This information is for general orientation only and does not constitute legal, tax or medical advice. Always verify with the official sources cited.
Work legally in Delaware
Minimum Wage and Tips in Delaware
- Minimum:$15/hr
- Tips:$2.23/h (subminimum)
- 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
- See DSO: CPT eligibility (usually after 1 academic year, linked to curriculum).
- Job offer consistent with the major; letter dated for SEVIS.
- Update I-20 with CPT endorsement before starting.
- For OPT: request 90 days in advance, USCIS fee, waiting for EAD card.
- Store every pay stub; verifies federal and state withholdings.
Delaware’s only employment laws
- At will: at-will
- Non-competes: enforceable
- 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 Delaware 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 payment $15 — check pay stub.
Sources
Tenant/labor: documents emails and photos; not threats — use official DOL or housing channels.
Quick reference
Safety and Rights in Delaware: At-will. Risks: Hurricanes (June–November season).
Practical safety
Campus and travel
Without a car, daily activities become complicated off campus.
Weather risks
Sign up for county/university alerts; recommended water and torch kit.
- Hurricanes (June–November season)
Rights and actions
If something goes wrong
Campus work
Federal Rule — CPT/OPT/STEM OPT: Same USCIS rules in all states; also respects local wage laws
Emergencies
Numbers and resources
Ranked 34 of 50 for minimum wage
Ranked 23 of 50 for max unemployment
State-specific data for Delaware: Work
Data verified: 2026-03
Regola federale — CPT/OPT/STEM OPT: stesse regole USCIS in tutti gli stati; rispetta anche leggi salariali locali
| Minimum wage | $15/hr ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| Tipped subminimum | $2.23/hr ⚠️ |
| At-will employment | at-will |
| Non-compete agreements | enforceable |
| Paid family leave | Programma statale di congedo retribuito attivo |
| OSHA coverage | Federal OSHA (regioni DOL) |
| 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.
Rules for F/M/J students, CPT/OPT, and Form I-765 are published by USCIS. Confirm the current page before starting any work.
Minimum wage and overtime: DOL topics. International taxpayer obligations and resources: IRS international taxpayers hub.