Work legally in California

In California the cost of living is among the highest in the USA (MERIC index approximately 152). Campuses like Berkeley or UCLA attract students from all over the world: rent and deposits must be planned months in advance.

Minimum Wage and Tips in California

  • Minimum:$16.9/h
  • Tips: Same full minimum — no tip credit at the low federal level
  • Paid family leave: Active state paid leave program
  • Maximum weekly unemployment: about $450 (if you qualify — F-1 usually doesn’t)

CPT and OPT: practice sequence

  1. See DSO: CPT eligibility (usually after 1 academic year, linked to curriculum).
  2. Job offer consistent with the major; letter dated for SEVIS.
  3. Update I-20 with CPT endorsement before starting.
  4. For OPT: request 90 days in advance, USCIS fee, waiting for EAD card.
  5. Store every pay stub; verifies federal and state withholdings.

California’s only job laws

  • At will: at-will with public-policy exceptions
  • Non-competes: void (Business & Professions Code §16600)
  • OSHA: State Plan OSHA (state-managed inspection)

On-campus vs. off-campus

  • On-campus— Up to 20 hours/week per term; CPT is not needed in many cases (check DSO policy).
  • Off-campus CPT— Must be integral to the program; part-time hours in session.
  • OPT / STEM OPT— After completion or during thesis in some cases; limited unemployment days.

Payroll taxes

In California you will have state withholdings in addition to federal; uses W-4 forms and state equivalent.

Mistakes that cost your status

  • Work before CPT/OPT approval.
  • Exceeding permitted hours or working for an unauthorized employer.
  • Do not report job loss to the DSO during OPT (unemployment days).
  • Accept “cash” work below minimum without documentation.

Tech jobs and internships in California

  • Silicon Valley: many CPT internships in tech — high salaries but very high cost of living.
  • Non-competes prohibited— more freedom between offers after graduation (with new work visa).
  • California Paid Family Leave: useful if you remain in the USA after studying with another status.

STEM OPT and grace period

  • 24-month extension for USCIS-listed STEM majors — verify course CIP code.
  • Report employment every 6 months on myUSCIS during STEM OPT.
  • 90 cumulative days of unemployment during standard OPT; 150 during STEM (check current rules).

Typical on-campus jobs

  • Dining, library, recreation, research assistant (often linked to major).
  • Minimum hourly payout $16.9 — check pay stub.
Scam housing and work

No serious landlord only asks for wire transfer; no jobs ask for upfront payment.

Quick reference

Security varies greatly by neighborhood; campuses have dedicated police. Federal workers' rights and anti-discrimination + often more protective CA laws. Earthquake and fire preparation.

  • 911 emergencies
  • Earthquake + wildfire prep recommended
  • Small claims up to $12,500 in CA
  • Tenant/labor: DLSE + local housing

Practical safety

Campus and night

Blue light, escort night shuttle on many campuses; in LA avoid walking alone at night in high crime areas.

  • Uber/Lyft after parties
  • Do not leave objects visible in your car

Natural disasters

Water kit, copy documents, evacuation plan; follow alert county.

  • Earthquakes
  • Fires
  • Local floods

Rights and actions

If something goes wrong

Federal + state
  • Work: California DLSE
  • Discrimination: DFEH / federal EEOC
  • Rent: local tenant union + small claims
  • Immigration: accredited immigration attorney only

Emergencies

Numbers and resources

Federal rule — same in all states
  • 911
  • 988 crisis
  • Campus police (save to address book)
  • FEMA alerts

Ranked 48 of 50 for minimum wage

Ranked 22 of 50 for max unemployment

State-specific data for California: Work

Data verified: 2026-03

Federal rule — same in all states

Regola federale — CPT/OPT/STEM OPT: stesse regole USCIS in tutti gli stati; rispetta anche leggi salariali locali

Minimum wage$16.9/hr ⚠️
Tipped subminimumNo — full minimum wage required ⚠️
At-will employmentat-will with public-policy exceptions
Non-compete agreementsvoid (Business & Professions Code §16600)
Paid family leaveProgramma statale di congedo retribuito attivo
OSHA coverageState Plan OSHA (ispezione gestita dallo stato)
Max weekly unemployment$450 ⚠️

Sources: DOL · DOL state labor

Official U.S. sources

Informational summary only—always read the latest official pages. Not legal, tax, or medical advice.

Immigration status, student employment, work authorization

Rules for F/M/J students, CPT/OPT, and Form I-765 are published by USCIS. Confirm the current page before starting any work.

Work, wages, and international taxation

Minimum wage and overtime: DOL topics. International taxpayer obligations and resources: IRS international taxpayers hub.