Foreign Nationals on non-immigrant visas are strictly limited in their ability to work. Employment is permitted based on visa classification or by receiving special permission from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The following is an overview of regulations for  F-1 visas common to international students at Davidson College.

F-1 Status
F-1 students can work on campus 20 hours per week while school is in session or 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. Students can only work off-campus or after graduation, with special permission from DHS and the International Student Adviser.

Optional Practical Training (OPT):
You must be a full-time student for nine (9) months before an OPT application is made. During OPT, you may work 20 hours per week during the school year; 40 hours per week during summer, holidays, or if your degree is completed. Overall length of training is a maximum of one year. In order to obtain this work permission, the International Student Adviser must recommend your employment by endorsing your I-20, and you must complete and send forms along with the required filing fee to the DHS. Necessary forms are available in the International Student Office.

Severe Economic Need:
You must have maintained F-1 status for nine (9) months prior to application and show that on-campus employment is neither available nor adequate. Students must document unforeseen “severe economic hardship” after arrival in the U.S., and may work 20 hours per week during the school year or 40 hours per week during summer/holidays. Economic hardship employment is available for one-year intervals until your degree is completed. The Designated School Official must endorse DHS forms and the back of the I-20. The student must complete and send forms along with the required filing fee to the DHS. Necessary forms are available in the International Student Office.

On-Campus Employment
Listed below are the departments, names of contacts and telephone numbers of some places where you can apply to work on campus:

Admission Office, ext. 2230, 2231
College Bookstore, ext. 2349
College Dining Service, ext. 2348
College Union, ext. 2143
Commons Catering, ext. 2605
Information Technology Services, ext. 2402
July Experience, ext. 2508, 2686
Library, ext. 2331
Physical Plant and Grounds,  ext. 2119
Residence Life Office, ext. 2188
Study Abroad Office, ext. 2250

Also check with professors about research assistant positions.

Low on cash? Work for the catering service run by the Commons. There are flexible hours and the pay is good.

PLEASE NOTE: Any form of off-campus employment is illegal unless you have an Employment Authorization Document. This includes baby, house, and dog sitting.