Douglas Olsen
International students often seek employment to gain experience in their field of study, build a network, and finance their educational expenses. The ability to work on or off-campus depends on the country, visa type, and eligibility requirements. In the United States, F-1 students can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during classes and 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. Off-campus employment is generally restricted for F-1 students, and they must obtain prior authorization. In Canada, international students can work off-campus for up to 24 hours a week without a work permit, provided they meet other eligibility requirements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work for a company for free | Allowed |
| Work for a US company | Allowed |
| Work for a non-US company | Allowed, but requires work authorization |
| Work remotely | Allowed, but requires work authorization |
| Work on campus | Allowed, but limited to 20 hours per week |
| Work off campus | Allowed, but limited to 24 hours per week without a work permit |
| Work authorization options | Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT) |
| CPT eligibility | After the first academic year, for F-1 visa holders |
| OPT eligibility | After graduation, for up to 12 months |
| OPT work hours | Up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester, up to 40 hours during school breaks |
| OPT freelancing | Allowed, but work must be related to the academic major |
| OPT application | Through the college, starting 90 days before the end of the first academic year |
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What You'll Learn
International students working for free in the US
International students in the US on an F1 visa are subject to strict rules and restrictions when it comes to working for free or otherwise. F1 visa holders are allowed to work in the US, but only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
On-campus employment is the most freely available option for international students. This includes jobs with on-location commercial firms that provide services for students on campus, such as the school bookstore or cafeteria. Some on-campus jobs may even be remote or partially remote, such as working as a social media coordinator for the school. International students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester and up to 40 hours per week during school breaks.
Off-campus employment is more restricted and generally requires prior authorization from USCIS and the student's Designated School Official (DSO). There are several options for off-campus employment:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): CPT is available for F1 students when the training is an integral part of their established curriculum or academic program. CPT can be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to the student's field of study. CPT employment must be required for the degree or academic credit must be awarded. Prior authorization by the DSO and notification to USCIS is required.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): OPT allows international students to work in jobs related to their major for up to one year either before or after graduation. OPT can be used for freelancing and self-employment, but all work must be related to the student's academic major. OPT employment can occur anywhere in the US and does not require a job offer to apply. However, students must receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS and have been enrolled for at least a year before starting work.
It is important to note that working illegally in the US can result in severe penalties, including the loss of a student visa and a ban from re-entering the country. International students should carefully review the guidelines and restrictions for each type of employment and consult with their school's International Student Office to ensure they maintain legal status.
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Work authorization for international students
International students in the US are subject to work authorization requirements that affect their ability to work, including freelancing. International students on F-1 visas are only authorized to work on campus unless they get additional work authorization. There are two work authorization options for international students: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is a type of work authorization that allows F-1 international students to participate in paid and unpaid internships during their degree program for academic credit. To qualify, the internship must be relevant to the student's field of study. OPT allows international students to work either before or after graduation in a job that's related to their major. According to USCIS, OPT can be used for remote work for a non-US company, but students can only work up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester. During school breaks, they can work up to 40 hours a week.
Post-completion OPT can be used for freelancing, and students can work full-time up to 40 hours a week in total. These restrictions apply to any international student physically in the US, whether freelancing for a US company or a company based in another country. To ensure legality while freelancing on OPT, all work must be related to the student's academic major, and they must keep detailed records of all work.
International students can also work on campus, which can include remote or partially remote jobs, such as working as a social media coordinator for the school's career center. Students can also collect rent money from tenants for rental properties they own, enter the US stock market, and earn royalties from publications in another country.
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F-1 visa requirements for international students
International students with an F-1 visa can only work on campus unless they get additional work authorization. This means that any work done on US soil, including remote work, requires US work authorization. F-1 visa holders can work remotely for a US or non-US company after their first year with the proper work authorization.
