Off-Campus Employment Opportunities for International Students

Though very limited, there are possibilities for international students to get an approval to work off-campus.

Types of Off-campus Employment for F-1 students

Curricular Practical Training
Optional Practical Training
Employment with International Organization
If an international student is offered employment in the form of an internship by a recognized international organization (e.g., the United Nations, the World Bank, International Monetary Fund), he/she may accept such employment upon receipt of authorization of USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services).
Economic Hardship
International students who experience a serious economic hardship due to an unforeseen change in their financial situation may qualify for off-campus employment authorization. Examples of such changes may include:
  • Unexpected loss of a scholarship
  • Significant currency devaluation
  • Large business loss by a financial sponsor
Eligibility
    • You must be in valid F-1 status for at least one academic year (one Fall semester and one Spring semester) and in good academic standing.
    • You must be able to document the change in their financial situation and prove that employment is necessary due to severe economic hardship caused by circumstances beyond their control.
    • You must also provide evidence that on-campus employment is neither available nor sufficient.
    • You must make a good faith effort to locate employment on campus before applying for this type of off-campus employment authorization.

Procedures to Apply for Off-Campus Employment

  1. Make an appointment to meet with an adviser at International Student Services to confirm your eligibility and review the conditions. You can email us at iss@bridgew.edu.
  2. Compile all required documents. Documents required may vary depending on the type of off-campus employment you are applying and make another appointment to meet with an adviser at ISS.
  3. Mail the application packet to the following address:
    4. USCIS Dallas Lockbox
    PO Box 660867
    Dallas, TX 75266

Last Modified: June 25, 2010