Janice Lozano
International students in the United States often have the option to work while studying, but there are rules and regulations that must be followed. F-1 visa students, for example, can work on-campus for an employer educationally affiliated with their school or off-campus if they can show severe economic hardship. Students with an F-1 visa can also work multiple jobs during the 12-month OPT period, provided each job is related to their field of study and totals at least 20 hours per week. However, during the 24-month STEM OPT extension, each job must be full-time.
Working as an international student in the US
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | F-1 (Academic Student) or M-1 (Vocational Student) |
| Work hours during school term | Total work hours for all jobs cannot exceed 20 hours |
| Work hours during school breaks | May work full-time during breaks |
| On-campus employment | Allowed, as long as it does not displace a US citizen or LPR |
| Off-campus employment | F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year |
| OPT (Optional Practical Training) | F-1 students may be eligible for off-campus OPT after the first academic year |
| STEM OPT Extension | Students in STEM fields can get an additional 24 months, allowing for a total of 36 months of employment |
| CPT (Curricular Practical Training) | May be paid or unpaid, must be an integral part of the degree program |
| Multiple jobs | Students can work multiple jobs as long as the total work hours do not exceed 20 hours during the school term |
| Social Security Number | F-1 students should report their work and receive a certification letter to present to the Social Security Administration |
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What You'll Learn
- F-1 visa holders can work multiple jobs, but total work hours must not exceed 20 during the school term
- F-1 visa holders can work full-time during school breaks
- On-campus employment is the most freely available for F-1 visa holders
- F-1 visa holders can work off-campus if the job is related to their area of study
- CPT employment can be paid, but full-time work for 12 months or more disqualifies you from OPT
F-1 visa holders can work multiple jobs, but total work hours must not exceed 20 during the school term
International students in the United States on an F-1 visa are permitted to work multiple jobs, but there are several rules and restrictions that must be followed. Firstly, during the school term, F-1 visa holders are limited to working a maximum of 20 hours per week across all jobs. This means that if you take on multiple jobs, the total work hours across all those jobs must not exceed 20 hours per week. This rule applies when school is in session, and it ensures that students can maintain their F-1 status and prioritize their academic commitments.
On-campus employment is the most common option for F-1 visa holders. To be eligible for on-campus work, the job must be physically located on the school's campus or, in some cases, with a company that has a contractual affiliation with the school, providing services to students. An example would be working for a company that has a contract with the school for food services. F-1 students can work for such a company on-site at school facilities but not at their off-campus locations. It is important to note that F-1 visa holders cannot work for a construction company, even if the job site is on campus. Additionally, any on-campus employment must not displace a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR).
During annual vacations or when school is not in session, F-1 visa holders are allowed to work full-time, which typically means more than 20 hours per week. This provides international students with greater flexibility in terms of working hours and income during these periods.
For off-campus employment, there are specific categories and requirements that F-1 visa holders must adhere to. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in off-campus employment under certain conditions. One option is Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training (OPT), which provides an opportunity for F-1 students to gain practical experience related to their field of study. During the STEM OPT extension period, students can work for multiple employers, but not simultaneously, and a detailed training plan must be prepared and executed by each employer. Prior authorization from the Designated School Official and USCIS is required for any off-campus training employment, and it must be related to the student's area of study.
Another off-campus employment option is CPT (Curricular Practical Training), which includes internships, cooperative education, or any required work experience that is an integral part of the student's degree program. CPT employment can be paid, and prior authorization from the school's International Student Office and notification to USCIS are necessary. CPT has no limit on the number of hours worked, but working full-time for 12 months or more on CPT makes students ineligible for OPT.
It is important for F-1 visa holders to carefully consider the rules and regulations surrounding employment, as non-compliance could result in serious consequences, including having to leave the United States. International students should work closely with their school's International Student Office to ensure they maintain lawful F-1 status and do not violate any terms of their visa.
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F-1 visa holders can work full-time during school breaks
International students in the United States on an F-1 visa are allowed to work during their stay, but their employment options are limited. F-1 visa holders can work full-time during school breaks, which includes annual vacations and holidays, but only on-campus. This means that the job site must be located on the school's premises, and the F-1 student must not displace a US citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR).
There are two types of on-campus employment:
- Working directly for the school, which includes roles such as teaching or research assistant positions, or jobs in the school cafeteria, library, or administrative offices.
- Working for an on-campus commercial firm, such as a bookstore or cafeteria, as long as the work directly provides services for students.
