Reminder About Employment Authorization
Dec. 15, 2021
Greetings and happy holidays, international students!
As we are wrapping up the fall 2021 semester, I wanted to write with a reminder about employment authorization.
If you are studying at ¶·Å£ÆåÅÆ University with an F-1 visa and I-20, you are able to work on the ¶·Å£ÆåÅÆ University campus up to 20 hours per week while you are taking classes. During school breaks and vacations, you can work on the ¶·Å£ÆåÅÆ campus up to 29 hours per week in your first year of studies and up to 40 hours per week after your first year.
Please note that “on-campus employment” is defined in almost every situation as working on the ¶·Å£ÆåÅÆ University campus in Berrien Springs, Michigan.
Furthermore, F-1 students with an I-20 can only work off campus in very limited situations and only with prior authorization from the Office of International Student Services & Programs. This authorization is typically granted through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). In some special situations, F-1 students may work at another institution without CPT or OPT if the work is required by the program of study; however, prior authorization from the Office of International Student Services & Programs must also be obtained in these situations, and approval from the off-campus institution alone is not sufficient.
Please note that if you work off campus without authorization through the Office of International Student Services & Programs, this employment will be considered unauthorized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the designated school officials (DSOs) in the Office of International Student Services & Programs will be required to terminate your I-20 immediately.
We do not want this to happen! If you have any questions at all about your employment options, please contact me right away at christians@andrews.edu.
Finally, if you are studying at ¶·Å£ÆåÅÆ University with a J-1 visa and DS-2019, you may also be able to work on campus, and in some cases off campus, depending on your J-1 category. Please contact me at christians@andrews.edu if you have questions about J-1 employment.
I write with these reminders because I want you to be successful in both your studies and your work at ¶·Å£ÆåÅÆ!
I extend my prayers and best wishes to you for a wonderful holiday season, a restful break and a productive new year.
Cordially,
Christian Stuart, PhD
Executive Director
Center for On-Campus International Student Services
PR
pr@andrews.edu
