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On-Campus Employment for F-1 Students

  • Updated

Eligible F-1 students may work in certain positions on the UCLA campus while maintaining valid student status.

Eligibility

  • You must have an active UCLA Extension F-1 SEVIS record.
  • You must maintain full-time enrollment unless ISS has approved a reduced course load or vacation quarter.
  • The position must qualify as on-campus employment under F-1 regulations.

Work Hour Limits

  • You may work no more than 20 hours per week while classes are in session.
  • You may work more than 20 hours per week during an authorized vacation quarter or official break if you are eligible and intend to enroll in the following quarter.

Before Accepting a Position

  1. Obtain the position title, department, work location, expected start date, and weekly hours from the employer.
  2. Complete any UCLA hiring requirements before beginning work.
  3. Do not begin employment before the approved start date.

Social Security Number

If you do not already have a Social Security number, you will generally need an employment offer and supporting documentation before applying. Review the Obtaining a Social Security Number article for the required steps.

Employment That Does Not Qualify

A job does not become on-campus employment only because it is remote, connected to a UCLA employee, or related to your studies. Freelance work, self-employment, and work for an off-campus employer require separate authorization.

Form I-94 and Extension of Stay

If your Form I-94 has a specific admit until date, on-campus employment authorization generally ends 30 days before that date.

If you timely file a qualifying extension of stay application before the 30-day departure period begins, your current on-campus employment may continue while USCIS reviews the application, for up to 240 days. If you file during the 30-day departure period, you may not continue working while the application is pending.

When Authorization Ends

On-campus employment generally ends when you complete your program, transfer your SEVIS record, withdraw, or otherwise lose eligibility. Post-completion employment requires separate authorization such as OPT.