F-1 international students at UC Merced are eligible to work on-campus without additional work authorization. However, there are important federal regulations and restrictions to keep in mind to maintain your immigration status.
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Definition of On-Campus Employment
To be considered on-campus employment, the position must provide direct services to the UC Merced community, including students, faculty, and staff. On-campus employment may include:
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Work performed on the UC Merced campus where the student is directly employed by the university (e.g., a position within an academic department, library, or dining services).
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Work for an on-campus commercial businesses that serve students directly and is physically located on university property (e.g., a coffee shop or food court in the Pavilion).
Eligbility to Work On-Campus
- You must be enrolled full-time and in valid F-1 status to begin working.
- Your on-campus employment does not have to be related to your course of study
- You may not continue working if you violate your F-1 status (e.g., drop below full-time enrollment without approval).
Your on-campus employment is limited to 20 hours per week (or 50% time) while school is in session.
You may work full-time during official school breaks and the vacation term.
When Can I Work On-Campus? FAQ
1. Can I work on campus during the summer or academic breaks?
Yes, continuing F-1 students may work on campus full-time during official university breaks (such as summer or winter break) as long as you are enrolled for the next available semester at UC Merced.
2. Can I work on campus after I’ve graduated or completed all degree requirements?
No, once you’ve completed all degree requirements, you are no longer eligible for on-campus employment unless:
- You have applied for and been approved for Post-Completion OPT, and
- You have received your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with a valid start date.
3. Can I work on campus before starting my program if I have a new SEVIS ID (Initial I-20)?
Yes, if you are entering the U.S. on an Initial Form I-20 to begin a new program at UC Merced, you may begin working on campus once you’ve entered the U.S., no earlier than 30 days before your program start date listed on your I-20.
4. Can I work on campus before starting my program if I transferred my SEVIS record from another school?
Yes, students with a Transfer Pending Form I-20 issued by UC Merced can begin on-campus work before the program starts, as long as:
- You have completed your SEVIS transfer process, and
- You are in possession of your Transfer Pending I-20.
5. Can I work on campus between academic levels (e.g., from Bachelor's to Master’s) at UC Merced?
Yes, students moving between academic levels at UC Merced (e.g., Bachelor’s to Master’s or Master’s to PhD) may continue working on campus during the break between programs if they:
- Have received a Change of Level Form I-20, and
- Will begin their new program in the following term.
Remote Work
F-1 students who are physically present in the United States, enrolled full-time, and eligible for on-campus employment may engage in remote work for UC Merced as part of their on-campus job duties.
However, students who are physically located outside of the U.S. are not permitted to engage in remote on-campus employment under F-1 visa regulations. If you are outside the United States and have questions about continuing employment, you must speak directly with your hiring department to discuss whether any arrangements are possible.
