Employment Opportunities for International Students (F-1 and J-1)
An F-1 student who maintains status may work up to 20 hours per week on-campus while school is in session and up to 40 hours per week during breaks and the summer vacation. J-1 students must get approval from the program sponsor before proceeding. A student cannot continue on-campus employment after graduation except in the following situations:
- Student has employment authorized under Optional Practical Training (OPT) and will be working in their field of study.
- Student has been issued an I-20 for a new program at FHSU.
Important to Note
- Individuals on F-2 visas are NOT permitted to accept employment.
- Foreign students are NOT eligible for work study employment due to Federal regulations.
- F-1 students may NOT work on campus during the 60-day 'grace' period after the program end date. The 60-day 'grace' period after graduation is for an F-1 student to prepare to leave the United States, unless the student is beginning a new program of study or extending their I-20.
- Students who are applying for Post-completion OPT are NOT eligible to work after the program end date and must wait for OPT approval and the EAD card to begin work in a job related to their major program of study.
Eligibility
- Student must be registered full-time at FHSU (12 hours for undergraduate students; 9 hours for graduate students) or have an approved Less Than Full-Time Form on file in the International Student Services Office.
- Student must have a valid I-20 issued by FHSU.
- Student must have a social security card.
Finding a Job on Campus
The job MUST be on-campus only. No off-campus jobs are allowed unless the student is applying for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT).
To find an on-campus job as an international student, start by researching available opportunities in Workday through the Jobs Hub app in the menu.
The Student Employment Office can also assist.
Once a student finds a job to apply for, they may need to complete an application and go through an interview process.
- The employer must prepare an Employment Letter for the student. This letter needs to be typed on departmental letterhead and signed. The employer can contact the International Student Services Office for details on the letter at (785) 628-4176.
- The student should submit the Employment Letter to the International Student Services Office in the Memorial Union 014.
- International Student Services Office staff will then prepare the on-campus employment authorization letter for the student. (J1 visa holders will need to obtain permission from the Program Provider)
- The student will be emailed when all documents are ready to be picked up and will be provided instructions on how to apply for a social security card.