Working Without An Ead: Options For International Students

International students in the US on F1 visas are permitted to work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status during and after completion of their degree. However, to do so, they must first obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). The EAD establishes the student's identity and employment authorization for Form I-9 purposes. F-1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year but may seek on-campus employment or off-campus employment after their first year through a variety of programs.

Can an international student work without an EAD card?

International students with F-1 status can work on-campus for up to 20 hours a week

On-campus employment is defined as work that is on the physical campus and is affiliated with the university. For example, a student working at a sports game may have an on-campus job as part of a security unit that is contracted by the university. Students can check if their job is considered on-campus employment by asking their employer if they will be paid from the university's payroll.

To work on-campus, F-1 students must obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). To do this, they must complete their SSN application online and then take their original documents, including their passport, F-1 visa, and I-94 number, to the local Social Security Administration Office. They will receive their SSN within 10-14 business days.

It is important to note that F-1 students cannot work off-campus without meeting eligibility requirements and obtaining official authorization. Off-campus employment is only allowed in specific circumstances, such as curricular practical training or severe economic hardship. Students found working illegally off-campus risk losing their F-1 status and may have to leave the United States.

Students must apply for an EAD with the help of their International Student Office

International students in the United States who are interested in working while studying need to follow certain rules and prepare ahead of time. Students must apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with the help of their International Student Office. The EAD is a document that authorises international students to work in the US. The process can take up to 12 weeks or longer, and several forms, documents, fees, and photos are required. Students cannot start working until they receive their EAD.

To apply for an EAD, students must submit Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The USCIS website provides detailed instructions on how to fill out and submit this form, as well as information on any applicable fees. Students can also seek guidance from their International Student Office to ensure they maintain lawful F1 status throughout their stay in the US.

Once the USCIS approves the Form I-765, students will receive a Form I-766, "Employment Authorization Document" (EAD), in the mail. This EAD card serves as proof of their authorisation to work in the United States. It is important to carry this card when travelling internationally. Additionally, students must have a valid passport, F1 visa, and all their I-20s with page 3 endorsed for travel by their international student advisor within the past 6 months.

It is recommended to start the application process early, as the USCIS can take up to 90 days to process the application. Students can apply for their EAD up to 90 days before their program end date, and they can still request a later start date if needed. It is crucial to maintain valid F1 status, as employment authorisation is automatically terminated if a student fails to do so.

In some cases, international students may need to replace or renew their EAD. For instance, if the EAD is lost, stolen, or contains incorrect information, students can request a replacement by filing a new Form I-765 and paying the associated fee, if required. The USCIS website provides information on replacing or renewing an EAD, including any applicable fees and processing times.

Students can apply for OPT after being enrolled for at least 9 months

International students in the United States who are interested in working need to follow certain rules and prepare in advance. Students can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after being enrolled for at least nine months. OPT is a type of temporary employment directly related to an F-1 student's major area of study. Students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before or after completing their academic studies. However, all periods of pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the available period of post-completion OPT.

To apply for OPT, students must submit Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS will then process the application, which can take up to 90 days. Students do not need a job offer to apply for OPT, and their job can be anywhere in the United States. Additionally, students can change jobs during their OPT period. It is important to note that students cannot begin working on OPT until they receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS. The EAD serves as proof of authorization to work in the United States, and students must carry it with them when travelling internationally.

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. To be eligible for the STEM OPT extension, students must meet specific requirements, such as being employed by an employer enrolled in the E-Verify program. Students can also request a later OPT start date if they apply early. It is recommended that students start the process early and work closely with their school's International Student Office to maintain their lawful F1 status.

Students must have a valid passport, F1 visa, and all I-20s when travelling

International students in the United States who are interested in working while studying need to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). This can be done by submitting the Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization", to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The EAD is a requirement for all OPT employment and must be obtained before starting work.

Other important documents to consider when travelling include the I-94 card, DS-2019, and a letter of employment. It is crucial to keep all these documents organised and easily accessible when travelling internationally or re-entering the United States.

Students can work off-campus if there is no on-campus employment available

International students in the US on a student visa are typically 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). To work in the US, international students must apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the USCIS. The EAD is a card that serves as proof of authorization to work in the US and must be carried when travelling internationally.

There are several categories of employment during the term of an international student's stay in the US. On-campus employment is the most freely available and does not require USCIS approval. However, on-campus employment opportunities at most schools are limited.

F1 students can also work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status both during and after completing their degree. To qualify for off-campus employment, the work must be an integral part of the student's educational program and educationally affiliated with the school. The educational affiliation must be associated with the school's established curriculum or related to contractually funded research projects at the postgraduate level. Off-campus employment can also include internships or practical training that are an integral part of the established curriculum or academic program.

To be eligible for off-campus employment, F1 students must have been enrolled for at least one academic year, be in good academic standing, and demonstrate that they are unable to obtain on-campus employment or that the pay from available on-campus employment is insufficient to meet their financial needs. USCIS will also authorize off-campus employment in cases of severe economic hardship occurring after a student's enrollment or in emergent circumstances, such as natural disasters, wars, or financial crises.

Frequently asked questions