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Checklist for Students to Maintain F-1 Status

Students holding an F-1 visa must do the following to maintain status:

  • Have a valid, unexpired passport
  • Attend the school that you are authorized to attend
  • Pursue a full course of study
  • Make normal progress towards completing a course of study
  • You must have permission prior to engaging in any kind of employment, practical training, or internships
  • Have a valid SEVIS I-20 and apply for timely extensions
  • Follow school transfer procedures

How to Print Your I-94 Card

Print your I-94 card.

Employment Options

International students that have an F-1 status are eligible to work only when you have special permission. Working without permission is a violation of F-1 visa regulations and can end your stay in the United States. 

The following are a list of work options for F-1 visa students and the permission required:

On Campus

On campus employment is any job located on the MiraCosta College. Examples of on-campus employment are: library assistant, academic tutor, computer lab assistant, student worker at the International Office, clerk at the bookstore and worker at the cafeteria.

Approval to work as an F-1 student

  • Maintain your full-time student status F-1 student status and have a valid I-20 form
  • Work no more than 19.5 hours during academic semesters or up to 40 hours during school breaks
  • Last day of authorized on-campus employment is the graduation day

Here are the steps to follow to find an on-campus job:

  • Go to JAIN and look for a job.  All campus jobs are listed in JAIN. 
  • Once you receive a job offer, visit the International Office and request a letter to apply for a Social Security Number. You need your new supervisor to sign the letter to verify you have an on-campus job.
  • Complete the new employee paperwork required for each on-campus job in Workday. You will need to sign the On-campus Employment Agreement Form at the International Office in order to complete the onboarding/hiring process in Workday.

Off Campus

Any employment outside of MiraCosta College requires special permission. This permission can take up to 90 days (3 months) to receive. There are 3 kinds of employment permission you can request:

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Students with an academic major that requires an Internship class or Work Experience class can receive permission to work off-campus to meet the requirements for their major.

Approval to work as an F-1 student

  • Must have been an F-1 student for at least one academic year
  • Your educational plan must include Occupational Work Experience or Internship as a course meeting a degree requirement
  • Must enroll and receive a grade for a Occupational Work Experience or an Internship class during the semester that you are allowed to work
  • CPT is granted for a specific job title, a specific company and for only one semester at a time.
  • Must complete Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Form and have your I-20 form approved for CPT by the International Office before you begin working.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

F-1 students are allowed to ask the U.S. government for permission to work in a job related to your academic major at MiraCosta. You are allowed to request a total of 12 months of training. You can apply for part-time working permission while you attend school, or you can apply for 12 months of full-time working permission that begins after you complete a Certificate of Achievement or Associates Degree at MiraCosta College.

Approval to work as an F-1 student

  • Must have been in a student status for at least one academic year
  • Must file application to the Department of Homeland Security (will take up to 90 days to receive permission after filing an application)
  • Can apply for part-time OPT (no more than 20 hours per week) while attending school or full-time after graduation.
  • Must apply for all OPT permission BEFORE you complete your degree or certificate
  • Can only work in a job directly related to your academic major

Economic Hardship

Students with a significant financial crisis during their academic studies can request special permission to work off-campus. An example of a financial crisis includes a significant devaluation of their home currency or an unexpected emergency with a sponsor. A student must provide proof of the financial crisis but must be able to show that they have some financial support to remain in the United States.

Approval to work as an F-1 student

  • Must have been in a student status for at least one academic year
  • Must provide proof of their financial crisis
  • Must file application to the Department of Homeland Security (will take up to 90 days to receive permission after filing an application)

Student interested in working outside campus on economic hardship must document to the USCIS reasons why you qualify for economic hardship. The student needs to apply at least 60 days in advance and can not work for more than 19.5 hours a week while school is in session.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find a job at MiraCosta College?

On-Campus job listings are available at JAIN, however students will still need to contact the Career Center for a referral to the particular department for interview. To find out more about on-campus work options, contact the Career Center on the Oceanside campus, building 3700 at 760.795.6772 or email careers@miracosta.edu.

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?

Yes. If the internship involves no form of compensation and is truly voluntary, you may volunteer without having to do any paperwork with the Department of Homeland Security. If, however, the internship provides a stipend or any compensation, students must obtain permission for practical training prior to starting their internship.

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.

Transportation

How can you take public transportation from the Los Angeles airport to Oceanside?

  1. Take the Flyaway bus from the airport to the Los Angeles Union Station. This will cost you $9.75. For more information go to http://www.lawa.org/flyaway
  2. Once you are at the Union Station, you need to take the Orange County Line of the Metrolink train. This train will take you directly to the Transit Center in Oceanside. This will cost you $14.50 one way. See the Metrolink Website for more information.
  3. Public transportation is limited in San Diego and below we have listed some modes of transportation that you may use while living in California.

Bus System

Bus is another mode of transportation used by many of our students. The North County Transit has two bus lines that come to our campuses. Bus #302 arrives in Oceanside and there is not a bus currently going to San Elijo campus. You may purchase monthly passes and pick up schedules at the cashier’s office at MiraCosta College. For more information on the routes and fares you may visit the The North County Transit website.

The Coaster

The Coaster is an option for students that want to travel from downtown San Diego to Oceanside. The coaster is a commuter train and monthly passes are available. For more information on the schedule and fares you may call toll free 800.262.7837 or visit their website.

Amtrak

The AMTRAK train is available to students that want to do some sightseeing while living in California. AMTRAK fares depend on the time of year, your destination, how far in advance you order your tickets, and whether you want coach or sleeper space.

For more information on San Diego commute you may visit: http://www.sdcommute.com

Bicycling

Bicycling is used by some of our students as the most economical way to get around the MiraCosta College campus. If you plan to ride a bicycle you should be aware of some safety procedures:

  • A helmet is strongly recommended. A helmet is mandatory if you are under 18 years of age.
  • Reflective clothing is crucial if you are riding at night, as well as a headlight, rear light and reflector.
  • Bicyclists must comply with the same traffic regulations as motorists, so you need to obtain a copy of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handbook.

Automobile

The easiest but not the cheapest way to move around is to purchase an automobile. A reliable used car costs at least $2,500. Additional costs having a car are the mandatory insurance as well as necessary repairs.

Driver's License

In order to drive in the U.S., all international students must obtain a California Driving License even if you have a valid international license. Prior to receiving a license the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will require:

  • Your passport, I-20 and a valid I-94 card.
  • A written test as well as driving test.
  • A letter verifying your CA residency status (visit the International Office to request your letter)

After you have completed this process, a temporary license will be issued until a confirmation on your status is received by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). The actual driving license will be mailed to you as soon as this confirmation is received, and this process may take as long as 9 months.

For more information, please visit the DMV Web site.

Car insurance

If you purchase a car in California you must purchase insurance as well. Most insurance companies do require driving records for the past three years so it is advisable that you bring your driving records. In order for you to receive the cheapest insurance rate, you will need to "shop" (call or search through internet for the cheapest rate).

For information on California car insurance, please review the following sites:

Rent a Car

Renting a car is an option for students that want to do some sightseeing and travel to places such as Disneyland, Universal Studios, Magic Mountain, and Sea World. If you consider renting a car, you need to know that most car rental companies require that you must be over 25 years of age, have a valid driving license, and a credit card. Below are listed some car rental web sites: