New Guidelines for F-1 Student Visa Employment Authorization
The Department of Homeland Security has issued updated guidance regarding employment authorization for F-1 student visa holders, clarifying work hour limits, eligibility criteria, and documentation requirements. According to DHS officials, the new guidelines take effect for the 2026 academic year and aim to provide clearer direction for international students, educational institutions, and employers.
The guidance maintains the standard 20-hour-per-week limit for on-campus employment during academic terms but provides more detailed definitions of what constitutes eligible on-campus work. According to USCIS, the updated guidelines specify that on-campus employment includes work performed on the school's premises, work for an on-campus commercial firm that provides services to students, and employment with off-campus organizations that have an educational affiliation with the school.
PBS NewsHour reports that the new guidance addresses remote work arrangements, which have become more common in recent years. F-1 students may engage in remote employment under certain conditions, provided the work is directly related to their course of study and authorized through appropriate programs such as Curricular Practical Training or Optional Practical Training. The guidelines specify that remote work must still comply with the standard work hour limitations and other regulatory requirements.
According to DHS, the updated guidance clarifies documentation requirements for off-campus employment authorization. Students seeking to work off-campus through Optional Practical Training must obtain proper authorization from their designated school official and receive an Employment Authorization Document from USCIS before beginning employment. The guidelines emphasize that unauthorized employment can result in serious immigration consequences, including visa revocation and potential removal proceedings.
The guidance also addresses Curricular Practical Training, which allows F-1 students to work off-campus in positions that are integral to their academic program. The updated guidelines clarify that CPT authorization must be obtained before employment begins and that students must maintain full-time enrollment while participating in CPT programs. The guidelines note that excessive use of CPT may affect eligibility for Optional Practical Training after graduation.
DHS officials stated that the updated guidance is designed to help international students understand their employment rights and responsibilities while maintaining the integrity of the F-1 visa program. The agency emphasized that employment authorization is a privilege tied to student status and that students must continue to meet all F-1 visa requirements, including maintaining full-time enrollment and making normal progress toward their degree.
International student advisors at educational institutions are reviewing the new guidelines to ensure that their institutions' policies and procedures align with the updated requirements. Many advisors are preparing updated materials for international students and coordinating with employers who hire F-1 students to ensure compliance with the new guidance.
Some immigration advocates have welcomed the clarification on remote work, noting that it provides needed guidance for students and employers in an increasingly remote work environment. However, advocates also emphasize the importance of ensuring that students fully understand the requirements and restrictions to avoid unintentional violations that could jeopardize their immigration status.
Educational institutions are updating their international student services to reflect the new guidelines, with many schools planning informational sessions for F-1 students. These sessions will cover employment authorization basics, documentation requirements, and common pitfalls to avoid when seeking or maintaining employment authorization.
What's Next / Context
F-1 student visas allow foreign nationals to pursue academic studies in the United States at accredited educational institutions. Employment authorization for F-1 students is generally limited and tied to their student status, with most students permitted to work on-campus part-time during academic terms and full-time during scheduled breaks.
Optional Practical Training and Curricular Practical Training are the primary mechanisms through which F-1 students can gain off-campus work experience. OPT allows students to work in positions related to their field of study, typically after completing their degree, while CPT enables work that is part of the academic curriculum. Both programs require proper authorization and documentation.
The updated guidance reflects ongoing efforts to provide clear direction for international students navigating complex employment authorization rules. As remote work becomes more prevalent across various industries, the clarification on remote employment arrangements addresses a practical need while maintaining program integrity.
International students and their advisors are encouraged to review the full guidance on the DHS and USCIS websites. Students with questions about their specific employment authorization eligibility should consult with their designated school official or qualified immigration attorney to ensure compliance with all requirements.