During the school term, F-1 visa holders are limited to working 20 hours per week. However, during school breaks, there is no limit on the number of hours they can work, and they can work up to 40 hours per week. This allows F-1 students to take advantage of the possibility of accepting employment in the United States, which can help with the costs of studying and living in the country.
It is important to note that F-1 students must comply with certain federal laws and regulations when seeking employment. They must also report their work and receive a certification letter to present to the Social Security Administration to receive a Social Security number. Non-compliance with these guidelines may result in the F-1 student having to leave the United States.
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On-campus employment is the most freely available for F-1 visa holders
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are allowed to work and earn while studying. However, there are several rules and restrictions that must be followed to maintain their visa status. On-campus employment is the most freely available option for F-1 visa holders.
On-campus employment is defined as any work done for the school or a company that contracts with the school to directly serve students. This includes work in cafeterias and bookstores, as long as the work directly provides services for students. It also includes work that is related to the university's established curriculum or part of contractually funded research projects at the postgraduate level.
F-1 visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week during the school term and up to 40 hours per week when school is not in session or during annual vacations. It is important to note that F-1 students cannot be employed in a job that displaces a US citizen or lawful permanent resident.
To work on campus, F-1 visa holders must maintain their valid F-1 status and may need to obtain permission from their university's International Student Office before accepting employment. While on-campus employment is the most accessible option, opportunities may be limited, and the income may not be sufficient to cover all expenses.
Off-campus employment for F-1 visa holders is subject to stricter regulations and typically requires prior authorization. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in certain types of off-campus employment, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) in areas related to their field of study.
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F-1 visa holders can work off-campus if the job is related to their area of study
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): This includes internships, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school. To qualify as CPT, the work experience must be required for the student's degree or academic credit must be awarded. Prior authorization from the school's International Student Office and notification to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) are required.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): F-1 students may be eligible for OPT, which allows them to work off-campus in jobs related to their area of study. To qualify for OPT, students must have been enrolled for at least 9 months and receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS.
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT Extension: F-1 students enrolled in STEM fields may be eligible for an additional 24-month extension after completing their initial OPT. During this period, students can work for multiple employers, but not simultaneously.
It is important to note that F-1 visa holders can only work a maximum of 20 hours per week during the school term and must ensure that their total work hours across all jobs do not exceed this limit. Additionally, any off-campus employment must be authorized by the Designated School Official and USCIS before starting work.
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CPT employment can be paid, but full-time work for 12 months or more disqualifies you from OPT
As an international student in the United States, you may take on several types of employment, including on-campus and off-campus jobs. On-campus employment is the most freely available option, while off-campus employment must be related to your area of study and requires prior authorization from the Designated School Official (DSO) and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
One type of off-campus employment available to international students is 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 cooperative agreements with the school." CPT employment can be paid, and there is no limit to how long you can work. However, if you engage in full-time CPT for 12 months or more, you become ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT is an optional work authorization for students who meet specific eligibility requirements, and it can be a valuable opportunity for international students to gain practical experience in their field of study.
OPT can be authorized before or after the completion of your degree program and can provide a pathway to employment in the US. To maintain eligibility for OPT, it is crucial to carefully monitor your dates and hours of CPT employment. Working closely with your International Student Office can help ensure that you follow the necessary steps and maintain your lawful F1 status. They can guide you in determining your eligibility for CPT, ensuring that your job offer qualifies, and assisting with the application process to USCIS.
While CPT employment can provide valuable experience and even income, it is important to be mindful of the potential impact on your OPT eligibility. OPT offers a significant opportunity for practical training and can be a crucial step towards establishing your career in the US. Therefore, carefully consider your options and seek guidance from your International Student Office to make an informed decision that aligns with your long-term goals.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can work two jobs as long as the total number of hours worked across both jobs is at least 20 hours per week and both jobs are related to your degree program.
To work two jobs as an international student, you must be enrolled in a degree program and have completed your studies at a college or university. Additionally, the jobs must be related to your field of study, and you must report each job to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
Yes, international students are typically limited to working a maximum of 20 hours per week during the school term. However, you may be able to work full-time during periods when school is not in session or during annual breaks.
Yes, it is important to keep accurate records of your work activities as an international student. While OPT employment is not reported to USCIS, it is reported to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which is part of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Yes, visa requirements may vary depending on your specific situation. For example, F-1 visa holders have different rules compared to other visa types. Additionally, the rules may change if you apply for a green card or another type of visa status. It is important to research the specific requirements for your visa type.
