Employment

The primary purpose of a student visa is to be a student. Because it is not a work visa, opportunities to work are limited. Also, UH Hilo students are not guaranteed a job on campus. However, if you want to work, you are allowed to work on-campus. The maximum number of hours you can work is 20 hours per week. During break periods and summer, however, you are allowed to work up to 40 hours per week. You can only work off-campus in very limited situations. You will need permission from the Director of International Student Services to work off-campus. For students on F-1 visas, one of the benefits you have is the opportunity to remain in and work in the U.S. for one year after you graduate to gain experience related to your field of study.

Students from the Compact of Free Association nations are allowed to work off-campus; you do not need to obtain permission from the Director of International Student Services to work off-campus if you are from Palau, the Marshall Islands or the Federated States of Micronesia.