Lori Meadows
International students in the United States on an F-1 visa are allowed to work on campus, but there are strict rules and eligibility requirements. Students must have active F-1 status and can only work a maximum of 20 hours per week during the school term. They may work full-time during periods when school is not in session. To be eligible for on-campus employment, students must apply to their Designated School Official (DSO) and obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). Off-campus employment is also an option for F-1 students, but only after completing an academic year and meeting eligibility requirements. So, while international students can have multiple jobs on campus, they must adhere to the regulations and ensure their DSO is informed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | F-1 (Academic Student) |
| Work eligibility | Must be enrolled full-time |
| On-campus work | Allowed up to 20 hours per week during the school term |
| On-campus work hours | Up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session |
| Off-campus work | Not allowed in the first academic year |
| Off-campus work eligibility | Must be related to the area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) |
| Social Security Number | Required for all students who wish to work |
| Severe Economic Hardship Employment | Available to students who have completed one academic year and proven economic hardship |
| Curricular Practical Training | Employment that trains students in their field of study |
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What You'll Learn
On-campus work rules for F-1 visa holders
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are permitted to work in certain on-campus jobs. F-1 visa holders are allowed to work on their home campuses while studying, and can begin working up to 30 days before the start date of their I-20. Students may only work on campus while they maintain their status, and a valid I-20 document serves as proof of work eligibility.
On-campus employment is defined as work that takes place at the student's school or at an educationally affiliated off-campus location. Work at an educationally affiliated off-campus location must be related to the school's curriculum or a contractually funded research project at the postgraduate level. On-campus jobs can include work for on-location commercial firms that provide services for students, such as a school bookstore or cafeteria. However, F-1 students cannot work for a company that contracts with the school for reasons other than student services, such as a construction company building a school building.
There are several restrictions and guidelines for on-campus employment for F-1 visa holders. Students may work up to 20 hours per week during school terms and full-time during holidays and vacation periods, provided they intend to register for the next academic semester. Any on-campus employment must not displace a US citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR). F-1 visa holders must also report their work and receive a certification letter to present to the Social Security Administration to obtain a Social Security number.
F-1 visa holders can continue on-campus employment if they finish one program and start another at the same campus, provided they plan to enrol in the new program for the next term. Additionally, F-1 students may be able to work off-campus in Optional Practical Training (OPT) status during and after their degree, but this requires prior authorisation from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the school's International Student Office.
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Off-campus work rules for F-1 visa holders
International students on an F-1 visa are permitted to work off-campus, but they must follow strict rules and regulations outlined by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and their school's international student office. These regulations ensure that off-campus employment does not become a primary source of financial support and that it complements, rather than takes the place of, their academic programme. Here are the key rules that F-1 visa holders must abide by regarding off-campus work:
Eligibility: To be eligible for off-campus work, F-1 students must have maintained their visa status for one full academic year. This means completing at least two semesters or three quarters, depending on their university's system. Only after completing this initial year can they apply for off-campus employment authorisation.
Economic Necessity: Off-campus employment must be due to severe economic hardship beyond the student's control. This could include unexpected financial difficulties like a significant currency devaluation, loss of financial aid or sponsorship, medical bills, or substantial increases in tuition or living costs. The student must provide evidence and obtain a recommendation from their Designated School Official (DSO) supporting this claim.
Employment Authorisation Document (EAD): F-1 students eligible for off-campus work due to economic hardship must apply for an EAD from USCIS. The DSO must first update their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record, and then the student can submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorisation, with the required fee. The EAD will specify the dates and conditions under which the student is authorised to work.
Work Hours and Impact on Studies: Off-campus employment for F-1 visa holders is part-time during the school year, allowing up to 20 hours of work per week. However, during vacation periods, they may work more than 20 hours as long as they intend to return to school. The key consideration is that off-campus work should not interfere with their ability to maintain a full course of study. F-1 students must still make normal progress towards completing their degree and maintain good academic standing.
Valid F-1 Status: To remain eligible for off-campus work, students must maintain their F-1 status. This includes enrolling in a full-time course of study, only working in authorised employment, and following the rules for maintaining status, such as not exceeding unauthorised absences and obtaining proper authorisation for any changes to their programme of study.
Reporting Requirements: F-1 students with off-campus work authorisation must keep their DSO informed of their employment details. They should report any changes in their employment, such as a new job or a change in work location or hours, within 10 days of those changes. This reporting is crucial for maintaining their visa status and ensuring that their DSO can provide accurate advice and support.
