of. We'll outline the most important information about on-campus employment for F-1 visa holders in this blog.
1. Eligibility Is Important:
As a holder of an F-1 visa, you must fit the following requirements to work on campus:
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Right now, you have an F-1 student visa.
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You are a full-time student at a school recognized by the Student and Exchange Visitor Programme (SEVP).
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Your school's Designated School Official (DSO) has given you a Form I-20.
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You haven't gone over the number of hours that are permitted for on-campus employment.
2. Limits on On-Campus Employment:
In general, F-1 visa holders are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the academic year (while classes are in session) and full-time during recognized vacations from school, such as the summer and winter holidays.
3. Appointment Permitted:
The good news is that since on-campus employment is regarded as authorized employment, you are exempt from the USCIS's (USCIS) requirement that you get special work authorization.
4. Upkeep of Your Status:
Maintaining your F-1 status is essential as you wait for your F-1 visa to be approved. This entails being present for class, adhering to any reporting guidelines established by your school's DSO, and upholding the conditions of any on-campus employment you may have.
5. Employment Commencement Date:
Even if your F-1 visa is still pending, you are still eligible to begin on-campus employment as soon as you obtain your Form I-20 from your institution. Your job start date, however, must occur no later than 30 days after the program start date indicated on your I-20.
6. Documentation prerequisites:
If your employer needs your Social Security Number (SSN) for payroll purposes when you start working on campus, be sure to give it to them. Although you should apply for an SSN as soon as possible if you don't already have one, you can still begin working.
7. Let Your DSO Know:
You must notify the Designated School Official (DSO) of your school that you have begun on-campus employment. To ensure compliance with SEVIS laws, your DSO needs to be informed of your employment.
8. Travel and F-1 Visa Approval:
Once your F-1 visa has been granted, you are free to leave the country and return to the country with the F-1 visa to continue your studies and work.
Before beginning any employment on campus, keep in mind how important it is to speak with your school's DSO. While you wait for your F-1 visa to be accepted, they can offer advice that is particular to the policies of your institution and make sure you are following the right steps.
In conclusion, working on campus while your F-1 visa application is being processed is a possible alternative for helping to pay for your studies and living expenses while in the United States. Making the most of your on-campus employment experience while you wait is possible if you follow the rules and regulations mentioned above and stay in touch with your DSO.