There are two work authorization options for international students: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is a type of work authorization that allows F-1 international students to participate in paid and unpaid internships during their degree program for academic credit. To qualify, the internship must be relevant to the student's field of study. OPT allows international students to work either before or after graduation in a job that's related to their major. Students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester and up to 40 hours per week during school breaks. It's important to note that CPT cannot be used for freelance work, as it must be tied to a specific employer. However, OPT can be used for freelancing, and international students can work for multiple companies or clients as long as their total hours do not exceed the OPT limit.
To obtain an F-1 visa, international students must complete a DS-160 visa application and attend a visa interview. During the interview, students must prove that they have sufficient funds to cover their living expenses and studies in the US and confirm their intention to return to their home country after completing their studies. Students must also demonstrate English proficiency and be enrolled as full-time students at an accredited academic institution.
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Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for international students
International students in the US on F-1 visas are only authorized to work on campus unless they get additional work authorization. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is one such work authorization option that allows F-1 international students to participate in paid and unpaid off-campus internships and practicums during their degree program for academic credit. CPT is a great way for international students to gain valuable work experience while still in school.
To be eligible for CPT, students must have maintained their F-1 status each semester and be enrolled full-time for the semester they wish to pursue CPT. The only exception to this is during the student's final semester. The CPT internship or practicum must be considered an integral part of the student's degree program and must be directly related to their major. It is important to note that CPT cannot be used for freelance work as it must be tied to a specific employer.
Students interested in CPT must first secure an internship offer and enroll in a full course load or indicate that they are in their final semester. They then need to register for an internship course, if applicable, and submit the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) I-20 Request Form along with the internship offer letter for review by their Academic Advisor or Internship Coordinator. It is important to follow any specific CPT instructions provided by the university, such as those outlined on the Viterbi Career Connections (VCC) website for Viterbi students.
While CPT provides a great opportunity for international students to gain practical experience, it is important to be mindful of the impact on future Optional Practical Training (OPT) eligibility. If a student completes 12 months or more of full-time CPT, they become ineligible for OPT. However, part-time CPT does not interfere with OPT eligibility, allowing students to pursue both options. OPT may be a better choice for those interested in freelancing, as it can be used for self-employment and freelancing after the first year of school.
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Optional Practical Training (OPT) for international students
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of temporary employment authorisation directly related to an international student's major area of study. It is available to students on an F-1 visa, who are lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis and have completed one full academic year at a college, university, conservatory, or seminary that has been certified by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
There are two types of OPT: pre-completion and post-completion. Pre-completion OPT allows students to work before graduation, while post-completion OPT is for working after graduation. Students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT employment authorisation, which can be used 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 file Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," with the required fee and supporting documentation. The application process can be complex and involves multiple steps and players, including the Designated School Official (DSO) and SEVP. Students can file for OPT up to 90 days before their program's end date and no later than 60 days after. It is important to note that students do not need a job offer before applying for OPT, and they can change jobs during their OPT period.
For students who have earned degrees in certain Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, a 24-month extension of post-completion OPT may be available. To be eligible, students must meet specific requirements, including being employed by an employer enrolled in the E-Verify program and having received an initial grant of post-completion OPT based on their STEM degree.
OPT can be used for freelance work, both before and after graduation, allowing international students to work for multiple companies or clients as long as their total hours do not exceed the OPT limit. However, it is important to note that all work must be related to the student's academic major to maintain legal status.
In conclusion, Optional Practical Training (OPT) provides international students on F-1 visas with valuable opportunities to gain practical experience related to their field of study. By following the proper application procedures and adhering to the OPT guidelines, students can benefit from this authorisation to enhance their professional development and career prospects in the United States.
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Frequently asked questions
International students in the US with an F1 visa and valid immigration status are permitted to work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status during and after their degree. Students must seek clearance from their International Student Office and receive approval from USCIS.
International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. Students must meet other eligibility requirements and must be enrolled in a full-time study program.
International students in the US can work on-campus and off-campus. On-campus jobs include positions in offices, labs, and other departments. Off-campus employment options include Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT).
