Ibrahim Gardner
International students in the United States can work part-time on F-1 visas, which are non-immigrant visas for those enrolled full-time in academic or language training programs. F-1 students can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during classes and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. On-campus employment is the most freely permitted category and does not require USCIS approval. However, off-campus employment for F-1 students is severely restricted and must be related to their area of study. To work off-campus, F-1 students must obtain prior authorization from their Designated School Official and USCIS. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an option for off-campus employment when it is an integral part of the curriculum or academic program, and students can get paid for CPT employment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Student visa type | F-1 or M-1 |
| F-1 student work eligibility | On-campus: up to 20 hours per week during classes, up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. Off-campus work eligibility on a case-by-case basis, e.g., severe economic hardship, and must be related to the area of study. |
| M-1 student work eligibility | Off-campus work eligibility only after completing their studies and must be related to their area of study. |
| F-1 and M-1 student requirements for off-campus work | Must obtain official authorization from the Designated School Official and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) |
| F-1 student eligibility for practical training | Optional practical training (OPT) is available for up to one year before or after graduation. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is also available, which can be a paid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to the field of study. |
| Social Security Number requirement | A Social Security Number is required for on-campus and off-campus jobs. |
| International student tuition fee payment methods | International bank draft, wire transfer (money/bank/credit transfer), Transfermate Education |
| International student affordability options | Scholarships, out-of-state tuition waivers, loans from home country, private college scholarships, federal aid (in rare cases) |
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What You'll Learn
On-campus employment
International students in the US with an F-1 visa are allowed to work on campus without requiring additional work authorization. However, students should check with their school about on-campus work and immigration rules as access to on-campus jobs can vary from one campus to another.
F-1 students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time (up to 40 hours per week) during academic breaks. It's important to note that on-campus employment opportunities may be limited, and students may not rely on them as a guaranteed source of income. Students should also obtain permission from the International Student Office before accepting on-campus employment, and some schools may not permit such employment during the first semester or year.
International students facing severe economic hardship may be eligible for off-campus employment of up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks. This option is available to those who have completed at least one academic year and can demonstrate economic hardship beyond their control. Additionally, F-1 students can consider Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) for off-campus employment related to their field of study.
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Off-campus employment
International students in the United States on F-1 visas are permitted to work on-campus up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. However, off-campus employment for F-1 students is highly restricted and requires prior authorization.
F-1 students are generally not allowed to work off-campus during their first academic year. After the first year, there are four types of off-campus employment available:
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): This allows F-1 students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year before or after graduation. To be eligible, students must have completed at least one academic year and maintained their F-1 status.
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): CPT is defined as "alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum offered by sponsoring employers through agreements with the school." CPT must be an integral part of the degree program or a requirement for a course for which academic credit is awarded. Prior authorization from the school's International Student Office and notification to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) are required.
- STEM OPT Extension: F-1 students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields may be eligible for a 17-month extension of their OPT, allowing for a total of 29 months of work authorization.
- Economic Hardship Due to Unforeseen Circumstances: In cases of severe economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the student's control, such as loss of financial aid or on-campus employment, USCIS may authorize off-campus employment on a case-by-case basis.
It is important to note that F-1 students must meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization for off-campus employment. Working illegally can result in losing F-1 student status. Additionally, F-1 students can only work for employers that are educationally affiliated with their school, and the job location must be off-campus at the site of the affiliated organization.
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Eligibility requirements
International students can find ways to earn money legally in the USA, but they must be aware of the restrictions set by the Department of Homeland Security. F-1 students are typically not allowed to work off-campus in their first year of studies. However, there are several eligibility requirements and work options that international students can explore to boost their income.
To be eligible for on-campus employment, international students must be enrolled full-time and maintain valid F-1 status. They can work up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session and up to 40 hours per week during breaks. On-campus jobs include working in the university library, dining services, or as a teaching assistant.
For off-campus employment, F-1 students must meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization. They can become eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) after completing a full academic year, allowing them to work up to 20 hours in a job related to their field of study. To apply for CPT, students must obtain an internship offer and work with the Designated School Official (DSO) to submit the necessary documentation to USCIS.
In cases of severe economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances, F-1 students may be authorized for off-campus employment. This includes situations like the loss of financial aid or on-campus employment beyond the student's control.
International students can also explore Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to work in the United States in their field of study. To be eligible for OPT, students must have completed at least one academic year and maintain active F-1 status. They can work full-time or part-time, with a minimum total of 20 hours per week, and can even work for multiple employers.
Additionally, international students can engage in freelancing opportunities, such as graphic design, writing, web development, or digital marketing, to generate income remotely. They can also invest in stocks or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as a way to create passive income, as long as it doesn't count as active income generation.
