Employment Opportunities

Although it is possible to earn enough money at an on-campus job to pay for housing and food if you live frugally, it is not possible to earn enough to pay for tuition, or to cover a family’s living expenses.

Many UI students hold on-campus jobs, and work opportunities are nearly always available. Most jobs pay about $7 per hour.

Student Employment Opportunities

Taxes
You may be taxed for income earned in the United States. Money is deducted each pay period from most employees' paychecks for federal and state income taxes. The amount of the deduction varies widely.

Eligibility
In very general terms, students in F-1 and J-1 status are permitted to work on campus 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semester and 40 hours per week during school breaks when classes are not in session. Students in J-1 status must first receive written permission from the Responsible Officer for their J-program to work on campus.

Off-campus employment is not permitted during your first academic year and allowed only under limited circumstances after the first year. It is not safe to assume that you will be able to find off-campus employment.