Freelancing For International Students: Is It Possible?

International students in the US can work as freelancers, but they must ensure they comply with visa restrictions and work authorization requirements. Those on an F-1 visa, for example, are typically not allowed to work off-campus and must seek authorization to take advantage of OPT or CPT opportunities. International students can work full-time on post-completion OPT, but this cannot be combined with the STEM OPT extension. To freelance legally, students must keep detailed records of their work and ensure it is related to their academic major.

Freelancing as an international student in the US

Freelancing is a great way for international students to supplement their income while studying in the US. However, it is important to ensure that you have the correct work authorization to avoid any negative impact on your student visa status.

International students on F-1 visas are typically only authorized to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week, unless they obtain additional work authorization. This includes remote freelance work, working with a non-US company, and one-time projects, regardless of the duration. There are two main options for obtaining the necessary work authorization: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT).

CPT is a type of work authorization that allows F-1 students to participate in internships, either paid or unpaid, during their degree program. To qualify, the internship must be relevant to the student's field of study and must be authorized by the student's university. CPT, however, cannot be used for freelance work as it must be tied to a specific employer.

On the other hand, OPT can be used for freelancing, allowing students to work full-time up to 40 hours per week. OPT must be approved by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and authorization may take three months or longer to be issued. To use OPT for freelancing, the work must be related to the student's academic major, and they must report all employment to USCIS. Additionally, students should keep meticulous records of their assignments and work hours to demonstrate compliance.

It is important to note that the rules and requirements for work authorization can be complex, and international students should seek guidance from their university's international student office or their school's international student services office to ensure they are complying with all necessary regulations.

While freelancing as an international student in the US comes with certain restrictions and challenges, it can provide valuable flexibility and opportunities to kickstart a career.

Work authorizations and visas

The laws and regulations surrounding international students working as freelancers vary from country to country. Here is a detailed overview of the work authorizations and visas required for freelancing in the United States, Canada, and New Zealand.

United States:

In the US, international students on F-1 visas are authorized to work on-campus, either remotely or in person, but they cannot freelance or work off-campus without additional work authorization. To freelance, international students have two work authorization options: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT allows students to participate in internships during their degree program, but it must be tied to a specific employer and cannot be used for freelance work. With OPT, international students can work full-time for up to 40 hours per week, either before or after graduation, in a job related to their major. OPT can be used for remote work for companies outside the US, but students must ensure their total working hours do not exceed the OPT limit. To maintain their legal status, students should carefully follow the requirements and restrictions associated with OPT and CPT authorizations.

Canada:

In Canada, international students may be authorized to work on or off-campus without a work permit, provided they satisfy certain requirements. Study permit holders can be self-employed and work off-campus if their study permit allows it and they are enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution in a qualifying academic or training program. International students must adhere to specific guidelines to work without a work permit, and they should carefully review the conditions outlined by the Canadian government.

New Zealand:

In New Zealand, international students who wish to work part-time are not permitted to register themselves as self-employed. They must be tied to an employer with an employment agreement. This means that freelancing as a sole proprietor or independent contractor is not permitted under New Zealand's work visa regulations for international students.

Finding freelance work

International students on F-1 visas in the US are only authorized to work on campus unless they get additional work authorization. There are two work authorization options for international students: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT cannot be used for freelance work because it must be tied to a specific employer. However, self-employment is allowed on OPT, which means freelancing is permitted. Post-completion OPT can be used for freelancing, and you can work full-time for up to 40 hours a week.

To find freelance work, there are several strategies you can employ:

• Build a strong portfolio: Create a solid online presence by showcasing your skills and previous work. This can be done through a simple portfolio website or social media profiles.
• Utilize freelance platforms: Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com are specifically designed to help freelancers find clients. These sites allow you to create a profile, display your work, and bid on jobs.
• Network and market yourself: Spread the word that you're freelancing and reach out to your internal network, including friends, family, and social media followers. Networking with other freelancers can also help you learn new skills and find out about job opportunities.
• Look for local businesses with a limited online presence: Offer to do some work for them for free, with the stipulation that they refer you to other potential clients.
• Rent a desk in a co-working space: This can help you easily connect with potential clients and collaborate on projects.
• Stay updated with your skills: Business owners are often more inclined to hire freelancers with updated and diverse skill sets. Consider taking courses or attending trainings to upgrade your skills and stay competitive.

Legality of freelancing for international students

International students in the US on an F-1 visa are subject to work authorization requirements that affect their ability to freelance. Freelancing is considered a type of self-employment, and international students can work as freelancers as long as they follow certain rules and do not violate their visa status.

International students on an F-1 visa are generally not allowed to work outside of their university campus. However, they can take advantage of OPT (Optional Practical Training) or CPT (Curricular Practical Training) opportunities with proper authorization. OPT allows international students to work full-time (up to 40 hours per week) after completing their studies, while CPT allows for part-time (up to 20 hours per week) or full-time work during their studies. It is important to note that CPT has requirements that must be fulfilled, and using CPT or OPT during studies may disqualify students from the full year of OPT available after graduation.

To ensure legality while freelancing on OPT, international students must keep detailed records of their work, including contracts, communications, and timesheets. All work must be related to their academic major, and they cannot work more than 20 hours a week while classes are in session. International students can freelance for multiple companies or clients as long as their total hours do not exceed the OPT limit. They can even work for companies outside the US.

Before starting any freelance work, international students should consult their university's designated school official (DSO) or international student services office to understand their school's requirements and work authorization options. Proper planning and record-keeping are essential to staying within visa restrictions and avoiding penalties for working illegally, which can include losing their student visa and being banned from re-entering the US for several years.

Remote work for non-US companies

International students in the US who are seeking to gain experience or earn some extra money may be curious about their eligibility to work remotely for a non-US company. Remote work, also known as telecommuting or work-from-home (WFH), involves completing tasks remotely, usually via a computer or phone. It doesn't necessarily require one to be at home; one could work remotely from a coffee shop or library, though remote work policies vary among companies.

Remote work offers many advantages as it expands opportunities for individuals seeking employment. They are not restricted to local employers but can apply for positions anywhere in the world. However, if you are looking for remote work with non-US companies, it is essential to understand F-1 visa work authorization to ensure you maintain legal student visa status in the US. Any work done on US soil requires US work authorization, even if it is remote work for a company in another country.

International students on F-1 visas are only authorized to work on campus unless they get additional work authorization. There are two work authorization options for international students: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT cannot be used for freelance work because it must be tied to a specific employer. OPT, on the other hand, allows international students to work either before or after graduation in a job related to their major. According to USCIS, OPT can be used for remote work with a non-US company, with a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic semester and up to 40 hours per week during school breaks.

To ensure legality while freelancing on OPT, all work must be related to your academic major, and you must keep detailed records of all your assignments. You can use websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com to find freelance jobs.

Frequently asked questions