
International students in the US with an F-1 visa are permitted to work on campus and do not require additional work authorization. They may work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during academic breaks. However, international students are generally not eligible for federal work-study jobs due to their ineligibility for federal financial aid. To find on-campus jobs, international students can visit their college's career center or use platforms like Interstride, which connects international students with on-campus job opportunities at partnered schools. While on-campus jobs provide international students with valuable work experience and a way to offset college costs, careful navigation is needed to secure a position due to the limited availability of such jobs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International students in the U.S. | Can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during academic breaks |
| Need to hold F-1 visa status, which allows them to work on campus without additional work authorization | |
| Can work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status during and after completion of their degree | |
| Can work off-campus in curricular practical training (CPT), which trains them in their field of study and for which they fulfill academic credit or part of their degree requirement | |
| Can work off-campus without a work permit for up to 24 hours per week |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- International students with F-1 status can work on campus without additional authorization
- On-campus jobs are limited, and students may need permission from the International Office
- Students can work up to 20 hours per week during classes and 40 hours during breaks
- Off-campus work is restricted and requires prior authorization from USCIS and the school
- Off-campus work includes Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT)

International students with F-1 status can work on campus without additional authorization
To get an on-campus job, international students should research the specific rules and regulations at their institution. They can find job opportunities in libraries, labs, food services, and residence halls. Additionally, they may need to obtain permission from their International Student Office before accepting on-campus employment, and some schools may not permit such employment during the first semester or year.
While on-campus jobs provide a good opportunity for international students to offset college costs and gain work experience, careful navigation is required to secure a position. For example, students should tailor their job applications to each position they apply for.
In Canada, international students are allowed to work off-campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. However, they must ensure they meet all the requirements for working while studying, including being a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI). Working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of the study permit conditions and can result in losing student status and future permit approvals.
Permanent Residents: International Students in Canada?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

On-campus jobs are limited, and students may need permission from the International Office
International students in the US with an F-1 visa are allowed to work on campus and do not need additional work authorization. However, on-campus employment opportunities are limited at most schools, and students may need permission from the International Student Office before starting work. This is because there are strict rules for international students who want to work during their studies.
Students with an F-1 visa can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during academic breaks. They must be enrolled full-time when school is in session and maintain their status. To be eligible for on-campus employment, the job must not displace a US citizen or LPR, and students must report their work and receive a certification letter to present to the Social Security Administration.
To find on-campus jobs, international students can look at platforms like Handshake, which filters for on-campus positions. They can also learn about job opportunities during orientation and by talking to other students. Additionally, students can work in libraries, labs, food services, and residence halls.
It is important to note that while on-campus jobs can provide extra spending money, they may not be relied upon to prove financial resources for the year, and they are often not related to a student's studies. For off-campus employment, F-1 students must meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization.
Exploring Travel Options: International Students in the US
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Students can work up to 20 hours per week during classes and 40 hours during breaks
International students in the US with an F-1 visa are allowed to work on campus without requiring additional work authorization. However, they must not displace a US citizen or LPR and must be enrolled full-time. While classes are in session, they can work a maximum of 20 hours per week, and up to 40 hours per week during breaks. These jobs can be in libraries, labs, food service, and residence halls.
Students must report their work and receive a certification letter to present to the Social Security Administration to receive a Social Security number. They must also ensure that their on-campus employment does not violate any immigration regulations.
Off-campus employment is more restricted and requires prior authorization from USCIS and the school's International Student Office. Students must also have been enrolled for at least one academic year and have active F-1 status. There are several categories of off-campus employment, including Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is training in the student's field of study for which they receive academic credit or which fulfills part of their degree requirement. OPT allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year before or after graduation.
International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. They must, however, meet other requirements for working while studying, such as being a full-time student at a designated learning institution.
International Students: HEERF Eligibility Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Off-campus work is restricted and requires prior authorization from USCIS and the school
International students with an F-1 visa are allowed to work on-campus, but off-campus work is restricted and requires prior authorization from the school's Designated School Official (DSO) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
F-1 students must demonstrate their ability to afford school and living expenses before entering the US and should not plan to work off-campus. USCIS will only authorize off-campus employment in cases of severe economic hardship, provided the student has been in F-1 status for at least one academic year and is in good academic standing. The student must also show that on-campus employment opportunities are insufficient to meet their financial needs or are unavailable.
To initiate the process, students must first consult their DSO, who will determine their eligibility and make a recommendation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). If the DSO approves off-campus employment, the student must obtain a Form I-20 "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," endorsed by the DSO. The student must then submit Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," along with the required fee to USCIS within 30 days of the DSO's endorsement.
Upon approval, USCIS will provide the student with a Form I-766, "Employment Authorization Document" (EAD), which permits them to begin working off-campus. This authorization is valid for one year, after which the student must reapply if they need to continue working off-campus.
It is important to note that working illegally is taken very seriously by the US government. Students found working without authorization may lose their F-1 status and be required to leave the country immediately. Therefore, it is crucial for international students to understand the regulations and obtain proper authorization before engaging in any off-campus employment.
International Students Giving Birth in Canada: What's Allowed?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$16.98 $22.99

Off-campus work includes Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT)
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. OPT is a program that allows international students with an F1 visa to work for up to 12 months in relation to their major course of study. OPT employment can occur anywhere in the US, but it must relate to the student's major or course of study. Students can apply for OPT after being enrolled for at least 9 months, but they cannot begin employment until they receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and have been enrolled for at least a year.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is another program that allows international students with an F1 visa to gain practical experience directly related to their major through employment, internships, or cooperative education. CPT must be completed before graduating and can be part-time or full-time. CPT employment is part of the student's curriculum and must be authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO). CPT may be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to the student's field of study.
It is important to note that if a student works full-time on CPT for 12 months or more, they become ineligible for OPT. However, part-time CPT does not affect OPT eligibility. Students must also maintain their full-time student status while working on CPT.
International Students: Visiting the US from Canada
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students with an F1 visa can work on campus without requiring additional work authorization. However, they must not displace a US citizen or LPR and can work a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic year and 40 hours per week during academic breaks.
International students must have F1 visa status and be enrolled full-time. They must also consult with their school about on-campus work and immigration rules, as some schools require permission from the International Student Office.
International students can work in libraries, labs, food services, and residence halls. They can also work as tutors or editors for campus publications.
Yes, an international student can work two on-campus jobs as long as their total weekly working hours do not exceed 20 during the academic year and 40 during academic breaks.




































