Lana Oconnell
International graduate students in the US on an F-1 visa have several options for working full-time. While strict rules govern international students' employment in the US, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) are two ways to gain work experience during and after studies. CPT is off-campus employment that is an integral part of the curriculum, while OPT allows graduates to work in their field of study for up to 12 months, extendable by 24 months for STEM fields. Additionally, F-1 students may be eligible for off-campus employment authorization in cases of severe economic hardship after enrollment. To work full-time in the US, international graduate students must navigate a complex process with specific requirements and limitations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Student visa type | F-1, M-1, J-1 |
| Full-time student requirement | Yes |
| On-campus employment | Allowed for up to 20 hours per week during classes, up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session |
| Off-campus employment | Requires authorization, must be related to the area of study, limited to 20 hours per week |
| Curricular Practical Training (CPT) | Paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to the field of study, does not have a 20-hour work limit |
| Optional Practical Training (OPT) | Allowed for up to 12 months, can be used before or after graduation, restricted to 20 hours per week during classes |
| Post-graduation employment | OPT allows graduates to work in their field of study for up to 12 months, extendable by 24 months for STEM fields |
| Work visa options | H-1B Visa, Green Card |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
On-campus employment
International graduate students in the US on an F1 visa have the option to work on-campus, which is the category most freely permitted by USCIS regulations. However, on-campus employment opportunities are limited at most schools, and even if a job is obtained, it may not be relied upon to prove financial resources for the year.
To work on-campus, F1 students must be enrolled in school and maintain their status. They are typically allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the school term and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session, such as during holidays, vacations, and annual breaks.
While on-campus employment does not require prior USCIS approval, many schools require F1 students to obtain permission from their International Student Office before accepting any on-campus jobs. Additionally, F1 students must ensure they do not displace US workers and may be restricted from working in their first semester or year.
It is important to note that on-campus employment for F1 students is typically limited to jobs within the school, such as a school bookstore or residence hall attendant. However, F1 students can continue their on-campus employment if they enrol in another program at the same campus, provided they plan to enrol for the next term.
For international graduate students suffering from "severe economic hardship," there is an option to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the school term and full-time during breaks. This requires providing evidence of economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances and demonstrating that on-campus employment is unavailable or insufficient.
Pursuing a Second Bachelor's: Options for International Students
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Off-campus employment
There are three types of off-campus employment available: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and severe economic hardship employment. CPT is defined as "alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school". CPT employment must be an integral part of the degree program or a requirement for a course for which academic credit is received. CPT may be paid or unpaid. OPT is work authorization that allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year before or after graduation. The OPT extension is available for students with a degree in a STEM field. Severe economic hardship employment is available to students who can demonstrate financial difficulties beyond their control, and only after they have completed at least one academic year.
Students must receive authorization for off-campus employment. CPT and OPT require prior authorization from the school's International Student Office and notification to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). For OPT, students must also apply for work authorization from their DSO (Designated School Official). Students must also be enrolled full-time and maintain their F-1 status for at least one academic year before becoming eligible for off-campus employment.
There are strict rules for international students working off-campus in the US. Students found working illegally risk losing their F-1 status and having their visa revoked.
Opening a US Company as an International Student
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
To qualify for CPT, the work experience must be required for your degree, or academic credit must be awarded. Prior authorization by your school's International Student Office and notification to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) is required. Additionally, you must have been enrolled as a full-time student for one year on valid F1 status, except for graduate students where the program requires immediate CPT. CPT employment must be an integral part of your degree program or a requirement for a course for which you receive academic credit.
Once CPT authorization is obtained, students can only work for the specific employer and for the specific dates authorized. CPT authorization will specify whether the student is approved for part-time (20 hours per week or less) or full-time (more than 20 hours per week) employment. While enrolled in school, CPT authorization is typically only granted on a part-time basis. Regardless of whether CPT is authorized on a full-time or part-time basis, there is no limit to how long a student can work. However, it is important to note that working full-time on CPT for 12 months or more will result in ineligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
To apply for CPT, students may need to take a CPT Certification Course and obtain a CPT Certificate. They should then discuss their CPT plans with their Academic or Faculty Advisor, who may recommend CPT by completing an Academic/Faculty Advisor Recommendation Form. Students should gather all the required documents and submit their CPT application through the designated portal. An International Student and Scholar Advisor will review the CPT application, which will not be accepted if it is incomplete or invalid.
International Students: Federal Tax Exemption Status
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
To be eligible for OPT, students must have completed or have been pursuing their degrees for at least one academic year. Students can work full-time or part-time (20 hours a week or more) and must be full-time students when the school is in session. Students can apply for OPT after being enrolled for at least 9 months and must have received their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS before they can begin employment. The OPT application process can take up to 90 days to be processed, and students must work closely with their school's International Student Office to maintain lawful F-1 status.
Students who have engaged in 12 months or more of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) are not eligible for OPT. CPT is an off-campus employment option for F1 students when the practical training is an integral part of the established curriculum or academic program. CPT employment 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.
The OPT program has faced criticism for a lack of government oversight, with only school officials reviewing student practical training plans. There are concerns about fraud and vulnerabilities in the work authorization program, exposing the United States to potential intellectual property theft. Despite these concerns, the OPT program is a popular option for international students seeking to gain work experience in the United States.
Dropshipping: International Students' Side Hustle?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Work visas
International graduate students on an F-1 visa can work in the US for up to one year after graduation through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. OPT allows international students to work in their field of study, either before or after graduation, for up to 12 months, extendable by 24 months for STEM fields. Students can only be approved for part-time CPT during their studies, and full-time CPT is only permitted for less than 12 months.
There are several work visa options for international students who wish to stay and work in the US after graduation. The four most common temporary work visas are:
- H-1B
- E-2
- TN
- O-1A
The H-1B visa is the most popular temporary work visa. Obtaining this visa can be challenging due to the limited number of visas issued annually and the competitive nature of the application process. Transitioning from an F-1 student visa to an H-1B work visa often requires employer sponsorship.
For international students seeking permanent residency, the two best employment-based green card options are EB-2 NIW and EB-1A. The EB-1A green card pathway is one of the most difficult to obtain, as applicants must prove they are in the top 1% of their field. EB-2 visas are for skilled professionals and academics, while EB-3 visas are for professionals, skilled workers, and unskilled workers.
Hiring International Students: Is It Possible?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, international graduate students with an F-1 visa can work full-time in the US, but only on-campus. Off-campus employment is only allowed under certain circumstances, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is when the practical training is an integral part of the curriculum or academic program. OPT allows graduates to work in their field of study for up to 12 months, which can be extended to 24 months for STEM fields.
CPT is an off-campus employment option for F1 students when the practical training is a mandatory part of the curriculum or academic program. CPT employment includes internships, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship for which students can get paid. CPT must be authorized by the school's International Student Office and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Students can work full-time on CPT, but this will make them ineligible for OPT.
OPT is a temporary form of employment that allows students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months without a new visa. OPT can be done pre-completion or post-completion, but students must apply for it at least 45 days before graduation. OPT employment can occur anywhere in the US, but students can only work up to 20 hours per week when class is in session.
Yes, international graduate students on an M-1 visa can work full-time in the US, but only on-campus. Off-campus training employment must be related to their area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official and USCIS.
International graduate students can apply for a work visa such as the H-1B visa, which allows them to live and work in the US for up to three years, which can be extended up to six years. Transitioning from an F-1 student visa to an H-1B work visa requires employer sponsorship.
