Iowa Wesleyan College

Students studying in the United States are permitted to work under certain conditions.  There are USCIS guidelines and restrictions which govern these opportunities.  It is the student’s responsibility to be familiar with regulations prior to seeking any employment, on or off-campus, and to abide by all regulations during employment.  Engaging in any unauthorized employment while an F-1 student will automatically end eligibility and authorization to work.

On-Campus Employment

F-1 students are allowed to work on-campus without USCIS authorization under the following terms:

• Employment may not exceed 20 hours per week during the academic term or 40 hours per week during a break period, although the Financial Aid Office will not allow a student to work more than their demonstrated financial need.  Work study positions on campus are typically limited to 6 hours per week.
• Employment may not interfere with a student’s ability to maintain good academic standing
• Employment may not displace a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Off-Campus Employment

F-1 students are only allowed to work off-campus under one of three circumstances: Severe Economic Hardship, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and Optional Practical Training (OPT).  These opportunities are strictly governed by the USCIS.

Eligibility to work off-campus requires the following:

• Otherwise lawful status as an F-1 students
• Completion of at least one academic year of study as an F-1 student
• Good academic standing
• Application and/or authorization through USCIS.  (Students should contact the Office of Student Life for assistance.)
• Students must not work more than 20 hours per week (including any other authorized work on or off campus) while classes are in session, nor more than 40 hours per week total during any holiday or vacation periods.  Students are only eligible to work break periods provided they intend to enroll the following term.

U.S. Taxes

All non-United States citizens are required to file a United Statestax statement regardless of financial income.  Filing taxes does not necessarily mean that you owe taxes.  Tax forms are available from the Internal Revenue Service.  Some students will only need to complete form 8843 and others will need to complete form 1040NR-EZ as well.  If you have questions about which forms you will need, contact the Student Life Office.  In January, you should receive a W-2 form from your employer, please make sure to keep this as well as any other documents you receive for tax filing purposes.  The deadline for mailing tax returns is April 15th.