DID YOU KNOW???
It is generally illegal for international students to accept employment off campus. The only time it is possible, is when it relates to your study program and you have received prior permission from Immigration. Even "volunteer" work can be considered employment. To learn more, please contact an Immigration advisor in the International Studies Office.
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Watch a PowerPoint presentation about Immigration Laws and Your Responsibilities.
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Contact Your International Advisor:
F-1 Visa Students: Betsy Drillon
J-1 Visa Students: Stephanie Gonzalez
You may schedule an advising appointment by calling (309) 438-5276 or emailing one of the advisors above.
On-Campus Employment:
Off-Campus Employment:
You might be surprised to learn that it is illegal in the United States for international students to accept employment off campus. (Even "volunteer" work can be considered employment if you receive something in return for your services.)
Generally, there are only two times when off-campus employment can be legal: 1) If your work relates to your study program and 2) You have received prior permission from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and your immigration advisor at ISU.
There are two types of off-campus employment available to F-1 Students: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) which you may do during your studies, or Optional Practical Training (OPT) which you can do after you graduate.
OPT Workshops are offered twice a month during fall and spring. Workshop topics include: eligibility, the application process, time limits, STEM extensions, cap-gaps, and student/ employer responsibilities.
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Read more about Optional Practical Training before your workshop:
Learn more about employment options for F-1 students and get more information by contacting Betsy Drillon.
On-Campus Employment:
Like F-1 visa holders, J-1 students may work on campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week when school is in session. When the university is on a break, students may work unlimited on-campus hours. Important: J-1 visa holders must receive a work permission letter from the International Studies Office before starting any on-campus job.
Off-Campus Employment:
No off-campus employment is allowed unless it relates to your studies and you have received prior approval from International Studies. Please talk to about the Immigration process if you wish to do an internship, otherwise known as Academic Training. All J-1 visa holders planning to do an internship or work during or after their ISU studies are REQUIRED to attend an employment workshop prior to working. Workshop topics include: eligibility, the application process, getting work permission, Academic Training, and other requirements and student/ employer responsibilities.
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Watch this space about upcoming OPT workshop dates!