Lori Meadows
International students often face strict regulations when it comes to working during their studies. In the United States, most international students hold an F-1 visa, which permits part-time on-campus work but prohibits off-campus work without prior authorisation. Similar rules apply in Canada, where international students can work off-campus without a permit for up to 24 hours per week, but only if they are full-time students. In both countries, international students can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work off-campus in a role related to their major, either before or after graduation. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is another option, allowing students to gain academic credit for internships, cooperative education jobs, or other experiences related to their field of study.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work for a non-US company | Requires work authorization |
| F-1 visa holders | Cannot be found "engaging in business" but can create a business plan and launch their own business |
| Work on US soil | Requires US work authorization |
| Remote work | Allowed with OPT or CPT |
| OPT | Can be used for freelancing and working for non-US companies, but not recommended during studies |
| CPT | Cannot be used for freelance work, must be tied to a specific employer |
| On-campus jobs | Allowed for F-1 visa holders |
| Off-campus work authorization | Not granted during the first academic year |
| Work eligibility | Depends on visa status |
| Work illegally in the US | May lose student visa and face other severe penalties |
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What You'll Learn
Working for your own company on an F1 visa
International students on an F1 visa are allowed to enter and study in the United States as full-time students at an accredited academic institution. While F1 visa holders are restricted from working off-campus during their first academic year, they may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions. After the first year, F1 students may engage in off-campus employment, including STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
Although it is challenging, international students on F1 visas can start a business in the US by using OPT or CPT, provided they comply with certain restrictions. The business and job description must align with the major they graduated in, and they must maintain their F1 status by ensuring that their employment does not interfere with their studies. F1 visa holders can take steps toward licensing their business, such as completing necessary applications and adhering to industry regulations. They should also consider the tax and legal implications of hiring employees and consult with a tax advisor or immigration attorney.
It is important to note that F1 visas and their associated work authorizations are not permanent. F1 visa holders may consider applying for an H1B visa or an O1 visa to continue their entrepreneurial journey in the US after graduation. The O1 visa, in particular, offers advantages such as unlimited extensions and no prevailing wage limits.
However, there are conflicting opinions on whether F1 visa holders can legally own startups or work for their own company. Some sources indicate that self-employment is prohibited on a student visa, and universities typically do not approve of international students pursuing non-academic work. Additionally, hiring employees for a company while on an F1 visa can be complex and should be approached with caution.
In conclusion, while it is possible for F1 visa holders to start a business in the US, it requires careful navigation of regulations and work authorizations. Seeking legal advice and planning ahead for the transition to other visa types can help ensure a smooth and compliant entrepreneurial journey.
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Remote work for non-US companies
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are only authorized to work on campus unless they get additional work authorization. This includes remote work for non-US companies. Any work done on US soil requires US work authorization, even if it is for a company in another country. International students can gain work authorization through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT allows F-1 international students to participate in paid and unpaid internships during their degree program for academic credit. OPT allows international students to work either before or after graduation in a job that is related to their major.
If you are an international student looking to work remotely for a non-US company, you should familiarize yourself with F-1 visa work authorization rules to ensure you maintain legal student visa status in the US. For example, OPT may be used for freelance work after the first year of school, but this is not recommended because if you use all your allotted OPT during your studies, you cannot use OPT after graduation. Additionally, while on OPT, you can only work up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester and up to 40 hours a week during school breaks.
Remote work offers flexibility and opens up more opportunities for individuals looking for employment. It is entirely possible to work remotely for a US-based company while living abroad. However, it is important to understand the legal requirements for remote work in the US and in the country where you will be working remotely. For example, many foreign countries forbid travelers from working on a tourist visa, and you will need to get a right-to-work permit. Additionally, you will need to set up a functional workspace and establish clear communication channels with your manager regarding work hours, availability, and preferred methods of contact. Managing time zones is also important when working remotely for a US-based company.
There are several options for receiving payments for remote work. Employees are usually paid through a bank transfer, while independent contractors can receive payments through direct bank transfer or online payment platforms such as PayPal, Payoneer, and Stripe.
