Work and taxes in Connecticut

Work legally in Connecticut

Minimum Wage and Tips in Connecticut

• Minimum:$16.94/h
• Tips:$6.59/h (subminimum)
• Paid family leave: Active state paid leave program
• Maximum weekly unemployment: approximately $728 (if you qualify — F-1 usually doesn’t)

CPT and OPT: practice sequence

Read jobs only in Connecticut

• At will: at-will
• Non-competes: enforceable with limits
• OSHA: Federal OSHA (DOL regions)

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 Connecticut 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.

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 $16.94 — check pay stub.