On-Campus Employment for F-1 Students: Guidance for Designated School Officials

Return to Employment FAQ Page

Work Hours

3.1. How many hours can F 1 students work?

3.2. Are there exceptions to the limit of 20 hours a week for on-campus employment?

3.3. 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i)(H) states that “on-campus employment pursuant to the terms of a scholarship, fellowship or assistantship is deemed to be part of the academic program of a full-time student,” so can a student work more than 20 hours per week if required and/or allowed by the assistantship?

---

3.1. How many hours can F 1 students work?

On-campus employment for F 1 students must not exceed 20 hours a week while school is in session, with one rare exception.

F 1 students may work full-time during those periods when school is not in session or during the student’s annual break, as long as they are enrolling full-time the next semester. Students who are transferring may work at the school that has control of their record – at the transfer-out school before the release date and the transfer-in school after the release date.

The IRS defines full-time on-campus employment as 40 hours per week for foreign students who are claiming an exemption from Social Security and Medicare taxes.

3.2. Are there exceptions to the limit of 20 hours a week for on-campus employment?

The only exception is if the Secretary of DHS suspends this requirement, by means of a Federal Register notice, due to emergent circumstances. The student must demonstrate to you that the extra work is necessary because the emergent circumstance has affected his or her source of support.

Endorse the student’s Form I-20 with a reference to the Federal Register notice that announced the emergency exception before allowing the student to work more than 20 hours a week.

3.3. 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i)(H) states that "on-campus employment pursuant to the terms of a scholarship, fellowship or assistantship is deemed to be part of the academic program of a full-time student," so can a student work more than 20 hours per week if required and/or allowed by the assistantship?

This citation refers to CPT, not to on-campus employment.