It is important to note that the above rules are general guidelines, and specific situations may have unique considerations. F-1 visa holders should always consult their school's international student office and seek advice from a qualified advisor before starting any off-campus employment to ensure they fully understand the regulations and maintain their visa status.
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Social Security Number requirements
International students with F-1 visas may apply for on-campus employment up to 30 days before the start of classes. To apply, they must talk to their Designated School Official (DSO), who will provide a letter of approval. Students must then take this letter and a letter of approval from their employer to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).
In general, only non-citizens with permission from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to work can apply for an SSN. To apply for an SSN, students must have evidence of authorized on-campus or authorized off-campus employment. They must also have valid J-1 employment, including on-campus employment, unforeseen economic hardship employment, or J-1 Academic Training.
Students can apply for an SSN by visiting a Social Security Office or Social Security Card Center. They will need to bring several documents with them, including:
- A Social Security Letter Request or a letter from their department confirming their employment
- An employment offer letter from their department/hiring office
- An I-94 card, or a copy of their J-1 admission stamp and a printout of their electronic I-94 information
- Documentation for employment authorization from their ISS adviser or sponsoring agency
It is important to note that students cannot begin working while their Form I-765 is pending with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). They must also wait 2-3 weeks after arriving in the US to apply for an SSN, and they can expect to receive their number and card after 2-4 weeks, once all their immigration information has been verified.
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Severe Economic Hardship Employment
International students on an F-1 visa may be eligible for Severe Economic Hardship Employment if they can demonstrate that they are suffering from severe economic hardship due to unforeseen changes in their financial circumstances. This could include the loss of financial support or on-campus employment, substantial fluctuations in the value of currency or exchange rates, unexpected increases in tuition or living costs, or excessive medical bills. To be eligible, students must be in good academic standing and have completed at least one academic year of full-time study. They must also be able to maintain full-time enrollment and make normal progress toward their degree while working off-campus.
To apply for Severe Economic Hardship Employment, students must obtain a new Form I-20 with a specific recommendation for the authorization. They must first meet with an immigration advisor to discuss their situation and interest in applying, after which they will receive a link to the Severe Economic Hardship eForm to request the I-20. The application process is complex and can take 4-6 months, and approval is not guaranteed. If approved, students will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card, which allows them to work off-campus for any employer for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session. During official school breaks and the summer vacation semester, students can work more than 20 hours per week.
It is important to note that F-1 students must talk to their Designated School Official (DSO) before changing jobs or beginning any off-campus employment. The DSO will ensure that the new position qualifies as on-campus employment and that the correct employment information is recorded in the student's SEVIS record. The DSO must also provide a letter of approval, which is required to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). Failure to obtain permission for off-campus employment may result in termination of the student's SEVIS record and immediate departure from the United States.
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Curricular Practical Training
International students on F-1 visas can use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) to gain temporary work authorisation in the US during their academic program. CPT is defined as employment that is an integral part of an established curriculum, including internships, cooperative education, and other types of required practicums. CPT is exclusively for F-1 visa holders and allows them to work off-campus after completing one year of full-time study.
To be eligible for CPT, students must have completed at least one full academic year, have a valid job or internship offer, and the work must be related to their field of study. It is important to note that CPT is tied to a specific employer and job with a set duration. Students must also maintain full-time enrollment during CPT, which means limiting CPT during the academic year to local jobs or working remotely on a part-time basis.
CPT can be a great option for international students to gain work experience during their degree program and save Optional Practical Training (OPT) for after graduation, extending their time in the US on their F-1 visa. However, students should be aware that if they use 12 months of full-time CPT, they will no longer be eligible for post-completion OPT.
The process of applying for CPT involves taking a CPT Certification Course and obtaining a Detailed Training Description from the employer. Students must then meet with their Academic or Faculty Advisor to discuss their CPT plans and ensure the training is integral to their curriculum. The advisor may recommend CPT by completing a form, and the student can submit their application with the required documents to their university's international office.
Overall, CPT provides international students with a valuable opportunity to gain work experience related to their field of study while studying in the US on an F-1 visa.
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Frequently asked questions
International students with an F-1 visa and valid status can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during classes and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session.
International students must have been enrolled for at least one academic year and have an active F-1 student status. They must also apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).
Yes, international students can work multiple jobs on campus as long as their total work hours do not exceed 20 hours per week during the school term.
Yes, the job must be physically located on the school's campus or with an educationally affiliated organisation. The job must be for the school or a company that contracts with the school to serve students directly.
F-1 students can work off-campus in limited circumstances, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Severe Economic Hardship Employment. Off-campus employment must be related to their area of study and authorised by the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS.
