Employment in the United States
As a student in the U.S. on an F-1 visa, you are expected to have sufficient funds so that you will not have to work. With the approval of the International Student Advisor, you may work on campus as long as it does not interfere with your academics but you may not work more than 20 hours per week when college is in session. Once you have completed a full academic year, you may be eligible under certain circumstances for off-campus employment under the terms of Practical Training. You can not work off campus under any circumstances without permission from the Immigration Service and a recommendation from the International Student Advisor. Many students choose to save their 12 months of Practical Training employment until the completion of the degree.
OPT (Optional Practical Training) Procedures
Working off campus without permission from immigration or the international student advisor is a violation of status and has serious consequences.