Work and taxes in New York

Work legally in New York

New York combines the most expensive rental market in the country (Manhattan often over $3,800/month for a studio apartment) with excellent public transportation. Outside of NYC, many SUNY campuses have more manageable costs.

Minimum wage and tips in New York

• Minimum:$16/hr
• Tips:$10/h (subminimum)
• Paid family leave: Active state paid leave program
• Maximum weekly unemployment: approximately $504 (if you qualify — F-1 usually doesn’t)

CPT and OPT: practice sequence

Read New York’s only job

• At will: at-will
• Non-competes: restricted for workers under $250k
• 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 New York 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.

Finance/media and law internship NY

• Non-competes restricted above salary threshold - read offer text.
• NYC Minimum Wage Often Higher than Rest of State — ⚠️ Check Area.
• Unpaid internship: legal risk — prefer documented paid CPT.

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 $16 — check pay stub.