International Students

Currently, U.S. immigration laws allow international students to be employed in the country during and after a course of study, but there are restrictions. If you want to work in the U.S. you must plan ahead and familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations that accompany the immigration laws. Regulations change constantly, so you must be aware that even if you are offered an employment opportunity, you may not be legally able to accept it. Take time to look through the provided resources in order to understand your position as an international student.

Employment Authorization & Resources

International students need to check with Global Education Office (GEO) to learn about your employment qualifications and options based on your Visa.


-* International students can work ON-CAMPUS for up to 20 hours per week during a regular semester without special authorization and up to 40 hours per week during a break (no-classes taken) without special authorization. Any OFF-CAMPUS employments must be authorized by the Global Education Office PRIOR to your employment.

Unpaid Internships and Volunteer Positions

Students may work as volunteers or unpaid interns without additional authorization. This practice does not violate U.S. labor law. Refusing or delaying payment to make a position "unpaid" is considered a violation of your F-1 or J-1 student status.

It is recommended that you keep thorough documentation, such as a copy of the original position posting and/or a letter from the organization, showing that the position is a true unpaid internship or volunteer opportunity. If you are not sure whether a position qualifies, contact your international student advisor.

Frequently Asked Questions

This guide has some common questions that can arise for international students.