Working In India: Opportunities For International Students

International students from India often take on part-time work in the USA to help manage the cost of living and gain valuable work experience. To do so legally, they must have a valid F-1 visa, which allows them to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during holidays and breaks. Students can also apply for an OPT visa, which acts as a work permit, or a CPT visa, which allows them to gain practical knowledge and experience in their field before graduation. After graduating, students can apply for an H-1B visa, which is a non-immigrant work visa, although this is only available to those with specialised skills.

Can an international student work in India from the USA?

Work visa requirements for international students in the USA

International students in the USA on F1 visas are permitted to work in specific circumstances. On-campus employment is the most freely available option, but opportunities are often limited, and schools may require students to obtain permission from the International Student Office before accepting on-campus employment. F1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year, but they may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions.

After the first academic year, F1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and the STEM OPT extension. CPT is defined as "alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school". CPT allows students to gain practical knowledge and experience in their field before graduation, and they can work with any employer across the country for up to 12 months. OPT is a one-year work and stay-back permit given to international students after completing a degree program in the US, and it can be used either during or after a student's studies. Students can work full-time (40 hours/week) during OPT, and it must be completed within 14 months after the completion of their degree. Applications for OPT must be received before the completion of the degree, and students must have remained enrolled for at least one academic year and be in good academic standing. STEM students may be eligible for a 24-month extension of OPT, but they must hold a degree from a university accredited by the US Department of Education and authorized by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

After completing their studies, international students on F1 visas can also apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) as part of the OPT program, which is required to legally work in the US during their OPT period. Students can leave the country after completing their degree if they have their EAD and a job, but they must bring all necessary documentation to re-enter the country.

Another option for Indian students to work in the USA after completing their studies is the H-1B visa, which is a nonimmigrant work visa allowing US-based employers to hire foreign workers with specialized skills. To be eligible, students must have a valid job offer and proof of speciality experience, such as a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Applications for H-1B visas are carried out by the employer, who must show proof of a lack of locally skilled individuals.

Work hours allowed for international students in the USA

International students in the USA on an F1 visa are allowed to work, but only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). On-campus employment is the most freely available option, while off-campus employment is subject to stricter regulations.

International students enrolled full-time and in valid F-1 status can generally work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and up to 40 hours per week during breaks when classes are not in session. Students can work full-time after completing all coursework if a thesis or dissertation is still required and the student is making normal progress towards their degree.

Off-campus employment is only allowed under certain circumstances, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is a type of employment that trains students in their field of study and can be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to their field of study. CPT allows students to work up to 12 months and with any employer across the country. OPT is a one-year work and stay-back permit given to international students after completing their degree program in the US, allowing them to work in areas related to their major for up to 12 months either before or after graduation. Students can apply for an OPT extension if they hold a degree in STEM courses from a university accredited by the US Department of Education and authorized by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

It's important to note that students found working illegally or exceeding the allowed work hours risk losing their F-1 student status and having their visas revoked.

Post-graduation work opportunities for Indian students in the USA

As an international student from India, you can work for up to 20 hours per week on-campus during the academic term and full-time during breaks. Off-campus employment is permitted after completing one academic year under certain conditions, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT).

F-1 students can apply for OPT, which allows them to work in their field of study for up to 12 months post-graduation. Students in STEM fields may qualify for a 24-month extension. To apply for an OPT extension, you must hold a degree in a STEM course from a university accredited by the US Department of Education and authorized by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

Another option for Indian students to work off-campus is through CPT, which allows students to gain practical knowledge and experience in their field before graduation. CPT allows students to work for up to 12 months with any employer across the country.

After completing their studies, F1 visa holders can also apply for an H-1B visa, which is a non-immigrant work visa. However, only individuals with specialized skills will be eligible for this post-graduation employment opportunity.

It is important to note that the US government is considering significant changes to work permit policies for international students, including a proposed "No Work Permits for Indian Students in US" policy. This potential policy shift could impact the post-graduation opportunities for Indian students in the US.

When looking for work in the US as an Indian student, you may face challenges due to complexities and misunderstandings concerning visas. It is essential to understand the visa requirements and identify high-demand industries and potential employers. Building a solid professional network and taking advantage of career services offered by your school can increase your chances of finding employment.

Work visa extension for STEM students in the USA

International students from India are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week on-campus during the academic term and full-time during breaks. Off-campus employment is permitted after completing one academic year under certain conditions like Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT).

F-1 students with degrees in certain Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields may apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT employment authorization. To be eligible for the STEM OPT extension, the following criteria must be met:

• The student must be an F-1 visa holder.
• The student must have received a STEM degree included on the STEM Designated Degree Program List.
• The student must be employed by an employer enrolled in and using E-Verify.
• The student must have received an initial grant of post-completion OPT employment authorization based on their STEM degree.

To apply for the STEM OPT extension, the student's Designated School Official (DSO) must recommend their case for OPT by endorsing their Form I-20 and submitting the OPT I-20 request form to the International Services Office. The DSO will also need to complete a certification process at the student's university.

Additionally, the employer must meet specific requirements to provide a practical training opportunity to a STEM OPT student during their extension. These requirements include:

• Being enrolled in E-Verify with a valid company identification number.
• Remaining a participant in good standing with E-Verify, as determined by USCIS.
• Having a valid Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS for tax purposes.
• Reporting material changes in the student's employment by submitting a modified Form I-983 to the DSO.
• Reporting the student's termination of employment or departure to the DSO within 5 business days.
• Implementing a formal training program to build on the student's academic learning through practical experience.
• Providing an OPT opportunity that is commensurate with those of similarly situated U.S. workers in duties and hours.

It is important to note that the STEM OPT extension is only valid for a period of 24 months, and students may not apply during the 60-day grace period following an initial period of regular post-completion OPT.

Work visa types for international students in theUSA

International students in the USA are generally required to be on a student visa, which does not allow them to work. However, there are several work visa options for international students who wish to gain work experience in the USA post-graduation. Here are some of the work visa types for international students in the USA:

F-1 Visa

The F-1 Visa is for academic students enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program. F-1 students may accept on-campus employment but are restricted from off-campus employment during their first academic year. After the first year, they may engage in three types of off-campus employment under certain conditions: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and the STEM OPT extension.

CPT

Curricular Practical Training is an option for F1 students to gain practical knowledge and experience in their field of study before graduation. It allows students to work for up to 12 months with any employer across the country, provided the work is a required part of their curriculum or academic program.

OPT

Optional Practical Training is a one-year work and stay-back permit for international students who have completed a degree program in the USA. It is available to both STEM and non-STEM degree holders. F-1 students can apply for OPT to work in their field of study for up to 12 months post-graduation, with STEM students eligible for a 24-month extension.

H-1B Visa

The H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant work visa that allows US employers to hire foreign workers with specialized skills. To be eligible, individuals must have a valid job offer in a speciality profession, a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and proof of speciality experience.

It is important to note that the availability and requirements of these visas may change over time, and it is recommended to refer to official government sources for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, the process of obtaining a work visa may involve multiple steps and considerations, such as employer sponsorship, English proficiency, and financial support.

Frequently asked questions