Working In The Us: International Student Opportunities

International students in the US can work, but they must follow visa regulations and obtain proper work authorisations. The type of work visa and employment an international student can get depends on their visa type. F-1 visa holders, for example, can work on campus and are eligible to apply for off-campus work authorisation, including Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT allows students to work part-time (20 hours per week) or full-time (40 hours per week) in a job related to their field of study. OPT is a temporary form of employment related to a student's field of study, where eligible students can work for up to 12 months, with a possible 24-month extension for STEM majors. J-1 visa holders are eligible for up to 18 months of work authorisation, called academic training, and may be allowed to work part-time during their academic program.

On-campus employment

International students in the US on an F1 visa are permitted 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 most freely available option for international students, and it does not require USCIS approval. However, on-campus employment opportunities are limited at most schools.

International students with F-1 status 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. It is important to note that students with F-1 status cannot be employed off-campus without meeting eligibility requirements and obtaining official authorization. Students found working illegally are at risk of losing their F-1 status and may have to leave the country immediately.

Off-campus employment

After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in off-campus employment, but it must be related to their area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). There are several categories of off-campus employment, including:

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT): This is a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience that is related to the student's field of study and fulfills academic credit or a degree requirement. CPT is typically for one-term internships and must be applied for through the DSO.
• Optional Practical Training (OPT): OPT is work authorization that allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year, either before or after graduation. To be eligible, students must have been enrolled for at least one academic year and have active F-1 status. For post-completion OPT, students can accumulate a maximum of 90 days of unemployment while seeking employment. If the student is in a STEM field, they can apply to extend the OPT by an additional two years.
• Severe Economic Hardship: In cases of severe economic hardship, USCIS may authorize off-campus employment for F-1 students who have been enrolled in an academic program for at least one full academic year.
• Emergent Circumstances: World events, such as natural disasters or financial crises, may cause severe economic hardship and qualify F-1 students for off-campus employment authorization.

It is important to note that the rules and regulations regarding off-campus employment for international students in the US are complex and strict. Students found working illegally risk losing their F-1 status and visa.

Social Security Number (SSN)

International students enrolled full-time and in valid F-1 status can generally work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the classes and up to 40 hours per week when the classes are not in session. The United States has strict rules for international students who want to work during their studies. Students in valid F-1 status cannot be employed off-campus without meeting eligibility requirements and obtaining official authorization.

A Social Security Number (SSN) is a 9-digit number issued to citizens and eligible non-citizens. Its primary purpose is to track individuals for taxation purposes. A SSN is important because you need it to get a job on-campus and off-campus. Many other businesses, such as cellphone companies, banks, and credit companies, also ask for your SSN. You cannot apply for an SSN until you have a job offer, and an employer cannot pay you until you provide them with your SSN.

To apply for an SSN, bring the following documents to the Social Security Office:

• A letter from your employer, on company letterhead, stating the job title, work hours, start date, and rate of pay.
• A letter from your International Student Services Office confirming your eligibility to work.
• Your passport, F-1 visa, and I-94 number.
• Your Form I-20.

Complete your Social Security Number application online and then take your original documents to the local Social Security Administration Office.

If you are requesting an SSN based on on-campus employment, you must bring your department letter to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). The OISS will issue a second letter to confirm that you have secured on-campus employment and that you are a full-time student in good standing. An OISS letter is not required if your employment is based on curricular practical training, optional practical training, international organization employment, or severe economic hardship employment.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

International students enrolled full-time and in valid F-1 status can generally work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year, and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. The United States has strict rules for international students who want to work during their studies. Students in valid F-1 status cannot be employed off-campus without meeting eligibility requirements and obtaining official authorization.

To be eligible for CPT, students must have been enrolled for at least one academic year and have active F-1 student status. The Designated School Official (DSO) must authorize CPT on a part-time or full-time basis, in accordance with school policies. When school is in session, the student 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.

Students interested in CPT must make an appointment with International Student Services to determine their eligibility. If the DSO decides to certify the student's eligibility, they must enter their recommendation into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and provide the student with a Form I-20, which the student must keep. The student must then apply for work authorization by filing a Form I-765 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and paying a filing fee. USCIS will send an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) upon approving the student's petition.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

The process of obtaining OPT involves multiple steps and players. Firstly, a Designated School Official (DSO) must recommend OPT in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The DSO plays a crucial role in certifying the student's eligibility and entering their recommendation into SEVIS. Subsequently, the student must apply for a work permit with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by filing Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization." The USCIS will then review the application, and if approved, they will issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). It is imperative that students do not begin working before the start date specified on the EAD to avoid unauthorized employment, which carries serious consequences.

There are two types of OPT: pre-completion OPT and post-completion OPT. Pre-completion OPT allows students to work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time when school is not in session. On the other hand, post-completion OPT requires students to work at least 20 hours per week or full time. It is important to note that the total time of full-time OPT is reduced if the student has already received a certain period of pre-completion OPT. For example, if a student has received one year of full-time pre-completion OPT, they will not be entitled to any period of post-completion OPT employment authorization.

Additionally, students should be mindful of the impact of transferring schools or starting a new educational level on their OPT authorization. If a student transfers to another school or progresses to a higher educational level, their authorization to engage in OPT employment will automatically terminate. While their F-1 status will not be affected, they must not continue working on a terminated EAD as it is no longer authorized.

OPT plays a critical role in the career paths of international students, especially in STEM fields. It provides an opportunity for graduates to develop their skills, build relationships with potential employers, and explore future immigration options. The number of students receiving OPT work authorization has been increasing, highlighting its significance in the U.S. higher education landscape.

Frequently asked questions