Savanna Hoffman
International students often take on projects to finance their educational expenses and tuition, gain real-world experience, and expand their network. However, their ability to work on or off campus depends on their visa type and the country they are studying in. In the United States, international students with an F-1 visa are allowed to work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status during and after their degree. They can work on campus for up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. In Canada, as of November 8, 2024, international students are allowed to work off-campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location of work | On-campus or off-campus |
| Work type | Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) |
| Work hours | Up to 20 hours per week during classes, up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session |
| Work authorization | Required for off-campus employment; CPT and OPT are options for international students |
| Visa type | F-1 or M-1 visa; F-1 students may work off-campus after the first academic year |
| Employment conditions | Work must be related to the student's area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official and USCIS |
| Social Security Number | Required for employment; nonimmigrants must have permission from DHS to apply |
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What You'll Learn
On-campus employment
International students in the US with an F1 visa are allowed to work on campus, subject to certain conditions and restrictions. This is the most freely available category of employment for F1 students, and it does not require approval from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). However, on-campus job opportunities are often limited, and students may need to obtain permission from their school's International Student Office before accepting any on-campus employment.
Students on an F1 visa can work up to 20 hours per week during the school session and up to 40 hours per week during vacation periods. To work on campus, students will need to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).
There are also several off-campus employment options for F1 students, including Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is an integral part of the curriculum or academic program, and can include internships, cooperative education, or other types of required practical experience. OPT is work authorization for up to one year, either before or after graduation, in areas related to the student's major. To qualify for off-campus employment, students must meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization.
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Off-campus employment
International students with an F-1 visa are subject to several rules and restrictions regarding off-campus employment in the United States. Firstly, F-1 students are generally not permitted to work off-campus during their first academic year. After the first year, they may engage in off-campus employment under specific conditions.
One option for off-campus employment is Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is available to F-1 students when the practical training is an integral part of their curriculum or academic program. CPT can include internships, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum offered through agreements with the school. To qualify, the work experience must be required for the degree or count towards academic credit. CPT employment can be paid, and prior authorisation from the school's International Student Office is necessary.
Another option is Optional Practical Training (OPT), which is a type of off-campus employment that F-1 students can engage in during and after completing their degree. OPT employment must be directly related to the student's major area of study. To qualify for OPT, students must apply within 60 days of completing their course, and it can take up to 90 days for approval. Similar to CPT, OPT employment is limited to 20 hours per week during the academic year and can be full-time during breaks and summer vacations.
In certain circumstances, F-1 students may also seek off-campus employment authorisation based on severe economic hardship. This applies when students are unable to find adequate employment on-campus or are facing unforeseen financial difficulties beyond their control. To request this authorisation, students must submit an application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) along with the required documentation, including Form I-765, passport photos, and evidence of their economic hardship.
It is important to note that the regulations regarding off-campus employment for international students are complex and may vary depending on the student's specific situation and visa status. Students should always consult with their school's International Student Office or an immigration advisor to ensure they comply with all applicable rules and requirements.
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Work eligibility requirements
International students in the US on an F1 visa are permitted to work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status both during and after the completion of their degree. However, this is subject to strict rules and eligibility requirements. Students must obtain official authorization and ensure their employment is an integral part of their educational program.
On-campus employment is the most freely available option for F1 visa holders. Students can work up to 20 hours per week during classes and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. To work on campus, students may need to obtain permission from the International Student Office, and they may not be permitted to work during their first semester or year.
Off-campus employment for F1 visa holders is only permitted under certain circumstances. Students must be enrolled for at least one academic year and have active F1 status to be eligible for off-campus work. USCIS will authorize off-campus employment only in cases of severe economic hardship or emergent circumstances, such as natural disasters or financial crises. Off-campus employment must be related to the student's area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official and USCIS.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a form of off-campus employment that trains students in their field of study and fulfills academic credit or degree requirements. CPT can be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to the student's major. Students can apply for CPT through the International Student Services office to determine their eligibility.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is another form of off-campus work authorization that allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year before or after graduation. OPT may be used for freelancing, and students can work full-time for up to 40 hours a week. To apply for OPT, students must have completed at least one academic year and have active F1 status. They must also obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS and work closely with their school's International Student Office.
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Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Students must maintain a full course of study even when CPT is authorized. CPT authorization is only required when the training is inside the United States. For example, a summer internship in a student's home country does not need CPT authorization. CPT can be authorized on a part-time or full-time basis, with full-time defined as more than 20 hours per week. Students who engage in 12 months or more of full-time CPT are not eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
To apply for CPT, students must first obtain a CPT Certification Course and save their certificate as a PDF. They will then need to speak with their company or employer and obtain a Detailed Training Description. Next, students should meet with their Academic or Faculty Advisor to discuss their CPT plans and show them the Detailed Training Description. If the advisor believes the training is integral to the curriculum, they may recommend CPT by completing the Academic/Faculty Advisor Recommendation Form. Students will then need to gather all required documents and submit their CPT application.
Students with F-1 visas are permitted to work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status both during and after the completion of their degree. However, F-1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year and must show an ability to afford the costs of school and living expenses before entering the United States. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment with prior authorization: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT Extension.
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Optional Practical Training (OPT)
International students in the US with a valid F1 visa are permitted to work off-campus in Optional Practical Training (OPT) status both during and after the completion of their degree. OPT is temporary employment that must be directly related to an F1 student's major area of study. Students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization, which can be split into pre-completion and post-completion. Pre-completion OPT can be applied for after being enrolled for at least 9 months, but students cannot begin employment until they have been enrolled for at least a year and have received their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Post-completion OPT can be applied for at each higher degree level. The OPT employment must be a minimum of 20 hours per week, and students can change jobs during their OPT period.
Students who have already received 12 months of full-time (40 hours per week) pre-completion OPT will not be entitled to any period of post-completion OPT employment authorization. However, if a student has earned a degree in certain Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields, they may apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT employment authorization. Students can accrue no more than 150 days of unemployment during this initial 12-month period, and volunteering or unpaid internships can be considered employment.
It is important to note that OPT employment must be authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) and the USCIS. Additionally, students must maintain lawful F1 status throughout their stay in the US, and any off-campus employment must be related to their area of study.
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Frequently asked questions
International students in the US on an F1 visa are permitted to work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status both during and after the completion of their degree. However, they must first obtain an internship offer and then work with the DSO to apply for an Employment Authorization Document.
International students must comply with federal laws and regulations when seeking employment in the US. Students must be enrolled as full-time students, be proficient in English, have sufficient funds for self-support, and maintain a residence abroad. They must also obtain official authorization from the Designated School Official and USCIS for off-campus employment.
International students with an F1 visa can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. Off-campus employment is severely limited and generally only authorized in cases of severe economic hardship or emergent circumstances.
