Lana Oconnell
The Federal Work-Study Program in the US is a government initiative that allows undergraduate and graduate students with financial needs to work part-time and earn money to fund their education. While the program is not available to international students as it is federally funded, international students can still work while studying. This can be through on-campus jobs, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and Optional Practical Training (OPT). Additionally, some schools have special policies that allow international students to work in jobs reserved for the federal work-study program, which are often funded directly by the school.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can participate in the Federal Work-Study Program | Undergraduate and graduate students with financial need |
| Who cannot participate in the Federal Work-Study Program | International students (as it is federally funded) |
| How to apply for the Federal Work-Study Program | File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) |
| How else can international students work while studying | On-campus jobs, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and Optional Practical Training (OPT) |
| Example of a university that allows international students to participate in the Work-Study Program | University of Pennsylvania |
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What You'll Learn
- International students are generally not eligible for federal funding
- Some schools have special policies that allow international students to work in jobs reserved for federal work-study
- International students can work in on-campus jobs
- International students can seek guidance from the international students office to review what job opportunities might be available
- International students can work in Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT)
International students are generally not eligible for federal funding
International students, as non-citizens, often do not qualify for federal funding and, by extension, the Federal Work-Study Program. This means that some on-campus jobs may be restricted to domestic students participating in the program. However, it's important to note that not all on-campus jobs are part of the Federal Work-Study Program, and international students may still be able to find employment opportunities within their institutions.
While international students may not be eligible for federal funding, some schools have special policies or programs that allow international students to work in jobs typically reserved for the Federal Work-Study Program. For example, the University of Pennsylvania uses institutional funding to offer work-study programs to eligible international students. These programs provide the same job opportunities and pay schedules as the Federal Work-Study Program, with the only difference being the source of funding.
International students seeking employment while studying should consult their institution's career services or international student office to review available job opportunities. It is worth noting that the ability to work on or off-campus may depend on the student's visa type, so reviewing applicable policies is essential. Additionally, international students can explore other employment options, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT), to finance their educational expenses and gain real-world experience in their field of study.
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Some schools have special policies that allow international students to work in jobs reserved for federal work-study
The Federal Work-Study Program is a US government program that assists undergraduate and graduate students with financial needs to work part-time and earn money to pay for their education. The program is funded by the federal government and is therefore only available to domestic students. Hence, international students are generally not eligible for the Federal Work-Study Program.
However, some schools have special policies that allow international students to work in jobs reserved for the Federal Work-Study Program. These work opportunities are often funded directly by the school. For example, the University of Pennsylvania uses institutional funding to offer work-study programs to eligible international students. The University of Mary Washington offers "institutional work-study," where wages are provided by the departments the positions support.
International students can also seek guidance from the office of career services or the international students' office to review what job opportunities might be available to them. While federal work-study is not an option, international students will still have many opportunities to be employed while enrolled, such as on-campus jobs, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and Optional Practical Training (OPT).
It is important to note that the ability to work on or off-campus may depend on the visa type, so international students should review the applicable policies. For instance, F-1 Visa students may not work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions.
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International students can work in on-campus jobs
International students on F-1 visas are permitted to work on campus in the US without requiring additional work authorization. However, they are generally not eligible for federal funding and, therefore, cannot apply for federal work-study jobs.
International students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during academic breaks. They can find on-campus jobs in various departments, such as the library, cafeteria, campus offices, bookstores, science labs, and athletic facilities. Some universities also offer institutionally-funded work-study programs for qualifying international students.
To find on-campus jobs, international students can utilize online job portals, university-specific job platforms, career centers, networking, and job fairs. They can also visit different departments on campus to inquire about job openings. It is recommended to start the job search process early and consult with the school about on-campus work requirements and immigration rules.
International students should be eligible for all on-campus jobs unless the job posting specifically states otherwise. They can gain valuable work experience and references for their resumes, and some jobs may even provide additional benefits, such as free housing. On-campus jobs can also offer career-relevant experience and provide a convenient work location with flexible hours that accommodate a student's busy schedule.
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International students can seek guidance from the international students office to review what job opportunities might be available
International students seeking employment opportunities in the US often face challenges due to their visa status and eligibility requirements. However, international students can take several steps to increase their chances of finding suitable job opportunities. Firstly, international students can seek guidance from their university's international student office or admissions office. These offices can provide valuable information and resources to help international students navigate the job search process and understand their work eligibility. They may also offer services such as resume reviews, interview preparation, and networking events.
Additionally, international students should familiarize themselves with their visa regulations and work restrictions. For instance, F-1 students are permitted to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week and can undertake Curriculum Practicum Training (CPT) after one year of academic study. Understanding these regulations is crucial for complying with visa requirements and maximizing job opportunities.
When applying for jobs, international students should ensure their resumes are well-formatted, truthful, and tailored to the specific job description. Highlighting transferable skills, language proficiencies, and any relevant experience can make their applications stand out. Networking and building connections are also essential for international students. Engaging with their university community, attending career fairs, and utilizing platforms like LinkedIn and Handshake can help expand their network and uncover potential job opportunities.
Furthermore, international students should consider seeking internships or part-time on-campus jobs that can provide valuable experience and sometimes lead to long-term employment opportunities. Some universities may offer institutional funds to allow international students to participate in work-study programs, providing access to a range of job opportunities. International students are encouraged to review their university's policies and explore all available options to maximize their chances of finding suitable employment.
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International students can work in Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT)
International students in the United States are generally not eligible for federal funding and, therefore, do not qualify for the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program. However, some institutions, such as Penn, use institutional funds to allow eligible international undergraduate students to participate in the work-study program.
International students can, however, work in Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is authorized for international students on an F-1 visa, either on a part-time or full-time basis, in accordance with school policies. The training must be an integral part of the established curriculum, and students must maintain a full course of study even when CPT is authorized. CPT authorization is only required when the training takes place inside the United States.
For OPT, international students on an F-1 visa can apply for 12 months of OPT at each education level. OPT must be related to the student's major or course of study. During OPT, students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session. To obtain work authorization for OPT, students must mail a completed Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and pay a filing fee. USCIS will send an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) upon approval, and students should wait to start work until they receive this document.
It is important to note that if a student has 12 months or more of full-time CPT, they become ineligible for OPT. However, part-time CPT does not affect OPT eligibility.
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Frequently asked questions
No, federal work study is not open to international students as it is federally funded. However, some schools have special policies that allow international students to work in jobs usually reserved for students in the federal work study program. For example, the University of Pennsylvania uses institutional funding to offer work-study programs to eligible international students.
International students should seek guidance from the office of career services or the international students office to review what job opportunities might be available to them.
Students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and indicate an interest in the Federal Work Study Program (FWS). The applicant's financial need will be determined based on their application.
