International High Schoolers: Working In The Usa

International students in high school in the USA are typically on an F-1 visa, which allows them to enter the country as full-time students. There are strict rules regarding employment for international students in the USA, and students on F-1 visas are limited to on-campus employment for up to 20 hours per week during the school session and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. Off-campus employment is only permitted in cases of severe economic hardship or emergent circumstances, such as natural disasters or international financial crises.

On-campus employment

International students in high school can work in the USA on an F-1 visa, which allows them to enter the country as full-time students at accredited academic institutions. During their first academic year, F-1 students can only work on-campus and are limited to 20 hours of work per week when school is in session. They can work full-time during school vacations.

To be eligible for on-campus employment, F-1 students must be able to prove their financial ability to pay for tuition and living expenses while studying. They must also be enrolled as full-time students, be proficient in English or enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency, and maintain a residence abroad with no intention of giving up. Before seeking employment, students must first consult with their Designated School Official (DSO), who can advise on the guidelines for off-campus employment and provide a letter of approval for a Social Security Number application.

F-1 students can work at any qualifying on-campus job that does not displace a US citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR). After the first academic year, F-1 students can undertake Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is a required part of their school's curriculum and relates to their major. This could include internships, co-ops, or practicums, and can be full-time with no hourly limit each week.

Off-campus employment

International students in high school can enter the United States on an F-1 visa, which allows them to enrol as full-time students. During their first academic year, F-1 students can only work on-campus, which includes working at a university bookstore or cafeteria.

After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in off-campus employment, but it must be authorized by a Designated School Official and the USCIS. This employment must be related to their area of study. Off-campus employment can be full-time or part-time, but the student must maintain their full-time student status when school is in session. This authorization is valid for one year, after which the student must apply for continued employment authorization if they wish to continue working.

F-1 students may also be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is a required part of their school's curriculum and relates to their major. CPT can be full-time and includes internships, co-ops, or practicums. Students must first secure the training opportunity and then gain approval from their DSO.

It is important to note that working off-campus without authorization can result in the loss of a student visa. Students should always discuss their employment options with an advisor before beginning any off-campus work.

F-1 student visa

International students in the US with an F-1 visa are allowed to work but must adhere to strict guidelines. F-1 students must show an ability to afford the costs of school and living expenses before entering the country. They must also be enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program.

There are five types of employment for F-1 visa holders: on-campus employment and four sub-categories of off-campus employment. On-campus employment is the most common and freely available option. It includes work that takes place on campus or at an off-campus location that is educationally affiliated with the school. Examples include working at a university bookstore or cafeteria. F-1 students may apply for on-campus employment up to 30 days before the start of classes and may not work more than 20 hours per week when school is in session.

The four sub-categories of off-campus employment are:

• Optional Practical Training (OPT): OPT is a form of temporary employment that directly relates to the student's program of study. It is available to F-1 students both during and after the completion of their degree. Students can work full-time during the summer and other breaks, as long as they will return to school afterward. After completing their degree, students must work full-time (40 hours/week) and must complete their OPT work within 14 months.
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT): CPT is an off-campus employment option for F-1 students when the practical training is an integral part of the established curriculum or academic program. It includes "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." To qualify, the work experience must be required for the student's degree, or academic credit must be awarded. CPT is only available to students who have been enrolled full-time for a year under valid F-1 status.
• Severe Economic Hardship: USCIS will authorize off-campus employment in cases of severe economic hardship occurring after a student's enrollment in an academic program and after the student has been in F-1 status for at least one full academic year.
• Approved International Organizations: F-1 students can work with recognized international organizations.

To gain employment, F-1 students must first talk to their Designated School Official (DSO) and seek guidance and clearance from their International Student Office. They must also ensure they file all appropriate forms with USCIS and receive any necessary USCIS approval. For off-campus employment, students must receive authorization from both USCIS and their DSO.

Social Security Number

International students in high school in the USA on an F-1 visa are allowed to work on-campus during their first academic year. After the first academic year, the range of legal job opportunities broadens to include Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is a required part of a school's curriculum that relates to the student's major and can include internships, co-ops, or practicums. Students must first secure the training opportunity and then gain approval from their Designated School Official (DSO). OPT is available for students in STEM fields and includes online study, school transfers, the grace period, and study abroad.

A Social Security Number (SSN) is a 9-digit employee identification number issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). It is required by the U.S. government for tax and employment reporting purposes. Eligibility for an SSN is based on a person's eligibility to work in the United States. Those eligible include U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and qualified foreign nationals—including, in certain circumstances, students in F-1 or J-1 status. F-1 students must provide evidence of lawful employment, such as an on-campus job or authorization for CPT or OPT. J-1 students must meet similar requirements and provide valid immigration documents, including a valid passport, I-20 or DS-2019, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94 notated "F-1 D/S" or "J-1 D/S."

To apply for an SSN, students must visit a local SSA office and show their documentation in person. They should apply as soon as possible after getting a job offer, and no earlier than 30 days before their scheduled employment start date. The process can take 2-4 weeks or more, and the SSA will mail the SSN and card once all immigration information has been verified. Students can also submit a Social Security Letter Request to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS), which will issue a letter confirming their secured on-campus employment and full-time student status. An OISS letter is not required if the employment is based on CPT, OPT, international organization employment, or severe economic hardship employment.

It is important to note that simply having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work in the U.S. Students must ensure they have authorization to work and must carefully follow the rules and requirements of their visa to avoid any legal issues.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

International students in high school can work in the USA with an F-1 visa, which allows them to enter the country as full-time students at accredited academic institutions. During their first academic year, F-1 visa holders can only work on-campus. After the first year, they can engage in off-campus employment, but it must be related to their area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Students must then file Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," with USCIS, along with the required fee and supporting documents. USCIS will issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if the OPT is approved, and students must not begin working before the start date on the EAD. OPT is valid for one year, and students must apply for continued employment authorization at least six months before the authorization expires if they wish to continue working.

Students can also apply for a STEM OPT extension of up to 24 months if they have received a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics and meet other eligibility requirements. It is important to note that any period of pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the available period of post-completion OPT. Additionally, engaging in more than one year of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) will eliminate a student's OPT eligibility.

Frequently asked questions