• An F-1 visa is a student visa issued by the U.S. to foreigners who wish to study at a university here. The F-1 visa often requires that the international student be accepted into an American university and also intend to leave the United States after the education is complete. The F-1 is a nonimmigrant visa. Although it is a nonimmigrant visa, students are allowed to work on an F-1 visa provided they follow certain regulations and restrictions outlined by the visa.
  
  

Financial Stability

• In order to be granted an F-1 visa you must prove that you are financially stable and you will not be required to work while you are in the United States in order to pay for your university tuition.
  
  

Working on Campus

• International students are allowed to work on campus with the F-1 visa. They will be restricted to working on campus for the first year.
  
  

Employment Authorization

• If the student wishes to work off-campus on the F-1 visa, they must apply for employment authorization. Those applying to work off-campus must qualify by applying to work for a particular reason, such as financial hardship or working toward something that pertains to their education.
  
  

Unexpected Financial Hardship

• If unexpected financial hardship arises, then the student can apply for an employment authorization that will allow them to work off-campus. The student must show that they have attempted to find work on campus before they are allowed to seek work off-campus. The student must also prove what their unexpected financial hardship is and how it is beyond his or her control.
  
  

Working within Educational Experience

• Students that wish to accept a position that will supplement what they are learning at the university will be able to apply for employment authorization to work off-campus. This includes paid work experience and unpaid internships.
  
  

Academic Standing

• The student must be able to handle a full-time school schedule along with work. If the academic standing of the student begins to suffer, then the student's work privileges will be revoked.