International Student FAQ

F-1 students have limited options for employment and cannot work without authorization. F-1 students may accept on-campus employment (work-study), but must be authorized by a Designated School Official (DSO) and obtain a new I-20 if the work is off-campus.

DSOs will provide guidance regarding employment, and it is important that F-1 students speak to a DSO before pursuing any off-campus employment. Students may talk to a DSO in the Department of Student Life (the Carlisle Rogers Building), Athletics, or Admissions.

Students usually apply for OPT after the completion of their program, if they do not plan to immediately enroll in a new degree program. Applications for OPT may be completed online, beginning 90 days before the end-of-program date on the student's I-20. Students should contact a DSO for guidance and more information.

Be aware of employment authorization application procedures, eligibility, deadlines and rules for maintaining status during post-completion employment.

Working without pay is not the same as volunteering. Discuss the details of any volunteer opportunities with a DSO before participating.

If you violate the immigration regulations you may begin to accrue days of unlawful presence. 180 days of unlawful presence may result in a bar from reentering the US.

Students who fail to maintain their F-1 status are considered out of status. If they wish to continue their education at FSC as an F-1 student, they must correct their status. Students may be able to regain valid F-1 status either through a reinstatement application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or through travel and reentry with a new I-20/new SEVIS record. The appropriate option will depend on your individual circumstances; review the reinstatement and reentry procedures and consult your ISS adviser as soon as possible for more information. A scheduled appointment with your ISS adviser is required because drop-in advising will not allow sufficient time to discuss this topic. In addition, we strongly recommend that students in this situation consult with an experienced immigration attorney.