Dear St. Olaf Faculty and Staff,
As summer approaches, many international students are exploring possibilities for employment both on and off-campus. In this communication, the term ‘international student’ is defined as a student studying at St. Olaf on an F-1 or J-1 student visa. Please read the following international student employment guidelines based on U.S. immigration regulations. If you have further questions after reading this guide, please contact me or encourage the student to visit the Taylor Center for more information. Thank you!
Summer Employment—On and Off-Campus
Every St. Olaf international student is eligible for on-campus employment, up to 20 hours per week during the school year, and full-time during designated school breaks. International exchange students who are here for one year, and graduating international students are only authorized to work at St. Olaf until the last day of their final exams.
If an international student is returning to St. Olaf in the fall, they are authorized to work full-time for any on-campus employer that services students over the summer. This includes organizations like Bon Appetit and the Bookstore which normally hire students during the year to work on-campus. Summer research at St. Olaf is also considered on-campus employment.
Graduating seniors and returning students are eligible to engage in off-campus employment but MUST first apply for and receive authorization from the United States government system. Please direct all students who would like to intern, do research, or work off-campus to visit the Taylor Center to process their employment authorization paperwork.
Unauthorized Employment—Paid and Unpaid
International students should not be offered employment, even unofficially, in activities such as tutoring, babysitting, lawn care, playing music for a local church, working at any restaurant or retailer, etc. Even volunteer opportunities can be complicated for international students. According to U.S. labor laws, there is more to distinguish between employees and volunteers than whether an individual receives payment. Please direct all international students who wish to engage with the community off-campus to the Taylor Center.
Thank you for your help in protecting our international students’ future employment opportunities in the United States by working within these immigration regulations.
Assistant Director of International Student Compliance
Email: lamont3@stolaf.edu