F-1 work rules: ICE ended 4,700+ SEVIS records; Indian students hit hard
ICE terminated over 4,700 SEVIS records in the 2025–26 enforcement wave. Indian students made up roughly 50% of those terminations, while the Ministry of External Affairs reported 3,52,644 Indian students enrolled in US institutions in February 2026 .
F-1 work rules: Key permissions and limits
You can work on an F-1 visa — but only inside strict rules. On-campus work is allowed by default up to 20 hours/week during the semester and full-time during official breaks.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) require prior authorisation. CPT must be authorised by your DSO before you start. OPT needs a USCIS-issued EAD card; you cannot begin work until the EAD arrives.
Economic hardship work is possible only after one academic year and with USCIS approval. Starting any off-campus job before written authorisation is counted as unauthorised employment and a status violation.
| Work type | Permitted? | Hours allowed | Authorisation needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus employment | Yes | Up to 20 hrs/week during semester | No (permitted under F-1) |
| CPT (curricular internship) | Yes | Part-time or full-time as authorised | DSO authorisation before start |
| OPT (post-degree) | Yes | Full-time | USCIS EAD before start (12 months; STEM OPT 36 months ) |
| Off-campus work (non‑degree) | No | 0 | Prohibited |
| Economic hardship work | Only with USCIS approval | Up to 20 hrs/week during semester | USCIS approval required |
F-1 work rules: Consequences and enforcement
Unauthorised off-campus work triggers immediate consequences. A proven instance leads to SEVIS termination, loss of F-1 status and visa revocation. Reinstatement is barred if unauthorised employment is proven.
After SEVIS termination, unlawful presence begins the same day. Accrual of 180+ days or 365+ days can trigger multi-year re-entry bars. ICE issued a broadcast in April 2025 reserving the right to re-terminate records, and the US Embassy in India issued a formal warning in January 2026 .
Tax records and employer checks are now enforcement triggers. Filing a W-2 from an unauthorised employer can prompt a SEVIS review and possible termination.
| Key dates | Event |
|---|---|
| Early 2025 | ICE SEVIS termination wave begins |
| Apr 2025 | ICE broadcast reserving right to re-terminate |
| Jan 2026 | US Embassy in India formal warning |
| Feb 2026 | Indian student enrolment data: 3,52,644 (MEA) |
| Apr 23, 2026 | Article updated |
Financial stakes and practical steps
Many students take off-campus jobs to cover living costs. Average rent near major university cities is about $1,200–$1,800/month . But a termination can wipe out an estimated $40,000–$60,000 degree investment.
If you are working off-campus without authorisation, stop immediately and seek legal advice. If you plan to work, exhaust on-campus options first and get written authorisation for CPT or your EAD for OPT. Do not start work while an application is pending.