Hello everyone:
This is a general reminder concerning employment of international students.
F-1, and J-1 visa holders (with ISO permission), may work at the University of Virginia as intrinsic to their legal status, not to exceed 20 hours per week while school is in session. Graduate students receiving full assistantships are considered employed at 20 hours per week, and cannot work otherwise during the Fall and Spring semesters. All other non-immigrants will require the issuance of the EAD (Employment Authorization Document) through direct application to USCIS to engage in employment anywhere, including UVA.
No F-1 or J-1 student is permitted to work outside the University of Virginia without the authorization of the ISO, and in most cases, USCIS (U.S. Immigration). Employment outside of UVA includes self-employment; working within the U.S. for a foreign-based entity, and can even include work for which no compensation is gained.
F-1 students should review the sections on CPT and OPT on our website before engaging in off-Grounds employment: http://www.virginia.edu/iso/issp/f1/index.html
J-1 students should review the section on Employment before engaging in either on or off-grounds employment: http://www.virginia.edu/iso/issp/j1/j1employment.html
All students interested in unpaid employment, including internships, should carefully read the Fact Sheet we have posted from the U.S. Department of Labor. Being offered a position without compensation does not in itself constitute a voluntary position. Protect yourselves by determining that the position offered is legitimately unpaid: Fact Sheet on Unpaid Internships - U.S. Department of Labor
Please prepare many months in advance of your possible employment. As always, please direct your questions concerning employment to the ISO during our advising hours, as below.
Best Wishes,
The ISO
Linda Callihan: 10-12 & 2-4 Monday-Thursday
Richard Tanson: 10-12 & 2-4 Monday-Thursday
Brian Ullman: 9-11 & 1-3 Monday-Thursday
