Employment opportunities for international students are limited by regulations of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State (DOS). The basic criteria are that students maintain their non-immigrant status, and are in good academic standing. With the exception of on-campus employment, employment for F-1 students requires approval from the International Student Advisor or DHS. Students in J-1 status must have written approval from the Responsible Officer of their exchange visitor program before accepting employment. As an international student, you may not be self-employed.

 On Campus Employment

F-1 students who are maintaining status may work part-time on campus while classes are in session. "Part-time" means no more than 20 hours per week. F-1 students do not need special authorization to work on-campus. J-1 students, on the other hand, need written authorization from the responsible officer of their exchange visitor program. Assistantships are considered "on-campus employment" and are therefore limited to 20 hours per week. During vacation periods and academic breaks, you may work full-time on campus if you are returning to classes the following term. You may not work on-campus after completing your course of study as an F-1/J-1 student unless you have another type of valid work authorization per the Department of Homeland Security.

 Off-Campus Employment for F-1 Students

Off-campus employment is limited to students in colleges and universities who are pursuing academic studies. This excludes English language students. Working off-campus requires special authorizations and is only available in certain situations.

Practical Training

Practical Training is temporary employment that allows international students to gain practical experience in their field of study, before or after completion of studies. Students in intensive English language programs are not eligible for practical training. Practical training is divided into two categories: 1.) curricular practical training before completion of studies and 2.) optional practical training both before and after completion of studies.

Employment Under Unforeseeable Economic Hardships

As an F-1 international student, you are eligible to apply for off-campus employment based on severe economic hardship if you can demonstrate with sufficient documentation that employment is necessary to avoid severe economic hardship. You must have been in F-1 status for one full academic year to be eligible. You must also be in good academic standing and maintaining your status as an F-1 student.

Employment under Economic Hardship will be part time when school is in session and full-time during vacations and holidays. You cannot begin work until the Department of Homeland Security approves your case and issues you an EAD (Employment Authorization Document). Please schedule an appointment with the International Student Advisor if you think you may qualify for Economic Hardship. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 951-827-4113.

Off-Campus Employment for J-1 Students (Academic Training)

What is Academic Training?

J-1 students who are in good academic standing may obtain authorization for work off-campus, as part of an academic training experience. After completing studies, J-1 students are eligible to work for up to 18 months if the job qualifies as "academic training." Students pursing post-doctoral studies are eligible for an additional 18 months of training, for a total of 36 months. Academic training must be integral to your program, recommended by your dean or academic advisor and authorized by the Responsible Officer of your exchange-visitor program. Post-completion academic training must be authorized before your current DS-2019 expires.

How do I apply for Academic Training?

Required Documentation:

A completed J-1 (exchange visitor) Student Academic Training Recommendation Form 

An offer letter from the employer for Academic Training. This letter should be on official company letterhead and include: a general description of the training, the name of the training supervisor, the dates of the training, work hours per week and the amount of compensation, if any, that you will receive for the training.

Insurance Certification: evidence that you will continue to maintain the minimum health insurance requirements as specified by the Department of States.

Where do I submit my documentation?

Please drop off all documentation at the front desk of the International Education Center. Upon receipt of the documentation, the Responsible Officer shall review the documentation for compliance with requirements. The Responsible Officer will notify you of the decision by emailing your UCR webmail address. You cannot begin work until the authorization is completed.

What Employers Should Know About Hiring Intl. Students

Obtaining Your Social Security Number

    Information on Obtaining SSN
    Sample SSN Letter

 Taxes
   Tax Information

 Employment Workshops

     Winter Workshop

Other Students

If you are in another non-immigrant status and need information on your eligibility to work on-campus or in the United States, please contact the International Education Center at (951) 827-4113 for information.