J-1 exchange and sponsored students click here.

Immigration Regulations
Definition of Employment
On-Campus Employment
Off-Campus Employment
Social Security Number
Practical Training
Severe Economic Hardship
F-2 Dependents and Employment
Taxes

Immigration Regulations

It is essential that you understand and comply with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) restrictive employment regulations. Ignorance of the regulations does not excuse you from the serious ramifications of unauthorized employment, which may result in deportation. You must obtain appropriate employment authorization before you engage in any type of employment.

Definition of Employment

On-Campus Employment

UO international students in F-1 visa status can work on-campus part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during the academic year, and full-time during the summer months and any periods when school is not in session. On-campus employment must not interfere with your studies and you must maintain a full-time course load and good academic standing. On-campus employment includes teaching and research assistantships; therefore, graduate students on half-time teaching or research assistantships may not be employed elsewhere on campus for additional hours. No special permission or document is needed to give you permission to work on-campus.

Off-Campus Employment

International students are not allowed to work off-campus unless the employment is authorized practical training.

Social Security Number

• Passport (Canadians may use another form of photo identification)
• I-94 Departure Record Card (white card stapled in passport)
• Current I-20
•  Social Security Verification Forms: F-1
•  Letter Request Form

Applications for social security numbers and cards must be made in person. You can pick up a map and bus route for the Social Security office at the front desk of International Affairs. The Social Security Administration's Eugene office is located at the following address:

Social Security Administration
2504 Oakmont Way
Eugene, OR 97401

Hours open are: Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Practical Training

Practical training authorization permits an F-1 student to be employed off-campus temporarily in a job related to the your major field of study. There are two types of practical training: curricular and optional. To be eligible for curricular and/or optional practical training, you must have been in lawful F-1 status for one academic year.

* Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
* Optional Practical Training (OPT)
* OPT/CPT Comparison

Severe Economic Hardship

Students who encounter unforeseen severe economic hardship after completing at least one academic year in F-1 status can apply for permission to work off campus. It is difficult to obtain this type of work authorization unless you can document that the unforeseen circumstances occurred after you arrived in the U.S. and were beyond your control. In order to apply for this type of employment authorization, you must first meet with an International Student Advisor to discuss your situation and get the necessary recommendation. Contact the office of International Affairs at 541-346-3206 to schedule an appointment with an International Student Advisor.

Click here to download the USCIS Application for Employment Authorization.

F-2 Dependents and Employment

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security does not permit individuals in F-2 status to be employed under any conditions. Employment is defined as the rendering of services, part- or full-time, for financial or other compensation, including self-employment.

Taxes

Income earned by F-1 visa holders is subject to applicable federal, state and local income taxes unless exempt by virtue of a tax treaty. Employers are required by law to withhold those taxes from paychecks.

Click here for information on employment and taxation of international students for employers.

Questions? Contact the office of International Affairs at 541-346-3206 to schedule an appointment with an International Student Advisor.