Janice Lozano
International students who are enrolled full-time and in valid F-1 status can generally work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the school year and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. Off-campus employment is more restricted, and students must meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization. International students can apply for an Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension or a STEM OPT extension to their F-1 visa to allow them to stay in the US legally after graduation and gain work experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | F-1, M-1, OPT, STEM OPT, H-1B, Green Card |
| Visa category | Nonimmigrant visa |
| Visa criteria | Enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program |
| School approval | Approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement |
| On-campus employment | Up to 20 hours per week during classes, up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session |
| Off-campus employment | Limited, must be related to the area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official |
| Work hours after completion of coursework | Full-time (40 hours/week) |
| OPT work duration | 12 months, 24 months for STEM OPT |
| OPT application | Must be received by USCIS before degree completion |
| OPT unemployment | Maximum of 90 days of unemployment while seeking employment |
| Social Security Number application | Complete online and take original documents to the local Social Security Administration Office |
| Social Security Card delivery time | 10-14 business days |
| CPT | Paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to the field of study |
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What You'll Learn
On-campus employment
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are permitted to work in the US, but only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). On-campus employment is the most freely available option for international students.
Eligibility
To be eligible for on-campus employment, students must be enrolled full-time and in valid F-1 status. Students must also have been enrolled for at least one academic year.
Severe Economic Hardship Employment
F-1 students who have completed at least one academic year and can prove a severe economic hardship caused by unforeseen circumstances can apply for off-campus employment. They must show that on-campus employment is not available or insufficient.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
After the first academic year, F-1 students are allowed to undertake Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is training that is a required part of their school's curriculum and relates to their major. CPT can include internships, cooperative education jobs, practicums, and other experiences related to the student's field of study. CPT can be full-time with no hourly limit each week.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
F-1 students can also undertake Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work in areas related to their major for up to one year before or after graduation. Students can apply for post-completion OPT up to 90 days before graduation, but it is recommended that they apply at least 45 days before graduation to ensure timely processing.
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Off-campus employment
International students in the US with a valid F1 visa are permitted to work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status both during and after completion of their degree. However, there are several conditions and restrictions that must be met for off-campus employment.
Firstly, F1 students are not permitted to work off-campus during their first academic year. After completing the first academic year, F1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment. These are:
- Severe Economic Hardship Employment: This is available to students who have completed at least one academic year and can prove that they are experiencing severe economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances beyond their control. They must also demonstrate that on-campus employment opportunities are insufficient or unavailable.
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT): F1 students may be eligible for this off-campus work on a case-by-case basis due to special situations, such as severe economic hardship or special student relief.
- Employment at an off-campus location that is educationally affiliated with the school: The educational affiliation must be associated with the school's established curriculum or related to contractually funded research projects at the postgraduate level. The employment must be an integral part of the student's educational program, and prior guidance and clearance from the International Student Office are required.
It is important to note that off-campus employment authorization for F1 students ends one year after issuance or upon completion of the program, whichever comes first. Additionally, all off-campus employment for F1 students must be authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) before starting any work. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in losing F1 student status.
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Work visa options
International students in the US on F-1 visas are permitted to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. Students must obtain permission from the International Student Office prior to accepting any on-campus employment, and such employment may not be permitted during a student's first semester or year.
Off-campus employment is only permitted in certain circumstances. One option is Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is a form of paid or unpaid employment that trains students in their field of study and counts towards academic credit or degree requirements. CPT must be completed while the student is still enrolled at their college or university, and students must make an appointment with the International Student Office to determine their eligibility.
Another option is Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows students to work in their major field of study for up to 12 months either before or after graduation. OPT can be completed as part of a work-study program, allowing international students to help cover the costs of their education while gaining valuable work experience. To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled for at least one academic year and have active F-1 student status. Applications for post-completion OPT must be received by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at least 45 days before graduation.
Students in STEM fields may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, which allows them to stay and work in the US for an additional two years after graduation. To be eligible, students must be deemed qualified by the USCIS and must have an employer willing to sponsor them and file a labour condition with the Department of Labor.
After successfully completing five years of employment in the same company, students can request that their employer file for an employment-based permanent residency, or green card. Obtaining a green card allows individuals to find employment anywhere in the US, receive financial benefits, and permanently reside in the country.
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Social Security Numbers
International students in the US who are authorised to work will need a Social Security Number (SSN). The Social Security Administration (SSA) assigns nine-digit SSNs to eligible nonimmigrant workers in the United States, as well as to citizens and permanent residents. The SSA uses SSNs to report wages to the government, track Social Security benefits, and for other identification purposes.
To obtain an SSN, you must file your application in person at any SSA office. You will need to provide original documents that prove your age, identity, and work-authorised immigration status. All evidence of immigration status and work authorisation must be unexpired. The SSA uses the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program to verify your nonimmigrant student status and determine if you are eligible for an SSN. You can use the SAVE Case Check to follow the progress of your verification check online.
The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) recommends that you do not apply for an SSN more than 30 days before the start of your on-campus employment, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorisation, or the beginning date of your Employment Authorisation Document (EAD) card. When you submit your application, an SSA examiner will review your documents. Once your application is accepted, ask for a receipt to show your employer that you have applied for an SSN. You can expect to receive your SSN within 4-6 weeks, although processing times vary.
If you are requesting an SSN based on on-campus employment, you must bring a letter from your department to the OISS. The OISS will issue a second letter to confirm that you have secured on-campus employment and that you are a full-time student in good standing. An OISS letter is not required if your employment is based on optional practical training, international organisation employment, or severe economic hardship employment.
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Work and study programs
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are eligible for on-campus employment for up to 20 hours per week during classes and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. However, on-campus employment opportunities are often limited, and a job is not guaranteed. Students must obtain permission from the International Student Office before accepting any on-campus employment, and such employment may not be permitted during a student's first semester or year.
Off-campus employment is also an option for international students, but eligibility requirements and obtaining official authorization are crucial. Students with an F-1 visa can participate in Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is paid or unpaid employment related to their field of study and completed while enrolled in a college or university. CPT must be authorized by the International Student Office, and students must meet eligibility criteria.
Another option for off-campus employment is Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows students to work in their major field of study for up to 12 months before or after graduation. Students must have completed at least one academic year and have an active F-1 student status to be eligible for OPT. Applications for post-completion OPT must be received by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before graduation, and students must receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before starting work.
Students in STEM fields may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, providing additional time to gain practical training. After completing their degree, students on OPT must work full-time (40 hours/week) and complete their OPT within 14 months.
International students can also explore the possibility of transferring their F-1 student visa status to an H-1B status with the sponsorship of a US employer. This allows for work and residence in the US for up to six years, with the potential for employment-based permanent residency after five years.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international master's students can work in the US, but they must follow several rules and regulations.
International students in the US are typically on an F-1 visa. This visa allows students to 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.
Yes, but there are restrictions. Off-campus employment must be related to the student's area of study and must be authorised by the Designated School Official and USCIS.
CPT stands for Curricular Practical Training. It is a type of employment that trains students in their field of study and can be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience. CPT must be completed while enrolled at a college or university.
There are several ways to get a work visa for the US after graduation, including OPT, STEM OPT extension, H-1B Visa, and a Green Card. OPT (Optional Practical Training) allows students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months. A STEM OPT extension allows students to work for an additional 24 months in an approved STEM field.
