On Campus Employment
F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week during the semester. For example: on-campus employment means on the Sweet Briar campus only, hired by either Meriwether Godsey or Sweet Briar College, and is limited to 20 hours per week.
Sweet Briar students are not permitted to exceed 20 hours and are not permitted to hold more than two on-campus jobs, unless given special permission.
International students holding F-1 are eligible for on campus employment while they remain full-time students in good status starting as early as their first semester of their first year.
Any employment must be limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session, but you may be permitted to work full-time during school breaks that occur outside of the semester (i.e. winter & summer breaks).
The rules apply to undergraduate students and for all types of campus employment from washing dishes, to conducting research, to cleaning horse stalls.
Students who work more than 20 hours per week while school is in session could have their immigration status terminated.
Learn more about obtaining on-campus employment here.
Off Campus Employment
There are very strict rules and protocols for F-1 students to follow when pursuing off-campus employment which include utilizing Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT).
There are many sources of information about CPT, OPT and working on an F-1 visa. Do not rely on sources other than your DSO for immigration-related advising! There are frequent changes, updates and always nuance to SEVP.
The federal government provides guidelines and policy which are interpreted by DSOs. To be best informed, attend F-1 student workshops and advising appointments with your DSO for up-to-date and accurate guidance!
If you are considering off-campus employment, review these resources and schedule an appointment with your DSO:
- Planning Ahead for your Life After SBC
- Summer Employment & Internships: Part 1 (CPT)
- Summer Employment & Internships: Part 2 (CPT)
- OPT Overview (OPT)
Please note that the resources linked above are intended for Sweet Briar community members and may only be viewed when logged into an Sweet Briar email account.