Maintaining Lawful Status

What if I worked without authorization?

Options for work authorization for international students in the U.S. are quite limited – and sometimes confusing! If you have any questions, ask an ISSO advisor before you start working to prevent any problems, such as loss of immigrant status.

If you discover after the fact that you have worked without authorization, you should make an appointment to discuss your case with your ISSO advisor to determine if you have done something to violate your immigration status.

Unfortunately, if you are in F-1 or J-1 status, we may be required to terminate your SEVIS immigration record for any work infraction as your program sponsor which may have an immediate impact on your ability to remain in the US and be eligible for any benefits of status. While this can be serious, we will also advise you about your options for regaining legal status to get you back on track with school and employment benefits.

Consequences of Unauthorized Employment

If the ISSO determines you have worked without authorization:

  • Your on-campus work permission is immediately cancelled, and you may lose tuition awards that require work (teaching fellowships, research assistantships)
  • Your off-campus work permission is immediately cancelled, including CPT, OPT, AT

F-1 Students

Employment-based status violations do not qualify for F-1 reinstatement in the U.S.

In order to regain status, you will need to:

    • Depart the U.S. as soon as possible

 

    • Obtain a new 1-20 from the ISSO

 

    • Pay a new SEVIS fee

 

    • Apply for a new F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate abroad

 

    • Reenter the U.S. to resume full-time study

 

    • Maintain continuous full-time study in legal status for one full academic year in order to qualify for OPT or CPT.

 

Note: Unfortunately, an employment based violation in you final semesters of study can mean you are disqualified from CPT or OPT authorization as both of these types of permission require a full academic year of continuous full-time study before you become eligible.

J-1 Students

If you accept payment for services without ISSO authorization, you must meet with an ISSO advisor to discuss your legal options. You may be required to apply for a correction to your J-1 SEVIS record in order to regain lawful status. If you are ineligible for a correction to your record, an application for reinstatement may be required