International Student Eligibility

Regulations Governing the Employment of International Students

It is the student's responsibility to comply with all Immigration regulations which apply to F-1 or J-1 students.

If you would like to study as a full-time student in the United States, you will need a student visa. There are two nonimmigrant visa categories for persons wishing to study in the United States.

You may enter in the F or J visa category provided you meet the following criteria:

• Enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program
• Your school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement
• Enrolled as a full-time student at the institution
• Proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency
• Sufficient funds available for self-support during the entire proposed course of study
• Maintain a residence abroad which you have no intention of giving up

For more information visit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

International students must not assume they are eligible to work. Working improperly or without authorization is a serious violation of status. Contact the international student advisor for Longwood before beginning any on-campus employment.

Curricular practical training allows F-1 students to accept paid alternative work/study employment, internships, cooperative education or any other type of required internship or practicum that employers offer through cooperative agreements with the student’s school. The training must be related to the student’s field of study. A student may begin curricular practical training after the designated school official has completed Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Students Status, endorsement page. The designated school official-endorsed Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for F-1 Students Status together with the student’s Form I-94/94A indicating F-1 nonimmigrant status is evidence of employment authorization.

More information regarding F and J type visa can be found at the Global Engagement website.

Payroll

In general, F-1 or J-1 students who have been in the U.S. less than five years, are exempt from Social Security (FICA) taxes. Earnings are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. If the student is from a treaty country (a country with which the United States has a tax treaty), Form 8233 should be completed. Students must check with the Payroll Office regarding withholding tax procedures.

Students must not assume they are eligible to work. Working improperly or without authorization is a serious violation of status. Contact the international student advisor for Longwood before beginning any on-campus employment. 

Equal Opportunity Employer

Longwood University, an agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia, is an equal-opportunity institution of higher learning. Consistent with Federal and State law, the University promotes equal opportunity for all prospective and current students and employees. The University will not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, political affiliation, military status, or disability status, except in relation to employment where a bonafide occupational qualification exists. Anyone with questions concerning access or accommodations should contact Accessibility Resources at (434)395-2391 (V); 800.828.1120 (TT Relay).