Employment Options for International Students

The Immigration and Nationality Act makes the assumption that F-1 students are here for the primary purpose of attending school. Employment in general is restricted. The following employment possibilities exist for F-1 students with proper authorization from the DSO.

On Campus Employment

Undergraduate and graduate students may be employed on-campus if such employment will not interfere with the student’s ability to carry a full program of study. On campus employment must be authorized on the I-20 form prior to beginning employment. Students may work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and fulltime (40 hours per week) during school holiday breaks. Students do not need to spend a particular period of time in F-1 status before on campus employment can begin. Students are required to obtain a Social Security card from the Social Security Administration before beginning on campus employment. A copy of the Social Security card is required by the DSO, located in the Registrar’s Office.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Make an appointment with Ms. Amy Minor by emailing her at minorad@montevallo.edu.

Employment for Severe Economic Hardship

Make an appointment with Ms. Amy Minor by emailing her at minorad@montevallo.edu.

Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT

Make an appointment with Ms. Amy Minor by emailing her at minorad@montevallo.edu.

Applications and additional instructions for all employment options listed above can be obtained from the DSO in the Registrar’s Office.

IMPORTANT! Many types of employment are not available to F-1 students. Jobs performed in exchange for free room and board are not authorized unless the student has permission for off-campus employment due to economic hardship.

UNAUTHORIZED EMPLOYMENT! When a foreign student accepts employment that is unauthorized, such actions constitute a serious violation of federal law and regulations. The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 makes it illegal for an employer to hire a foreign student not authorized for employment. It is a violation of status for an alien to accept employment without authorization. The foreign student who ignores the regulations faces serious consequences.