In some instances, if there is a location that is affiliated (a Memorandum of Understanding exists) with the University of Maryland, College Park, on campus employment at an off-campus location work authorization may be used.

To determine whether an off-campus location is educationally affiliated with UMCP, USCIS looks to see whether the affiliation is associated with the University's established curriculum or related to contractually funded research projects at the post-graduate level. In this case, the employment must be directly related to the student's educational program. If you have questions about whether a position is considered on- or off-campus, please contact ISSS so that we may help determine this for you.

If there is an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) between the University of Maryland and another entity, it may be possible to pursue this opportunity.

If this work is at NIH (National Institutes of Health):

1. All work at NIH for non-immigrants must have an approval letter from NIH Division of International Services.  We need this letter before we move forward with any approval on our end.  The Division of Intentional Services will be checking that a valid MOU exists if this is a GPP student.  After the first period of approval, if this opportunity is renewed, an email will be provided from the Division of International Services.
2. The Division that the student is working for (ICR/CCR/NINDS...) needs to provide a detailed letter with all the requirements we need on an employment letter:  dates, hours, supervisor location stipend... (Work can't exceed  20 hours per week during the semester).  
3. The Academic department where the student is housed will also write a letter.  This letter should indicate if a waiver of tuition will be provided during this time as well as confirmation that the student is working at NIH as part of their research, the division etc.  

*If this is not a commonly used program at the NIH, we may request a copy of the valid MOU.

If this work is at another entity:

1. Copy of the valid MOU
2. Letter on letterhead from Human Resources or Supervisor at other entity outlining the dates, hours, supervisor, location, brief statement of position duties, stipend… (work can’t exceed 20 hours per week during the semester
3. The Academic department where the student is housed will also write a letter.  This letter should indicate if a waiver of tuition will be provided during this time as well as confirmation that the student is working at the entity as part of their research, the division etc.  

After these documents are in order, please make an appointment with an ISSS advisor and bring all documents printed out to the appointment.  We will review your documentation, and if appropriate write a letter confirming the permission to pursue on-campus employment at an off-campus location.