Work Permits For International Students In The Usa: Possibilities?

International students in the United States on a visa can work, but only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). The type of work permit or visa they need depends on the type of work they want to do, their field of study, and their immigration status.

F-1 visa extensions and OPT

F-1 students have limited work opportunities in the United States. Before coming to the US, F-1 students must prove they have the financial means to pay for tuition and living expenses while studying.

F-1 students can apply for on-campus employment, which is available for up to 20 hours per week when school is in session. To apply, students must talk to their designated school official (DSO) and get a letter of approval. With this letter, they can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).

Off-campus employment is only available to F-1 students who have completed at least one full academic year of their program of study and who have an economic hardship that qualifies for the Department of Homeland Security's emergent circumstances. Emergent circumstances include world events that cause severe economic hardship, such as natural disasters, wars, and international financial crises. In such cases, students can apply for off-campus employment authorization, which ends one year after issuance or upon completion of the program, whichever comes first.

F-1 students can also apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which is temporary employment directly related to their major area of study. Students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before or after completing their academic studies. All OPT must be directly related to the student's major area of study.

Certain F-1 students who receive degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) may apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT. To be eligible, students must have earned a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from a US Department of Education-recognized accredited institution, and the degree must be included on the STEM Designated Degree Program List. The student must also be employed by an employer enrolled in and using E-Verify and must have received an initial grant of post-completion OPT employment authorization based on their STEM degree.

If an F-1 student's OPT period expires while their STEM OPT extension application is pending, their employment authorization will be automatically extended for 180 days. However, students cannot begin their OPT until their Form I-765 is approved and they receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Working in the US without authorization can result in serious consequences, including removal from the country and re-entry bars.

On-campus employment

International students in the US with a valid F1 visa are permitted to work on their school campus, provided they have approval from their Designated School Official (DSO) and their school's International Student Office. This is known as on-campus employment.

Students who experience severe economic hardship due to emergent circumstances, such as natural disasters, wars, or financial crises, may be eligible for off-campus employment without needing to complete one full academic year of their program. However, off-campus employment is usually only available to F-1 students who have completed at least one academic year of their program of study.

Off-campus employment

To obtain off-campus employment authorization, F-1 students must first discuss their plans with their Designated School Official (DSO). The next step is to apply for an Employment Authorization Document with USCIS. The DSO will enter their recommendation into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and provide the student with a supporting Form I-20. Students must also complete Form I-765, but they cannot begin work while this form is pending.

Eligibility for a green card

International students on an F-1 visa are permitted to work in the US under certain conditions. These students may apply for on-campus employment, provided they are enrolled full-time and have their designated school official's (DSO) approval. Additionally, F-1 students who have completed at least one academic year and meet specific economic hardship criteria may be eligible for off-campus employment on a case-by-case basis.

Now, regarding your query about eligibility for a green card, here is some information:

• Graduation: Obtaining your degree is a crucial first step. Your chances of immigrating and securing a green card significantly depend on graduating from your study program.
• Student Status: Maintaining your student status as an F-1 visa holder is essential. Ensure you do not leave the US for more than five months at a time, as exceeding this duration may result in losing your student status, requiring you to apply for readmission.
• Employment: After graduating, focus on finding a job, preferably in a field related to your study program. This work experience can be a stepping stone toward future immigration steps.
• H-1B Visa: If you secure a job, your employer may be able to sponsor you for an H-1B visa. This visa allows you to stay and work in the US for up to six years.
• Green Card Application: Once you have held the H-1B visa for six years, your employer can initiate the process of applying for a green card through an H-1B visa petition on your behalf. Alternatively, you may find a new employer willing to sponsor your green card application.
• Permanent Residency: Obtaining a green card grants you permanent residency in the US, giving you the right to live, work, and travel in the country without visa concerns.
• Citizenship: After holding a green card for five years, you may become eligible to apply for US citizenship and even sponsor relatives for their green cards if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Please note that the process of securing a green card can be lengthy and complex, with multiple stages and no guarantee of success. It is always advisable to seek the most up-to-date information from official sources, such as the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website, to ensure you are aware of the current requirements and procedures.

Visa application process

International students can get a visa to work in the USA. The type of visa and the application process depend on the course of study and the type of school the applicant plans to attend. Here is a step-by-step guide on the visa application process for international students:

• Determine the Type of Visa: The first step is to determine the type of visa required, which can be an F, J, or M visa. The F-1 visa is the most popular type of student visa for international students seeking to study at a US college or university.
• Apply to a US Institution: Before applying for the visa, students must first apply and gain acceptance from a US institution of higher education that is certified by the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP). The institution's accreditation status can be verified through the US Department of Education and Council for Higher Education Accreditation databases.
• Complete the DS-160 Form: All prospective international students must complete the DS-160 form to receive an F-1 visa. This requires submitting various documents, including the I-20 form, passport, travel itinerary, and a photo for the visa. After submitting the DS-160, a printed confirmation with a barcode will be provided, which is needed for the visa interview.
• Schedule the Visa Interview: Applicants should schedule a visa interview at the nearest US embassy or consulate. Wait times can vary by country and season, so it is recommended to schedule the interview as early as possible. The interview is a crucial part of the process, where applicants must demonstrate their qualifications, financial ability, and intention to return to their home country after completing their studies.
• Visa Processing and Approval: After a successful interview, the consular officer will inform the applicant if further administrative processing is required. Once the visa is approved, the applicant may need to pay a visa issuance fee, depending on their nationality. The passport and visa will then be returned to the applicant, allowing them to travel to the US.
• Entry into the US: Students with an F or M visa can enter the US no earlier than 30 days before the start date of their course of study. Upon arrival, students must enrol in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and obtain their Form I-20 from the SEVP-approved school. It is important to note that a visa does not guarantee entry, and customs officers make the final admission decision upon arrival in the US.

Frequently asked questions