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Employment Options

International students that have an F-1 status are eligible to work only with permission from the International Education Office. KNOW ALL REQUIREMENTS before starting!  Working without permission is a violation of F-1 visa and can end your stay in the United States. To know more information about employment in the U.S. as an F-1 student, visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website.

On Campus

On campus employment is any job located on the Palomar Campus serving the college community. Examples of on-campus employment are: library assistant, academic tutor, computer lab assistant, clerk at the bookstore and worker at the cafeteria.

On campus work requires:

  • Continuous full-time class enrollment and attendance.
  • Work no more than 19.5 hours during academic semesters or up to 40 hours during school breaks.
  • F-1 students cannot work on campus after graduating or transferring to another school. 

Palomar students can find on-campus jobs on the Student Employment website

  • F-1 students do not qualify for Federal Work-Study jobs that require U.S. support financial aid.

Off Campus

Any employment outside of Palomar College requires special permission and a minimum of 1 year of full-time study before applying.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

  • Must have been a full-time student for one academic year and in F-1 status.
  • Your educational plan must include a cooperative education course CE 100.
  • Must enroll for a cooperative education course in your major and remain enrolled for duration of semester.
  • Permission is provided by the International Office for a specific job title, a specific company, location and only during the time of the assigned course. 

Optional Practical Training (OPT) https://www.palomar.edu/internationalstudents/optional-practical-training-opt-information/

  • Must have been a full-time student for one academic year and in F-1 status.
  • All work experience must be directly related to your academic major. 
  • Can apply for part-time OPT while attending full-time; or full-time OPT after graduating.
  • Must first receive a recommendation and updated SEVIS I-20 from International Education Office.
  • Student applies to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for OPT permission.
  • Watch presentation (OPT.PDF).
  • Be aware that Palomar students are eligible for a maximum of 12 units of OPT.  OPT STEM extensions requires a completion of a bachelor’s degree of higher. 

Severe Economic Hardship

  • Must have been in a student status for at least one academic year.
  • Must provide proof of severe and unexpected financial crisis from sponsor.
  • Must first receive a recommendation from the International Education Office.
  • Students sends request for working permission to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
  • If approved, student can work part-time during academic semester; full-time during vacation dates. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find a job at Palomar College?

On-Campus jobs are limited.  Palomar students can find on-campus jobs on the Student Employment website.  Contact departments directly to learn about jobs opportunities.   

If I am paid in cash, can I work at a local restaurant or help a friend?

No. An international student must receive permission to accept any kind of employment. Employment is considered anytime you receive money or compensation. It is illegal to work without permission and it can end your stay in the United States.

Can I volunteer as an unpaid intern with a company or employer?Labor law defines volunteering as a person performing hours of services for a public agency for civic, charitable, or humanitarian reasons.  Students may not volunteer for for-profit private employers. Follow the guidelines for curricular practical training or optional practical training to participate in paid or unpaid internships.