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 Illinois

Minimum wage and tips in Illinois

  • Minimum:$15/hr
  • Tips:$9/h (subminimum)
  • Paid family leave: No statewide programs (federal unpaid FMLA only)
  • Maximum weekly unemployment: approximately $599 (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.

Work laws only in Illinois

  • At will: at-will
  • Non-competes: restricted under Freedom to Work Act
  • 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 Illinois 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

Phone snatching

Su CTA rush hour — telefono in tasca frontale.

Quick reference

Chicago sicurezza dipende da quartiere; non stereotipare tutta la città. Tornado interior possibili. Diritti lavoratori solidi.

  • 911
  • Chicago 311
  • Tornado sirens downstate
  • Campus alert Rave

Practical safety

Pratica

Usa buddy system weekend nightlife River North.

  • CTA: non dormire fine linea
  • UIUC: Green Street lighting ok
  • Winter ice su sidewalks

Meteo

Kit casa: pala neve rare in Chicago apt ma scaldabollo e coperte.

  • Blizzard
  • Tornado
  • Heat wave estate

Rights and actions

Azioni

State-specific rule
  • Illinois DOL
  • Chicago FHOP
  • Small claims fino a 10.000 $

Emergencies

Numeri

  • 911
  • 988
  • Campus police

Ranked 35 of 50 for minimum wage

Ranked 40 of 50 for max unemployment

State-specific data for Illinois: 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$15/hr ⚠️
Tipped subminimum$9/hr ⚠️
At-will employmentat-will
Non-compete agreementsrestricted under Freedom to Work Act
Paid family leaveNessun programma statewide (solo FMLA federale non retribuito)
OSHA coverageFederal OSHA (regioni DOL)
Max weekly unemployment$599 ⚠️

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.