Can you work with an F1 visa?

Question

Can you work with an F1 visa?

Answer 1

europeaninla mentioned two ways. a third is to prove economic necessity to your international student office, which will issue you a recommendation for USCIS, which will give you a permission to work off campus.

you must prove change of economic conditions since you started your schooling to get that letter. good luck!

Answer 2

yes to some extent.

A student visa allows you to work up to 20 hours/per week on campus (meaning work that is done primarly by students). Work can be done physically outside the campus but it must be part of the training (like an internship).

If you can proof economic hardship USCIS may allow you to work a regular job (only in your second year). Your spouse is not allowed to work.