The F-1 student classification is a nonimmigrant status that allows international students to enter the U.S. and study at institutions certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY
- Eligible for on-campus employment for full-time student (12 credit hours for undergraduate, 9 credit hours for graduate) during the academic year at institution authorized on I-20 only. No special permission is required.
- May not be employed upon graduation from college/university unless OPT is applied for and approved
- Eligible to apply for any part-time job on campus if student is in bona fide status
- Students may be employed prior to the I-20 validity date if enrolled for the coming academic year
- Work is not to exceed 20 hours per week while school is in session; unrestricted during school vacations if continuing full-time enrollment.
- May participate in Curricular Practical Training (CPT) if required by degree, no USCIS approval needed
- May participate in Optional Practical Training (OPT), USCIS approval needed (EAD)
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
- UNL Foreign National Data Form
- Copy of Passport
- Copy of Visa
- Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Student (with name of the school the student is authorized to attend)
- Authorization from UNL ISSO to take CPT or OPT (noted on page 2 of the I-20 for either part-time or full-time work, employment must end by I-20 completion date)
- When original Form I-20 for pre-degree student is from another institution and not UNL (see section 2), an endorsement from the original sponsor must accompany the form stating that they will release the student for PT at UNL during specific validity dates. The student’s original program advisor also endorses a Form I-538 certification form.
- Form I-766, EAD coded PT and containing an expiration date (copy of both sides) – For Optional Practical Training Only
- This EAD entitles the holder to work anywhere in the U.S. without special sponsor approval
- Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record
RESIDENCE STATUS (IT0094)
A (Alien)
EMPLOYEE GROUP (IT0000 ACTIONS)
A (Active), or D (Active Nonresident Alien) only IF also has treaty or graduate appointment
NOTE: To ensure correct payroll processing, please use the employee group ‘D’ for students on PT from China (only) who have current treaties.
FICA (IT0235)
Students are FICA exempt for the first five calendar years. During the sixth calendar year, they will meet the Substantial Presence Test (SPT) and are taxed FICA. Once SPT has been met, Students may be exempt based on credit hour enrollment. Students with Practical Training are FICA exempt for the first five calendar years but do not qualify for FICA exemption based on credit hour enrollment if they are not in a student position.
FEDERAL/STATE TAXES (IT0210)
Subject to federal and state taxes unless covered by treaty.