F-1 international students may wish to seek employment during their time at Simmons in order to gain work experience in their field of study or to earn additional income. As the primary and core purpose of the F-1 Student Visa is to pursue an education, the opportunities to work or engage in similar activities are restricted to a few options.

In general, on-campus employment for international students means that you are working:

1. On Simmons's campus;

2. For Simmons; and

3. On Simmons's payroll.

If these 3 conditions are not met—for example, if you would be working on campus but a professor or an organization other than Simmons University would be paying you—please speak with CGE first. 

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will authorize off-campus employment in cases of severe economic hardship caused by unforeseen circumstances occurring after a student's enrollment in F-1 status for at least one full academic year. These circumstances may include:

1.  A loss of financial support without fault on the part of the student

2.  Substantial fluctuations in the value of currency or exchange rate

3. Inordinate increase in tuition and/or living cost

4. Unexpected changes in the financial condition of the student's source of support, medical bills, or other substantial and unexpected expenses. 

*Employment due to economic hardship is usually granted in 12 month increment. This does not impact eligibility for OPT.*

If this is something you believe you are eligible for, please contact the CGE at our email: cge@simmons.edu.