Employment

Students on F-1 or J-1 student visas are expected to come to the United States for the purpose of studying, and not to work. They are expected to pay for their expenses from a source of funds other than work in the United States.

Students are eligible to apply for on-campus employment, up to a maximum of 20 hours per week during the Fall and Winter semesters, and up to 40 hours per week during the Spring and Summer sessions. International students compete with all other students for these on-campus jobs. However, SVSU recommends that students do not work during their first semester.

International students on F-1 or J-1 visas are NOT eligible to work off-campus without specific authorization from the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). This authorization requires application to the INS for permission to work and the INS grants the permission only in very specific circumstances and after the completion of two semesters of study in the USA.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)is an opportunity for students to gain experience by working off-campus for a limited amount of time in a position related to their area of study. Permission for OPT also requires application to, and approval from, the INS. Students who graduate are eligible to work anywhere in the USA for 12 months in a job related to their studies by applying to INS for OPT.

For further information about employment issues, contact the Office of International Programs.