Immigration Advising
F-1 | Employment
On-Campus Employment
On campus employment is defined as employment which occurs on the KU campus. Positions include teaching assistantships (GTA), research assistantships (GRA), and student hourly employment (KU Dining Services, Library, etc). Note: international students are NOT eligible for student work study jobs.
F-1 students are eligible to work on campus a maximum of 20 hours per week when school is in session during the Fall and Spring academic semesters. During breaks and official vacation periods F-1 students are eligible to work more than 20 hours a week on campus. A student who has a valid I-20 and intends to enroll for next regular term may work on-campus incident to status. No special work permit is needed.
Please note that on-campus employment is not permitted after completion of a degree program unless the student has been issued a Form I-20 to begin a new program.
Off-Campus Employment
Opportunities of work off-campus are greatly restricted and a work permit is always required. In addition, F-1 students must be lawfully enrolled on a full time basis for one full academic year to be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and Employment based on Severe Economic Hardship.
Exception: Internship with an International Organization
This does not require one year of full time enrollment prior to
eligibility.
For a quick comparison of CPT, OPT and Severe Economic Harship, please review the Off-Campus Work Options handout.
For detailed information on each option please see each individial handout:
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