Lana Oconnell
International students hoping to work in the USA face a challenging job market and strict visa regulations. However, there are many different types of jobs available for students from all disciplines, and pursuing jobs in America can be a great way to start your career. To work in the US, international students must obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) and a student visa, most commonly an F-1 or M-1 visa. Students with an F-1 visa can work for a maximum of 20 hours per week on campus while their academic term is in session and up to 40 hours per week when it is not. Off-campus employment is also possible, but students must meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization. CPT and OPT are two categories of off-campus employment available to students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | F-1 (Academic Student) or M-1 (Vocational Student) |
| Work eligibility | On-campus work is generally allowed for up to 20 hours per week during classes and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. Off-campus work may be allowed under certain circumstances, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). |
| Visa requirements | May need a Social Security Number, which requires authorization from the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS. |
| Job search tips | Start early, network and attend career fairs, research companies that sponsor visas or hire international students, and utilize career services provided by your school. |
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What You'll Learn
On-campus employment
International students in the US with an F-1 visa are allowed to work on campus without requiring additional work authorization. However, they must be enrolled in an academic program full-time and should check with their school about on-campus work and immigration rules. While working on campus, international students must not displace a US citizen or lawful permanent resident. They can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and up to 40 hours per week during academic breaks. There is no waiting period, unlike with off-campus work, and international students can even work multiple jobs as long as the total does not exceed 20 hours per week.
International students can find on-campus jobs through online job boards on the school's website or by networking with peers and professors. They can also visit their college's career centre for help with their resume and to find out about on-campus jobs they qualify for. Some common examples of on-campus jobs include working in libraries, labs, food service, and residence halls. It is important to note that on-campus jobs may be limited, and international students should not rely solely on this income to cover their expenses.
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Off-campus employment
International students in the United States with an F-1 visa are subject to strict rules regarding off-campus employment. They must show an ability to afford school and living costs before entering the US and are generally expected not to work off-campus. However, there are some circumstances in which off-campus employment is permitted.
Firstly, students with an F-1 visa may be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is a training programme in their field of study that earns academic credit. CPT can take the form of a paid or unpaid internship, a cooperative education job, a practicum, or another experience related to the student's field of study. CPT is limited to part-time (20 hours per week or less) during the school term, and students must obtain CPT authorization from their International Student Office.
Secondly, Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows eligible students to work off-campus in areas related to their major for up to one year either before or after graduation. OPT requires prior authorization from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the school's International Student Office. Students can apply for OPT after being enrolled for at least 9 months, but they must receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS and have completed one academic year before starting employment.
Thirdly, in cases of severe economic hardship, F-1 students may be authorized to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during school terms and full-time during breaks. To qualify, students must demonstrate that they are experiencing severe economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances beyond their control, and that on-campus employment opportunities are insufficient or unavailable.
It is important to note that off-campus employment authorization for F-1 students ends one year after issuance or upon completion of the program, whichever comes first. Students found working illegally risk losing their F-1 status and may have their visa revoked.
In Canada, international students are generally allowed to work off-campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit, provided they meet certain requirements. These requirements include being a full-time student at a designated learning institution and ensuring that off-campus work does not start before the study program commences. Students must also comply with the conditions of their study permit, as working more than 24 hours per week can result in losing their student status and future permit approvals.
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Visa requirements
International students in the US on an F1 visa can work, but they must follow strict regulations. Students on an F1 visa can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. On-campus employment is the most freely available option and does not require USCIS approval. However, many schools require students to obtain permission from the International Student Office before accepting on-campus employment, and first-year students may not be permitted to work.
Off-campus employment is more restricted, and students must meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization. Off-campus work authorization requires case-by-case approval from USCIS. Students must demonstrate that their work is for economic need, and the job must be for an employer educationally affiliated with their school. Students must also have been enrolled for at least one academic year and be in good academic standing.
There are two types of off-campus employment available: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to the student's field of study, for which they receive academic credit or that is required for their degree. OPT allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year before or after graduation. Students who have graduated with a STEM degree can request an additional 24 months of OPT.
