Reminder About Employment Authorization

Dec. 15, 2021

Greetings and happy holidays, international students!

As we are wrapping up the fall 2021 semester, I wanted to write with a reminder about employment authorization.

If you are studying at Andrews University with an F-1 visa and I-20, you are able to work on the Andrews University campus up to 20 hours per week while you are taking classes. During school breaks and vacations, you can work on the Andrews campus up to 29 hours per week in your first year of studies and up to 40 hours per week after your first year.

Please note that “on-campus employment” is defined in almost every situation as working on the Andrews University campus in Berrien Springs, Michigan.

Furthermore, F-1 students with an I-20 can only work off campus in very limited situations and only with prior authorization from the Office of International Student Services & Programs. This authorization is typically granted through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). In some special situations, F-1 students may work at another institution without CPT or OPT if the work is required by the program of study; however, prior authorization from the Office of International Student Services & Programs must also be obtained in these situations, and approval from the off-campus institution alone is not sufficient.

Please note that if you work off campus without authorization through the Office of International Student Services & Programs, this employment will be considered unauthorized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the designated school officials (DSOs) in the Office of International Student Services & Programs will be required to terminate your I-20 immediately.

We do not want this to happen! If you have any questions at all about your employment options, please contact me right away at christians@liashapiro.com.

Finally, if you are studying at Andrews University with a J-1 visa and DS-2019, you may also be able to work on campus, and in some cases off campus, depending on your J-1 category. Please contact me at christians@liashapiro.com if you have questions about J-1 employment.

I write with these reminders because I want you to be successful in both your studies and your work at Andrews!

I extend my prayers and best wishes to you for a wonderful holiday season, a restful break and a productive new year.

Cordially,

Christian Stuart, PhD
Executive Director
Center for On-Campus International Student Services