Savanna Hoffman
International students in the US can get a work permit, but the process can be long and challenging, and there are many rules to follow. To study in the US, international students must obtain either an F-1 or M-1 visa. The F-1 visa is the most convenient way to apply for a postgraduate work permit. F-1 visa holders can stay in the US for up to 12 months after completing their studies and are eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to work in the US for a year. OPT is a form of temporary employment directly related to the student's major area of study. Students can also apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) and work on-campus.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of visa | F1 visa, H-1B visa, B-1/B-2 visa, temporary visitor for business visa |
| Who can get it? | International students in the U.S. with valid F1 immigration status |
| Work location | On-campus, Off-campus |
| Work hours | Not more than 20 hours per week when school is in session |
| Work conditions | Work must be "directly related" to the student's major |
| Work during holidays and vacation periods | Allowed |
| Permission | Required from DSO and USCIS |
| Application process | F1 students must prove they have the financial ability to pay for tuition and living expenses while studying |
| Application time | USCIS takes up to 90 days to process the application |
| Post-graduation work | Allowed with an Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension or STEM OPT extension |
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What You'll Learn
On-campus employment
International students with F-1 visa status can apply for on-campus employment. To do so, they must first seek permission from their school's International Student Office, and they may be required to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). Students can work a maximum of 20 hours per week while classes are in session and can work full-time during holidays and vacations, provided they intend to return to school the next academic semester.
When looking for on-campus employment, it is advisable to visit all departments and interact with foreign students already enrolled in classes, as they may be aware of job openings. Students should also utilise social media and join clubs and groups to connect with others and learn about potential job opportunities. Additionally, several university departments post job openings just before the start of the semester, so arriving at the institution early can be advantageous.
It is important to note that on-campus employment must not displace a US citizen or lawful permanent resident, and students should ensure their employment complies with all relevant regulations to maintain their lawful F1 status.
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Off-campus employment
International students in the US on an F1 visa are permitted to work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status during and after their degree. However, this is subject to strict rules and regulations set by the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
Firstly, off-campus employment is only available to F1 students who have completed at least one full academic year of their program of study. Secondly, students must be able to demonstrate a severe economic hardship, which is defined as a financial condition caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond the student's control that make it difficult for them to continue their education. These circumstances may include the loss of financial aid or on-campus employment, substantial changes in the exchange rate, unexpected increases in tuition or living costs, or changes in the financial state of the student's source of support.
To apply for off-campus employment, students must first obtain authorization from the USCIS and their school's International Student Office. Students must also file a Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization", and pay a fee to the USCIS. Additionally, students will need to obtain a Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status", from their Designated School Official (DSO), who is authorized to maintain the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The DSO will provide a letter of approval, which is required for applying for a Social Security Number (SSN). It is important to note that students cannot begin working while the Form I-765 is pending with USCIS.
It is crucial for international students to maintain lawful F1 status and work closely with their school's International Student Office to ensure they remain in compliance with all regulations. Failure to do so may result in termination of their SEVIS record and immediate departure from the United States.
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Work visa extensions
International students in the United States 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, and F1 students can work up to 20 hours per week when school is in session, and full-time during holidays and vacation periods. However, on-campus employment opportunities are limited at most schools.
Off-campus employment is only available to F1 students who have completed at least one full academic year of their program of study and who can demonstrate an economic hardship that qualifies for the Department of Homeland Security's emergent circumstances. F1 students can also work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status both during and after the completion of their degree. OPT is permitted for up to 12 months full-time, and students who have graduated with a STEM-related degree can request an additional 24 months.
Students who receive an OPT extension may also choose to apply for an H-1B visa, also called the Person in Specialty Occupation Visa. To be eligible, students must have been accepted to a specific job position that meets certain requirements, such as possessing an advanced education degree (four-year BA degree or MA or PhD) and a correlation between their degree and work.
It is important to note that the process of obtaining a work visa or maintaining visa status can be complex and time-consuming. Students should start the process early, as getting approval from USCIS and other immigration offices can take up to 90 days. Additionally, students must seek guidance and clearance from their International Student Office prior to applying for or accepting any employment to ensure they maintain their visa status.
To extend your stay in the United States, you must generally file a request for an extension of stay (EOS) on a Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (Form I-129) or an Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (Form I-539). The specific form and process depend on the nonimmigrant classification of the applicant or petitioner. It is important to submit applications well in advance, as remaining in the United States longer than authorized can result in deportation and impact future visa applications.
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Student visa requirements
To study in the US as an international student, you must obtain a student visa. The most common types of student visas are F-1 and M-1. F-1 visas are for full-time international students pursuing academic studies, while M-1 visas are for full-time international students pursuing vocational studies.
To obtain an F-1 visa, you must be enrolled in an academic educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program. Your school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), and you must be enrolled as a full-time student. Additionally, you must demonstrate English proficiency or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency. You must also have sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies and maintain a residence abroad with no intention of giving up.
For an M-1 visa, you must be enrolled in a vocational or other non-academic program, excluding language training. Similar to the F-1 visa requirements, you must be enrolled as a full-time student at a SEVP-approved school.
International students with an F-1 visa are allowed to work in the US under specific conditions outlined 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 requirements. Students with an M-1 visa may only be eligible for on-campus employment or work related to their studies.
Before applying for a student visa, it is essential to consult the official government sources for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information. The process may involve scheduling an interview, submitting the necessary documents, and paying the required fees.
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Post-graduation work permits
International students in the US on an F1 visa are allowed to work but only under certain conditions and according to specific guidelines and restrictions. F1 students can work on-campus and off-campus, but the availability of on-campus employment is more straightforward. Off-campus employment is only available to F1 students who have completed at least one academic year and who can demonstrate an economic hardship that qualifies for the Department of Homeland Security's emergent circumstances.
For on-campus work, F1 students can work full-time during holidays and vacation periods if they intend to register for the next academic semester. However, the work must not displace a US resident, and the student must obtain permission from the International Student Office before accepting any on-campus employment.
For off-campus work, F1 students can work in optional practical training (OPT) status during and after their degree. OPT is permitted for up to 12 months full-time, and part-time work reduces the available full-time OPT. To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled for at least nine months and receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
After graduation, international students can apply for an OPT extension or STEM OPT extension to their F1 visa to stay in the US legally. They can also apply for an H-1B visa, which is initially granted for three years and can be extended for another three years. To qualify for this visa, the employer must initiate the visa process.
Another option for international students seeking to work in the US after graduation is to apply for a green card, which permits indefinite work and residence in the US. However, green cards are in high demand and may take many years to obtain.
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Frequently asked questions
International students in the US with a valid F1 visa are permitted to work on campus and, in some cases, off-campus. To work on campus, students must obtain permission from the International Student Office and may not be permitted to do so in their first semester or year. Students can work full-time on campus during holidays and vacation periods if they intend to register for the next academic semester. Off-campus employment is only available to F1 students who have completed at least one academic year of their program and who have an economic hardship that qualifies for the Department of Homeland Security's emergent circumstances.
To be eligible for off-campus employment, students must have been enrolled for at least 9 months and must obtain prior authorization from the USCIS and their school's International Student Office. Students must also receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the USCIS before beginning employment.
Yes, international students can work in the USA after graduation with the proper work permit. An Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension or STEM OPT extension can be applied to an F1 visa to allow students to stay in the US legally after graduation.
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