International Graduate Students: Full-Time Work Options Explored

International students in the United States with an F-1 visa are permitted to 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. However, off-campus employment is highly restricted and generally requires prior authorization from the Designated School Official and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). To be eligible for off-campus work, F-1 students must meet specific criteria, such as demonstrating severe economic hardship or engaging in Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT allows students to gain practical experience related to their field of study, while OPT offers work authorization for up to one year before or after graduation. Understanding and adhering to immigration regulations are crucial for international students to maintain their F-1 status and avoid any adverse consequences, such as visa revocation.

On-campus work

International students often face restrictions on their ability to work during their studies. In the US, international students on an F-1 visa can work on-campus, but their total work hours across all jobs cannot exceed 20 hours per week during the school term. They may, however, work full-time during periods when school is not in session or during their annual break.

On-campus employment is available to F-1 students at qualifying jobs that do not displace US citizens or lawful permanent residents (LPRs). Examples of on-campus jobs include working at a school bookstore or other contractually-affiliated companies that provide services to students. F-1 students can continue working on-campus during their next program of study at the same school, provided they plan to enrol for the following term.

To maintain their visa status, F-1 students must report their on-campus work and receive a certification letter to present to the Social Security Administration to obtain a Social Security number. They should also ensure they do not displace US citizens or LPRs in their on-campus employment, as this could result in a violation of their visa status and require them to leave the country.

In Canada, international students can work off-campus without a work permit, but their total work hours cannot exceed 24 hours per week. They must be full-time students at a designated learning institution (DLI) and meet other requirements for working while studying. After completing their studies, international students in Canada may be able to work full-time if they have already applied for a work permit or post-graduation work permit before their study permit expired.

Off-campus work

International students in the United States have strict rules regarding working during their studies. Students with F-1 status cannot be employed off-campus without meeting eligibility requirements and obtaining official authorization.

F-1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year. After the first year, they may engage in three types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and Severe Economic Hardship Employment. CPT is a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to the student's field of study. OPT allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year before or after graduation. To be eligible for Severe Economic Hardship Employment, students must have completed at least one academic year and proven a severe economic hardship beyond their control that arose after obtaining F-1 status, with insufficient on-campus employment opportunities.

F-1 students may work for a company affiliated with their school, such as a bookstore, as it provides services to students. They may also work off-campus without a work permit if they are full-time students in their last semester, provided they don't need a full course load to complete their program and have been enrolled full-time until their last semester.

In Canada, international students can work off-campus without a work permit if they are full-time students at a designated learning institution (DLI) and meet certain conditions. They can work up to 24 hours per week during the school term and full-time during scheduled breaks, such as holidays or reading weeks. However, working more than 24 hours per week during the school term is a violation of their study permit conditions and may result in losing their student status.

F-1 Visa requirements

International students on an F-1 Visa must demonstrate English proficiency or be enrolled in courses that lead to English proficiency. Additionally, they must possess sufficient funds to cover their educational and living expenses for the duration of their studies. This is to ensure that they do not need to work off-campus. However, in cases of severe economic hardship, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may authorize off-campus employment. This authorization is granted only after the student has been in F-1 status for at least one full academic year and is in good academic standing.

On-campus employment is available to F-1 students, allowing them to work up to 20 hours per week during the school session and full-time when school is not in session or during annual vacations. Any off-campus employment must be related to the student's area of study and must be authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS.

After completing their degree, F-1 students can apply for post-completion optional practical training (OPT), which must be full-time (40 hours/week) and completed within 14 months. The application for OPT must be submitted to USCIS before the completion of the degree. It is important to note that F-1 students must adhere to the complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the USCIS regarding employment.

Social Security Number

International students in the United States on F-1 visas are eligible to work off-campus in cases of economic hardship, or as part of curricular practical training, optional practical training, or international organisation employment. In such cases, they are required to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).

An SSN is used to report an employee's earnings or a student's taxable scholarship benefits. It is also often used for other purposes, such as opening a bank account or applying for a credit card. However, it is important to note that having an SSN does not grant legal authorisation to work in the US. To obtain an SSN, an international student must first secure employment and obtain an Employment Authorisation (EAD) card from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. They must then submit a Social Security Letter Request to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). The OISS will issue a letter confirming the student's employment and full-time status. This letter can then be used to apply for an SSN at a local Social Security Administration office or Social Security Card Centre.

It is recommended that students do not apply for an SSN more than 30 days before starting employment, as applications may be rejected as too early. The entire process of obtaining an SSN can take up to 4-6 weeks, so students should plan accordingly. Additionally, students should be aware that they may need to provide certain documents, such as an I-94 card or a copy of their passport admission stamp, when applying for an SSN.

While an SSN is not required for all aspects of life in the US, such as obtaining a driver's license or cell phone, it can be beneficial for various reasons, including opening bank accounts and building credit history.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled full-time for at least one to two consecutive semesters, depending on the specific requirements of the program and the student's status. The employment must be directly related to the student's field of study, and the student must not have used all the optional practical training available at their current level of study. Students must also maintain their full-time student status when school is in session and not work off-campus unless authorized due to severe economic hardship or emergent circumstances, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The OPT application process involves several steps and multiple players, including the student, the Designated School Official (DSO), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The student must first obtain an internship offer with an international organization and then work with the DSO to certify their eligibility. The DSO will recommend OPT by endorsing the student's Form I-20 and making the appropriate notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The student must then file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with USCIS, along with the required fee and supporting documentation.

It is important to note that OPT authorization is typically valid for up to 12 months, and all periods of pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the available period of post-completion OPT. Additionally, if a student has already received one year of full-time pre-completion OPT, they will not be entitled to any period of post-completion OPT. However, students who have earned a degree in certain Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields may be eligible for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT.

Frequently asked questions