It is important for international students to stay informed about legal regulations, maintain their F-1 status, and prioritize their studies while exploring these income-generating opportunities.
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Authorisation
International students in the United States on an F-1 visa are generally allowed to 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. However, there are strict rules and eligibility requirements for international students seeking employment in the US, and failure to comply can result in losing F-1 student status.
On-Campus Employment
On-campus employment is the most freely available option for international students on an F-1 visa. It does not require approval from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and can include working for the school or a company that contracts with the school to serve students directly. For example, an F-1 student can work for a food service company contracted by the school, but only at school facilities and not at any off-campus locations. Additionally, F-1 students cannot work for a company that does not have a contractual agreement with the school, even if the job site is on campus. Many schools require students to obtain permission from the International Student Office prior to accepting on-campus employment, and some schools may not permit such employment during a student's first semester or year.
Off-Campus Employment
Off-campus employment for F-1 students is highly regulated and must meet specific eligibility requirements. Generally, off-campus employment must be related to the student's area of study and must be authorised by the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS prior to starting work. The DSO is responsible for maintaining the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and ensuring that the job qualifies as on-campus employment. F-1 students seeking off-campus employment must obtain certification letters from the DSO and the employer and present them to the local Social Security Administration office to obtain a Social Security Number.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a form of work authorisation that allows F-1 students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year before or after graduation. To be eligible, students must have been enrolled for at least one academic year and maintain active F-1 student status. Post-completion OPT allows students to accumulate a maximum of 90 days of unemployment while seeking employment.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is defined as "alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school." CPT employment must be an integral part of the student's degree program or a requirement for a course for which academic credit is awarded. Prior authorisation by the school's International Student Office and notification to USCIS are required. Students must have been enrolled full-time for one year on valid F-1 status and must have received a qualifying job offer before submitting their CPT authorisation request.
International students can also explore other opportunities such as paid internships or under-the-table jobs, but it is important to be mindful of the travel regulations and risks associated with these choices.
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Scholarships
United States
The US is known for its expensive higher education, but there are many scholarship opportunities for international students. Some notable scholarships include:
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program: One of the most popular government-funded scholarships for graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study in the US for one year.
- #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship: Aimed at all international students studying any subject at participating colleges or universities in the US. Applicants submit an essay or video demonstrating their interest in promoting intercultural learning and exchange.
- Civil Society Leadership Awards: Fully-funded scholarships for students from eligible countries to pursue a master's degree in the US or another host country.
- Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholarship Program: Scholarships for 11 exceptional Asian students to study at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, covering full tuition and student fees.
United Kingdom
The UK government offers a variety of scholarships to support international students financially. Some notable scholarships include:
- GREAT Scholarships: Scholarships for students from 18 countries to pursue a variety of subjects at UK universities.
- Chevening Scholarships: Offers fully-funded master's degrees in the UK for students with high potential.
- Commonwealth Scholarships: Scholarships for talented individuals who can positively impact the globe at UK universities.
- Disability Scholarships: These scholarships support international students with disabilities, long-term mental health conditions, learning difficulties, or other special needs.
Canada
Canada is known for its inclusive culture and commitment to global academic enrichment. The Canadian government and universities offer several scholarships to attract international talent. Some notable scholarships include:
- Canada Scholarship for International Students: A prestigious, government-funded scholarship that fosters international exchange and nurtures future leaders.
- Study in Canada Scholarship: Offered by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and private institutions, these scholarships are linked to diverse criteria and excellence avenues for students.
- University-funded scholarships: Many Canadian universities offer their own scholarships to attract exceptional talent from around the world, such as the University of Sydney International Scholarship.
Australia
Australia welcomes over 100,000 international students each year and offers many scholarships to support their studies. Some notable scholarships include:
- University-funded scholarships: Many Australian universities offer scholarships to attract international students, such as the Macquarie University North Ryde campus Vice-International Chancellor's Scholarship, which offers partial tuition fee waivers.
- SCU International Regional Scholarship: This scholarship is designed for students from Asia and the Pacific to encourage them to study at Southern Cross University (SCU) in Australia, offering substantial tuition fee reductions.
- University of Sydney International Scholarship: International students enrolling in postgraduate research degrees at the University of Sydney are eligible for this scholarship, covering tuition fees and living allowances.
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Frequently asked questions
International students enrolled full-time and in valid F-1 status can generally work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during class time and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. Off-campus employment is only allowed in certain circumstances, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT).
CPT is a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to your field of study. OPT is work authorization that allows you to work in areas related to your major for up to one year either before or after you graduate.
To get paid, international students need a Social Security Number (SSN). To obtain an SSN, students need a letter from their International Student Services Office confirming their eligibility to work, their passport, F-1 visa, I-94 number, and Form I-20.
