This section is designed as a general overview of employment options for international students in F-1 status.  It will provide you with an introduction to how employment is defined by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) and the various categories of F-1 employment authorization.  It does not explain the various steps required for all categories.  You should speak with either the International Student Services Counselor or one of the Designated School Officials for more detailed application procedures.  For a summary of different employment categories, click here.

Employment is defined as any type of work performed or services provided in exchange for money, tuition, fees, books, supplies, room, food or any other benefits.

A Note of Caution -

Special Topics Obtaining a Social Security Number -  Initially, most international students will not need a social security number or card.  Wentworth will assign each student an identification number if they do not yet have a U.S. social security number.  Eventually, all students will need a social security number to work in the U.S.  Under new regulations, only students with an actual job can apply for a number.  Visit the SSC after you have obtained a job offer with any of the included employment permissions and we will provide you with a letter to accompany your application. Taxes - Generally, F-1 students who have U.S. source income are subject to state and federal income tax which is paid in April of the next year.  You should attend our annual Tax Workshop for assistance with determining how to file your taxes.  All F-1 students, regardless of income, must file IRS form 8843.  For specific instructions, come to the SSC.

The BCIS considers unauthorized employment to be the   most serious violation of your F-1 status.  You must  consult with the International Student Advisor before  accepting any employment.  The SSC can then help you  with matters pertaining to to applications for employment  authorization.

     In general, there are two types of employment for F-1 students: On-Campus and Off-campus employment. 

ON-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT

Working on the Wentworth Campus is permissible after you successfully complete one semester. Acceptable employment includes work in any academic department or administrative office, including work performed on Wentworth's premises for an outside contractor such as the food service or bookstore.  Employment is limited to 16 hours per week while classes are in session, but may be full-time during Wentworth's vacation periods.  To be eligible to work on-campus, you must apply for a Social Security Number.  See the Special Topics section on this page for more information on obtaining a number.

OFF-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT

1) Curricular Practical Training

Curricular Practical Training is defined as non-credit training that is required as part of an established curriculum.  Wentworth student must accomplish two semesters of curricular practical training in order to satisfy their degree requirements for all majors.  (This is referred to as Co-Op in the curriculum and Curricular Practical Training by the Department of Homeland Security).

Because a job offer is required for curricular practical training to be authorized by the International Student Services staff, students participating in Co-Op must apply in the Student Service Center after their registration and job placement is completed.  An entry is made in your SEVIS record and a special I-20 is issued with your employer's name and address.  For directions on how to successfully get registered and certified for either of your Co-Op semesters, click here.

2) Optional Practical Training

To be eligible for this category you must have been in F-1 student status for one academic year (nine months).  A job offer is not required to apply.  You are eligible for a total of twelve months of full-time optional practical training during the entire stay in the U.S. as an F-1 student.  You may apply for periods of practical training before completion of studies, save the total twelve-month period to be used after completion of studies, or use a combination of both.  Such employment may be full or part-time and it may take place at a location in the U.S., but it must be directly related to your major field of study.

Any periods of optional practical training used before completion of studies will be deducted from the total twelve-month period available.  For example, if you worked full-time for four months during summer vacation after your first year, you would have eight months of practical training available after graduation.  For application instructions, click here.

3) Employment Due to Severe Unforeseen Economic Hardship

To be eligible for this category you must have been in F-1 student status for one academic year (nine months).  A job offer is not required to be eligible to apply for this category of work authorization.  This employment benefit is intended to address situations where a financial need beyond the student's control arises, which was unforeseen at the time the student applied to the school he or she is currently attending.  Examples of unforeseen economic hardship include a loss of financial support due to catastrophic loss of income by a sponsor, severe and unforeseen changes in currency exchange rates that affect the value of savings or an unexpected and substantial medical expense.  For more information on qualifying circumstances and procedures for submitting an application, contact the ISS staff.