How to Work LEGALLY as an F-1 Student!!

     The U.S. Government takes working illegally very seriously. If you as a student are caught working here illegally, you will face jail time and have to immediately leave the U.S. In some cases you will be able to return, however, repeat offenders and large profile cases will definitely be banned from the U.S. 

    Last week, a local ESL institute here in Georgia was shut down by ICE. Several students who were found either working or having their own businesses were arrested and now face deportation and possible fines.  

    As stricter immigration reform starts to take places across the United States, DHS, SEVP and ICE are tightening down on all ESL Institutes and investigations are ongoing. 

"How can I work if I have an F (student) Visa #mr.ford?"

    You're not supposed to.  But, if you must; there are two ways in which students on F-1 Visas can legally work here in the U.S. The first is applying for an on-campus job. However, there are some limitations here. You can only work a maximum of 20 hours a week and must remain in Active status. Once you've started working, you will get letter from your from your employer and an approval letter from your school's Designated School Officer or DSO. Use both letters to get yourself a social security number. With a social security number you can get a bank account and be eligible for other benefits that come with having a social security number.  On-Campus jobs work better in major colleges and universities better than small private schools and institutes where the need for on-campus jobs is significantly less.

    The second option is to apply for off-campus employment a year after you start studying in the U.S. A special authorization from United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) must be given to you in order to work. You must be recommended by your DSO and file a form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization.  After USCIS approves your application (8-10 week wait), you will receive a form I-766, Employment Authorization Document (EAD). You may not work unit you receive your EAD. Just as with the first option above, you are limited to only 20 hours a week for work.

    As a reminder, if you are here to study English as an F1 Visa student, work is not your priority here in the U.S. However, the U.S. government does realize that students need income to support them while they are in school.  Students are also eligible for government benefits if they qualify.

   For more go to: www.http://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/resources/working

 Best,

#mr.ford