Can my F-1 visa status be affected by working 35 hours per week through both an on-campus job and an off-campus internsh

Question

I am an international student on an F-1 visa, and I have both an on-campus paid job and an off-campus paid academic internship, both funded by New York State. I work a total of 35 hours per week and have approval from my graduate school. Could this arrangement potentially affect my F-1 visa status, and are there any legal complications I should be aware of

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

Your F-1 visa status could be at risk if your employment hours or types of work do not comply with U.S. immigration regulations. F-1 students are generally limited to working up to 20 hours per week on-campus while school is in session. If you are exceeding this limit, it might cause issues with your visa status. 
 
Off-campus employment, including internships, usually requires specific authorization, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). Even with your graduate school's approval, working more than 20 hours per week combined between on-campus and off-campus positions might be a violation if you don't have the appropriate authorization. 
 
You should carefully review the conditions of your F-1 visa, particularly the guidelines related to employment. It would be wise to consult with your Designated School Official (DSO) to ensure that both your on-campus job and off-campus internship comply with the terms of your visa. This way, you can avoid any potential legal complications or risks to your immigration status.

Q: Can my F-1 visa status be affected by working 35 hours per week through both an on-campus job and an off-campus internsh