Skip to main content
International Students & Programs Office ISPO
  1. ISPO
  2. NEWS & UPDATES
  3. Coronavirus Information
  4. Employment Eligibility FAQs

 EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY FAQS

 

On-Campus Employment 

I am employed on campus. Can I work remotely?

LAST UPDATE/REVIEW: AUGUST 2023

F-1 Students: UC San Diego F-1 students who are enrolled at UC San Diego and are eligible for on-campus employment may work remotely.

J-1 Students: Under current Department of State guidance released on July 10, 2023, UC San Diego J-1 students who are enrolled at UC San Diego are eligible to work on a limited hybrid schedule with "on-campus employment". However, they may not work remotely (from a residential address) for their employer/organizations for more than 40% per week (e.g., no more than two days out of a five-day work week).

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS IN INSTRUCTIONAL OR INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT ROLES: While students in instructional roles (e.g., a TA) may be permitted to serve in this type of role in hybrid capacities (still within the U.S.), they may not do so internationally. Please discuss your plans with your graduate coordinator if you have an instructional role but plan to work internationally.

Employment After Graduation for F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT)

I am planning to graduate this term. How will my enrollment in the in this present term impact my eligibility to apply for post-completion employment authorization?

LAST UPDATE/REVIEW: AUGUST 2023
If you intend to apply for post completion work authorization (F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) or J-1 Academic Training (AT), be advised that students must apply while they are physically present within the U.S.

Can I apply for OPT outside the U.S.?

LAST UPDATE/REVIEW: AUGUST 2023
No. You must be physically present in the U.S. at the time you apply for OPT. ISPO strongly recommends that students not travel outside of the U.S. while OPT is pending with USCIS. If you must travel outside of the U.S. while your OPT Application is pending with USCIS, you must have your I-797 receipt and/or EAD card with you when you return to the U.S.

J-1 Off-Campus Employment through J-1 Academic Training (AT)

Can I work remotely while on Academic Training (AT)?

LAST UPDATE/REVIEW: AUGUST 2023
Due to updated Department of State guidance released in June of 2023, J-1 students on Academic Training may not work remotely (from a residential address) for their employer/organizations for more than 40% per week (e.g., no more than two days out of a five-day work week).

IMPORTANT NOTE: J-1 students in active status with a start date of June 30, 2023 or prior on their DS-2019 have until December 31, 2023 to adhere to the above regulations.

Can I apply for J-1 post-completion Academic Training (AT) from abroad?

LAST UPDATE/REVIEW: AUGUST 2023

If you intend to apply for post completion work authorization (J-1 Academic Training (AT)), be advised that students must apply while they are physically present within the U.S.

Other Employment Related Questions 

Can I receive unemployment benefits?

LAST UPDATE/REVIEW: AUGUST 2023
Unemployment payments come from government sources and may be considered a category not allowed for nonimmigrants to receive. If you are laid off or furloughed and eligible for unemployment, we strongly advise you to consult with a qualified immigration attorney before receiving unemployment benefits. If you do receive unemployment payments, it could affect your ability to receive visas or benefits related to your visa status in the future, including permanent residency.