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Freelancing as a form of self-employment
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are subject to work authorization requirements that affect their ability to freelance. Freelancing is considered a form of self-employment, where individuals work for themselves rather than for an employer, providing services or products through specific projects for multiple companies and/or clients. Projects can be one-time or ongoing, and freelancers may or may not have their own business.
International students on an F-1 visa 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 cannot be used for freelance work as it must be tied to a specific employer. OPT may be used for freelance work after the first year of school, but students can only work up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester and up to 40 hours per week during school breaks.
To ensure legality while freelancing on OPT, all work must be related to the academic major of the student. Additionally, it is important to keep detailed records of all work, including the nature of the work, hours worked, and income received. International students can use websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com to find freelance jobs.
While freelancing is a form of self-employment, there are some differences between the two. Self-employed individuals have more control over their projects and workflow, and they are not under the jurisdiction of employers. They can decide what projects to work on, when and with whom to work, and their personal work style. On the other hand, freelancers typically follow the requests of clients and may have less control over the specifics of the work. Freelancers often work on multiple projects simultaneously for different clients, and they tend to work alone.
Both freelancers and self-employed individuals are responsible for filing their own taxes and may benefit from registering their business with the IRS for tax purposes. They may also want to consider obtaining business insurance to protect themselves from potential risks and liabilities.
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On-campus jobs
International students in the US on an F1 visa are allowed to work on-campus without requiring additional work authorization. However, the exact policies regarding on-campus work for international students vary by school, so it is best to contact your school's international student services office for more information.
To be eligible for on-campus work, you must be enrolled in an academic program full-time, and your J-1 visa status must remain current. During the academic year, students are permitted to work a maximum of 20 hours per week while classes are in session, and up to 40 hours per week during the summer and university breaks.
There are many benefits to having an on-campus job as an international student in the US. You can gain valuable work experience and references for your resume, and you can earn some extra money to support yourself. You can also develop your independence and gain social connections.
There are many different types of on-campus jobs available to undergraduate and graduate students, and international students are welcome to apply for the same jobs as domestic students. Some common examples of on-campus jobs include working in the school bookstore, library, cafeteria, campus box office, or at a research facility or sports stadium. Many US schools use online platforms to post jobs that are open to college students, so the best place to look for on-campus jobs is your college's online job board.
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Internships
International students in the United States on an F1 visa are permitted to work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status during and after their degree. However, this requires prior authorization from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and the school's International Student Office. To apply for OPT, students must have been enrolled for at least 9 months and have received their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS, as well as having been enrolled for at least a year.
There are various internship opportunities available for international students, such as the CIEE Summer Global Internship Program, which allows students to work full-time for an international company, startup, or NGO during the summer. There is also the CIEE Semester Global Internship Program, which is similar but allows students to take one academic course at the same time. CIEE also offers part-time internship programs for those who wish to take on academic courses alongside their internship.
Another option is the UNICEF Internship Programme, which offers students and recent graduates from diverse academic backgrounds the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through global internship opportunities. Internships at UNICEF can last between six and twenty-six weeks and can be undertaken on a full-time or part-time basis. UNICEF provides interns with a monthly stipend and may also provide a contribution towards travel and visa costs.
Absolute Internship also offers international internships for students, with previous interns having completed remote internships in Barcelona in fields such as business development and pharmaceutical science.
International internships can provide valuable opportunities for career development, allowing students to gain hands-on work experience, build their resumes, grow their global networks, and develop intercultural skills. When considering an internship abroad, it is important to reflect on your goals, consult with your study abroad office, and choose a program that aligns with your academic needs, professional goals, and personal interests.
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Frequently asked questions
International students in the US with an F-1 visa 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. Off-campus work is forbidden during the first year of study. After the first year, proper work authorization is required to work off-campus, including remote work.
OPT stands for Optional Practical Training. It allows international students to work off-campus in the US in a job related to their major for up to 12 months full-time. OPT can be done pre-graduation or post-graduation.
CPT stands for Curricular Practical Training. It 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. CPT may be full-time or part-time.
Aside from on-campus jobs, international students can earn income through rental properties, stocks and investments, and royalties from publications in another country.
International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. They must be full-time students at a designated learning institution.
