International Students: Federal Government Work Opportunities

International students in the United States on F-1 visas are permitted to work on-campus or off-campus under certain conditions. However, working for the federal government typically requires US citizenship or permanent residency. While there are some exceptions and pathways for non-citizens to work in the federal government, it is not a common occurrence. This paragraph will explore the topic of whether international students can work for the federal government in the United States and discuss the relevant visa requirements and restrictions.

On-campus employment

Students on an F-1 visa may not work more than 20 hours per week when school is in session, but they can work full-time during holidays and vacation periods. If an F-1 student intends to work on campus, they must still apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).

Off-campus employment

International students in the US on an F1 visa are permitted to work off-campus, but only under certain conditions. Students must be enrolled for at least 9 months before they can apply for off-campus employment, and they cannot begin working until they have been enrolled for at least a year.

To apply for off-campus employment, students must first explain their economic hardship situation and receive approval to work from their Designated School Official (DSO). If the DSO determines that the situation applies, they will recommend the student and provide them with an updated Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status". The student must then file a Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization", with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within 30 days of receiving their recommendation. USCIS approval allows the student to work off-campus for one year, after which they must re-apply if they need to continue working.

Students must also receive prior authorization from their school's International Student Office. They do not need to have a job offer to apply for off-campus employment, and their employment can be anywhere in the US. However, they must receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS before they can begin working. USCIS can take up to 90 days to process the application, so students are advised to start the process early.

F-1 students may also be eligible for off-campus employment through the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. This allows students to work off-campus both during and after the completion of their degree. Students must submit a completed I-983 training plan as part of their STEM OPT request to the international student services office, which will process the STEM OPT recommendation. The student then files their completed OPT application, supporting documentation, and required fee to USCIS. Once approved, USCIS issues an EAD card as proof of work authorization for 24 months.

Social Security Number application

International students in the United States are generally required to have a student visa, with the two most common types being the F-1 and M-1 visas. The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows you to enter the US as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, or other academic institution, while the M-1 visa is for vocational or non-academic programs.

Regarding employment, F-1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions. After the first year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment, including Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training (OPT). For both F-1 and M-1 students, any off-campus training employment must be related to their area of study and must be authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS prior to starting work.

Now, let's discuss the Social Security Number (SSN) application process for international students in the US:

• Eligibility: Only individuals with permission from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to work in the US can apply for a Social Security Number. F-1 and J-1 students must meet specific eligibility requirements, including having valid immigration documents such as a passport, I-20 or DS-2019 form, and an I-94 card or record. F-1 students must also provide evidence of lawful employment, such as on-campus job authorization or OPT.
• Employment Confirmation: If you are applying for an SSN based on employment, you may need a confirmation letter from your employer or school. For instance, J-1 students under an exchange program must submit a letter from their department confirming on-campus employment and their full-time student status. F-1 students working on campus may need a letter from their DSO identifying their employer and the type of work they will be doing.
• Application Form and Documents: To apply for an SSN, you must complete Form SS-5 and gather supporting documents. These documents typically include your passport, I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, visa documentation, and any employment authorization forms or letters. F-1 and M-1 students also need to show their Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20 or DS-2019, respectively).
• Submission and Processing: Submit your application and supporting documents to your nearest Social Security Administration (SSA) office. You can locate the nearest SSA office using their website. Once your application is accepted, you can request a receipt to show your employer that you have applied for an SSN. The processing time for an SSN is generally between four to six weeks, although it can vary.

It is important to note that simply having an SSN does not grant you legal authorization to work in the US. The SSN is required for tax and employment reporting purposes and is often used for other tasks such as opening bank accounts or applying for scholarships. Additionally, some schools may use the SSN as a student identification number.

Visa requirements

International students in the US on an F-1 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). The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows you to enter the United States as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution or in a language training program.

There are five types of employment that international students in the US may find:

• On-campus employment: This is the most common type of employment for international students. Examples include working at a university bookstore or cafeteria. On-campus employment is limited to 20 hours per week when school is in session and may not exceed this limit during breaks and vacations. Students may work full-time during holidays and vacation periods.
• Off-campus employment: This is only available to F-1 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. Off-campus employment is subject to approval from USCIS and the student's Designated School Official (DSO).
• Optional Practical Training (OPT): F-1 students may work off-campus during their degree and after its completion in an OPT capacity. This requires prior authorization from USCIS and the school's International Student Office. Students can apply for OPT after being enrolled for at least 9 months but must receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before starting work.
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT): CPT is available for F-1 students when practical training is an essential part of their academic program or when academic credit is awarded. CPT does not require an EAD but may affect the student's ability to qualify for OPT employment.
• Recognized international organizations: F-1 students may work for organizations on the official State Department list, such as the Red Cross or the World Health Organization. To qualify, students must have a job offer and sponsorship from the organization, be in good academic standing, and have held valid F-1 status for at least one academic year.

It is important to note that working illegally in the United States can have serious consequences, including termination of the student's SEVIS record and immediate departure from the country. Students must comply with federal laws and regulations when seeking employment and should consult with their DSO and immigration attorneys to ensure they meet all requirements and restrictions.

Work eligibility

International students in the US 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 category most freely permitted by USCIS regulations, and it does not require USCIS approval. However, although F1 status includes an on-campus employment privilege, on-campus employment opportunities at most schools are limited. Even if you can obtain a job on campus, you may not rely on it to prove financial resources for the year, and often these jobs are not related to your studies. Many schools do require that you obtain permission from the International Student Office prior to accepting any on-campus employment, and may not permit such employment in a student's 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.

F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year, but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and economic hardship employment. CPT is training in the student's field of study for which they receive academic credit or which is a requirement for their degree. CPT may be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to the student's field of study. OPT is work authorization that will allow students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year either before or after they graduate. OPT employment can occur anywhere in the US, but all OPT employment requires prior authorization from USCIS and from the school's International Student Office. Students can apply for OPT after being enrolled for at least 9 months, but they cannot begin employment until they have been enrolled for at least a year and received their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS. To apply for off-campus employment due to economic hardship, students must explain their situation and receive approval from their Designated School Official (DSO). If approved, the student must then file Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," with USCIS.

Students must be mindful of the travel regulations governing F1 students on OPT. If a student leaves the country after completing their degree but before receiving their EAD and obtaining a job, they may not be readmitted. Students can leave the country after completing their degree if they have their EAD and a job, but they must bring all necessary documentation with them to re-enter the country.

Frequently asked questions