Employment
On Campus
F-1 students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week on campus while school is in session, and up to 40 hours per week during vacation periods under the regulations for On Campus Employment.
J-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and up to 40 hours per week during vacation periods. Permission is required from the Program Sponsor.
Off Campus
F-1 students are allowed to work off-campus if after one academic year of study they have a proven severe unforeseen economic need. This work authorization, called F-1 Economic Necessity , must be obtained from the DHS by submitting documented proof of the change in financial circumstances, as well as filing an application and paying the required fee. For more information ask for the handout at the ISC front desk.
J-1 students on exchange programs can engage in part-time off campus employment unrelated to the field of study if the employment is due to unforeseen economic need, does not adversely affect full-time enrollment status; and has the written approval of the program sponsor. This option is called J-1 Economic Necessity and requires an unforeseen financial crisis. It is very seldom approved.
Practical Training
F-1 students may engage in Practical Training or work experience related to the field of study either during or after your studies at SDSU. You must have been in status one full academic year prior to being eligible for Practical Training. There are two types of practical training: curricular and optional. Curricular practical training can only be used when an internship is an integral part of the curriculum during a course of study. Optional practical training can be used during or after a course of study, and is for a total of 12 months. For more information ask for the handout at the ISC front desk.
Academic Training
J-1 students may be authorized for Academic Training for a total of 18 months, but no more than the total number of months the student studied. The training must be recommended by the SDSU academic advisor and must be authorized for a specific job offer. For more information ask at the ISC Front Desk for a copy of the J-1 academic training handout.
Employment of Dependents
F-2 dependents may not be employed under any circumstances.
J-2 dependents may apply to the DHS for employment authorization. They must verify that the employment is only to pay for the their expenses or the expenses of their children, not for the J-1.