Working On Projects: International Students' Rights Explored

International students seeking employment in the United States must comply with federal laws and visa regulations. On-campus employment is the most freely permitted type of work for international students, but opportunities are often limited and typically unrelated to one's studies. International students with F-1 visas can work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during breaks without obtaining authorization from the USCIS. Off-campus employment is severely restricted for F-1 students and requires prior authorization from the USCIS and the student's school. To be eligible, the work must be related to the student's area of study and be an integral part of their educational program.

On-campus work in the US

International students in the US on an F-1 visa are permitted to work on-campus, but they must be eligible and need to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). Students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during breaks when classes are not in session.

On-campus employment is defined as work that takes place on campus or at an off-campus location that is educationally affiliated with the school. Examples of on-campus employment include working at a university bookstore or cafeteria.

To apply for on-campus employment, students must talk to their Designated School Official (DSO) and receive a letter of approval. They then need to take this letter and a letter of approval from their employer to apply for an SSN at the Social Security Office. Students cannot be paid until they have provided their SSN to their employer.

It is important to note that on-campus employment opportunities are limited at most schools, and students may not rely on them to prove financial resources for the year. Additionally, many schools require that students obtain permission from the International Student Office prior to accepting any on-campus employment, and some schools may not permit such employment during a student's first semester or year.

International students should also be aware that working in the US without proper authorization can have serious repercussions, including deportation and loss of their F-1 visa and student status.

Off-campus work in the US

International students in the US on a non-immigrant 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 certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).

Firstly, off-campus employment is only available to F-1 students who have completed at least one full academic year of their program of study. Secondly, they must have an economic hardship that qualifies for the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) emergent circumstances. Emergent circumstances are defined as world events that affect a specific group of F-1 students, causing them to suffer severe economic hardship. Examples include natural disasters, wars, and international financial crises. To apply for off-campus employment under these circumstances, students must explain their situation and receive approval from their designated school official (DSO).

There are two work authorization programs available to international students: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and OPT. CPT is an off-campus employment option for F-1 students when the practical training is an integral part of the established curriculum or academic program. To qualify, the work experience must be required for their degree, or academic credit must be awarded. Prior authorization by the school's International Student Office and notification to the USCIS are required. Students can only work for a specific employer and for specific dates authorized. While in school, CPT employment is limited to part-time (20 hours per week or less). OPT allows international students to work off-campus before they graduate (post-completion OPT) or after their studies. To qualify for OPT, students must have completed at least one academic year of coursework and be in good standing as F-1 students.

Students must not begin working while Form I-765 is pending with USCIS. They must also apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).

Visa protocols for international students in the US

To study in the United States as an international student, you will need a student visa. There are two types of non-immigrant visas available for international students: the F-1 Visa and the M-1 Visa. The F-1 Visa is for full-time academic students, while the M-1 Visa is for vocational or other non-academic programs. To obtain either of these visas, you must meet certain requirements, including being enrolled in an accredited academic program or institution, demonstrating English proficiency, and having sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies.

The process of obtaining a student visa involves an interview with a consular officer, who will determine your eligibility for the visa. As part of the application process, you will also need to provide ink-free, digital fingerprint scans. After your visa interview, there may be additional administrative processing required, and you may need to pay a visa issuance fee, depending on your nationality. It is important to note that a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States; it only allows you to travel to the country.

Once you have obtained your student visa, you will need to maintain your status as a student while in the United States. This includes maintaining enrolment in your program, as well as meeting any work authorization requirements if you plan to work during your studies. For F-1 students, off-campus employment must be related to their area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official and USCIS prior to starting work. Students on M-1 visas may also work, but only after obtaining practical training authorization from USCIS.

If you are planning to bring any family members with you during your studies, they may apply for F-2 or M-2 visas, depending on your visa type. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the regulations regarding changes in your student status or temporary breaks in your studies, as these may impact your visa status and require you to reapply for a new visa. Overall, understanding and complying with the visa protocols for international students in the US are crucial to ensuring a smooth educational journey in the country.

Work permits for international students in Canada

International students in Canada may be able to work during their studies if they meet certain requirements. The type of work permit needed will depend on the student's specific situation, such as whether they are working on-campus or off-campus, and if they are enrolled in a co-op or internship program.

Firstly, international students in Canada with a valid study permit may be authorized to work on-campus at their institution without needing a separate work permit. However, it is important to note that on-campus employment opportunities may be limited, and students may need to obtain permission from the relevant office within their institution before accepting any on-campus employment.

Secondly, for off-campus work, international students will typically need a work permit in addition to their study permit. This includes students who are participating in co-op or internship programs that require work experience. To obtain an off-campus work permit, the student's school must participate in an off-campus work permit program through Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).

Additionally, international students who have graduated from an academic program in Canada that lasted a minimum of eight months may qualify for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. The validity of this type of work permit is usually the same as that of the student's original study permit.

Lastly, the spouse or partner of an international student in Canada may also be eligible to work. They can apply for either a Canadian study permit or an open work permit, which does not require a specific job offer.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

International students on F-1 visas are generally permitted to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session and up to 40 hours per week when they are not. However, strict rules govern international students' off-campus employment in the United States. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is one way for F-1 students to gain off-campus work experience. CPT is defined as employment that trains you in your field of study and for which you fulfil academic credit or a degree requirement. CPT may be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to your field of study.

To be eligible for CPT, students must first obtain an internship offer with an international organization and then work with the Designated School Official (DSO) to apply for an Employment Authorization Document with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The DSO must certify the student's eligibility in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and provide a Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status." The DSO must also enter their recommendation and the student's employment details into SEVIS, including the employer's name and address and an explanation of how the training is an integral part of the established curriculum.

Students must maintain a full course of study even when CPT is authorized, and they cannot work before CPT is authorized in SEVIS. CPT authorization is only required when the training takes place inside the United States. Additionally, CPT is subject to school policies, and DSOs can authorize CPT on a part-time or full-time basis.

It is important to note that F-1 students cannot work off-campus during their first academic year and must meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization for any off-campus employment. Students found working illegally risk losing their F-1 status and having their visas revoked.

Frequently asked questions