Employment
Employment for international students with F-1 visa status is considered a privilege, not a right. There are very strict regulations governing F-1 work authorization. Once a violation of any of these regulations occurs, the student is out of status and immediately reported to the Virginia Office of the Attorney General and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. A student who has worked illegally is not eligible for reinstatement.
On-campus employment
Students pursuing an academic program in F-1 status are eligible to work on campus without additional work authorization. On campus means the paycheck is coming from VCU Payroll or a firm that is located in a VCU building and is directly serving the university population, such as a coffee or food shop in the University Student Commons or similar location.
Students may work up to 20 hours per week during spring and fall semesters, and up to 40 hours per week during winter and summer breaks. These hours also apply to graduate assistantships. Working more than the allotted hours is considered unauthorized work and will put you out of status and ineligible for reinstatement.
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