After completing their degree, students can apply for an H-1B visa, also known as a Person in Specialty Occupation Visa. To qualify, students must have been accepted into a specific job position that correlates with their degree. The H-1B status is initially granted for three years but can be extended for another three years.
Students can also apply for a green card, which permits them to work anywhere in the US and live in the country indefinitely. However, green cards are in high demand and may take many years to obtain.
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Networking and career fairs
At a career fair, various organizations and businesses send representatives to recruit interns and employees. You can learn about internship and post-graduation employment opportunities, and make connections that could lead to your first job or permanent employment in the US. To make the most of a career fair, it is important to prepare in advance. Visit your school's career services centre to find out when and where career fairs will take place, and to get help with resume writing and preparing what you will say to recruiters. Understanding your purpose for attending the fair, whether it is to explore future possibilities or to get hired, will help you focus your efforts.
In addition to career fairs, networking is an important aspect of the job search process. Building a professional network in your new country can be beneficial, and career fairs can be a great place to start. You can also reach out to people on LinkedIn, ask for referrals, and apply to jobs. Networking can help you learn about job opportunities and improve your chances of getting hired.
It is important to note that as an international student, your employment options may be limited by the terms and restrictions of your visa. For example, F-1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment with certain conditions and restrictions. After the first year, F-1 students may engage in off-campus employment with prior authorization. Understanding the regulations governing your visa status will help you navigate the job search process effectively.
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Internships
International students can undertake internships in the US, and doing so can be a great way to gain experience in your field, build in-demand skills, and get a sense of which careers appeal to you. However, it can be a complicated process due to visa rules and work permit stipulations.
Firstly, it is important to understand the visa regulations and ensure you are eligible to work in the US as an international student. Most international students hold an F-1 visa, which allows for optional practical training (OPT) during or after their academic program. If you are coming to the US solely for an internship, you will likely need to enter on a J-1 visa, which is valid for up to 12 months. Students can choose between Curricular Practical Training (CPT), a degree-related internship, or Optional Practical Training (OPT), which can be unrelated to your degree. CPT can be paid or unpaid but must be authorised and integral to your major field of study.
There are tens of millions of businesses in the US, but only a portion of these are able to hire international students as interns. Some companies are limited to hiring only US citizens, so it is important to focus your search on companies that are legally able to hire international students. You can use sites like MyVisaJobs to research employers and narrow down your search. It is also worth noting that many US companies do not understand the work authorisation rules for international students, so it is important that you are well-informed and can assist employers in adhering to legal guidelines.
There are several ways to find internships in the US as an international student. You can search independently or use an internship placement provider, which will organise logistics, prepare your application, find placements, and provide support with visas and accommodation. You can also take advantage of university career services, which can assist students in finding internships and jobs. Networking is crucial in the US job market, so it is beneficial to attend career fairs, networking events, and workshops, as well as utilising your professional network of fellow students, professors, and guest lecturers. LinkedIn and Handshake are also great websites to find internships.
Once you have found internships that interest you, you should prepare and submit all the required materials, such as transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and portfolios. You should also prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and interviewer, and practicing common interview questions. It is beneficial to demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for the internship.
Overall, internships in the US for international students are highly coveted and can be a great opportunity for professional development and exposure to leading industries. However, it is important to navigate the visa process and understand the legal requirements related to work authorisation.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can get a job in the US, but there are certain requirements and restrictions. Students with an F-1 visa can work a maximum of 20 hours per week on campus while their academic term is in session, and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. F-1 visa holders can also work off-campus in Optional Practical Training (OPT) status during and after their degree, but this requires prior authorization from the USCIS and the school's International Student Office.
International students must have a valid visa and be enrolled as full-time students. They must also have a Social Security Number (SSN) to get a job, and meet eligibility requirements for off-campus employment.
It is important to know which companies are open to hiring international students and to understand work eligibility and visa status. Students should also prepare important documents in advance, such as their passport, visa, and any letters of employment. Networking and showcasing projects and academic work are also helpful strategies.
