International Students: Working In City-State: How To Apply?

International students in the United States on an F-1 visa are permitted to work, but they must first meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization. Students must be enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate, and their school must be authorized by the U.S. government to accept foreign students. F-1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment: severe economic hardship employment, emergent circumstances, and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) optional practical training (OPT). To work off-campus, students must receive a recommendation from their DSO and file a Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

F-1 Visa students can work on-campus

F-1 Visa students are allowed to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during holidays and vacation periods. They must not displace a US citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) in their on-campus job and must report their work to the Social Security Administration to receive a Social Security number. F-1 Visa students can also work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status before and after completing their degree, but this requires permission from the school's International Student Office and US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

There are certain cases in which F-1 Visa students may be authorized for off-campus employment. For instance, after the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in off-campus employment in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields through the OPT program. Additionally, in cases of severe economic hardship, USCIS may authorize off-campus employment for F-1 students who have been enrolled for at least one full academic year.

To apply for on-campus employment, F-1 Visa students must obtain a letter of certification from their school stating that the job qualifies as on-campus employment and that they are in F-1 status. They may also need to obtain permission from their school's International Student Office before accepting on-campus employment. It is important to note that F-1 Visa students should not plan to work off-campus unless authorized by USCIS, as non-compliance with guidelines for on-campus employment may result in the student having to leave the United States.

Off-campus work is possible after a full year

International students in the United States on an F-1 visa are permitted to work off-campus after completing a full academic year. However, they must first prove their economic hardship and receive approval from their Designated School Official (DSO). The DSO will then recommend them for off-campus employment by providing an updated Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status".

Once the student has the new Form I-20, they must file a Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization", with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within 30 days of receiving their recommendation. The student must also pay a fee to USCIS. If approved, USCIS will send the student a Form I-766, "Employment Authorization Document", specifying the dates they may work off-campus.

It is important to note that off-campus employment authorization for international students is typically valid for one year or until the completion of their program, whichever comes first. During this time, students can work up to 24 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during breaks. However, they must ensure that they continue to meet the conditions of their study permit, as working more than 24 hours per week is a violation that can result in the loss of student status and future permit approvals.

To be eligible for off-campus employment, international students must be enrolled full-time and maintain their F-1 status. Additionally, the work must be related to their area of study, and they must obtain authorization from USCIS prior to starting any off-campus employment.

Students must obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) to work

International students with F-1 or J-1 status can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) in the US, but they must meet certain requirements. An SSN is a 9-digit employee identification number issued by the US Social Security Administration (SSA). It is required by the US government for tax and employment reporting purposes.

To be eligible for an SSN, F-1 students must provide evidence of lawful employment, such as an on-campus job or authorization for curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training (OPT). They must also have valid immigration documents, including a valid passport, I-20, and I-94 card. J-1 students are required to show evidence of employment and must be registered for a full course of study. They may also need a Social Security letter from their sponsor.

Students can apply for an SSN by completing the social security application online and then visiting their local SSA office to show their documents in person. They will need to provide evidence of their eligibility, such as their passport, I-20, and I-94 card. Students can expect to receive their SSN within 4-6 weeks, although processing times may vary.

It is important to note that an SSN is not a work permit. While students can start working without an SSN, they must ensure that they have authorization to work in the US and apply for an SSN as soon as possible after receiving a job offer.

Severe Economic Hardship Employment is available for eligible students

F-1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year. However, they may accept on-campus employment, subject to certain conditions and restrictions. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment, including Severe Economic Hardship Employment.

To apply for Severe Economic Hardship Employment, students must submit the following documents to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):

• A completed and signed Severe Economic Hardship Request Form
• A personal statement describing the unforeseen hardship situation and, if possible, attach backup documentation (e.g., news articles, a letter from home telling of a change in family circumstances, or proof of currency devaluation in the student's country)
• Completed Form I-765, using the code (C)(3)(iii) at item 16
• Copy of the F-1 visa page (except for Canadians) or I-797 (approval of change of status to F-1), if applicable
• Two full-face passport-style photos (identical, in color, with a plain background, and no more than 30 days old when the I-765 is filed)
• Copy of unofficial transcript

It is important to note that USCIS will authorize off-campus employment for F-1 students in cases of severe economic hardship only after the student has been enrolled in an academic program and has maintained F-1 status for at least one full academic year. Additionally, students must demonstrate that they are in good academic standing and are taking a full course load.

Students must file Form I-765 for employment authorisation

Students on an F-1 Visa (Academic Student) are eligible to work off-campus in certain circumstances. However, they must first file Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization", with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form is used to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or work permit.

The F-1 Visa is for international students enrolled in a full-time programme or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate at an accredited academic institution in the United States. F-1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year, but they may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and Severe Economic Hardship Employment. To work off-campus, F-1 students must demonstrate their ability to afford school and living expenses before entering the US and should not plan to work off-campus. USCIS will only authorize off-campus employment in cases of severe economic hardship occurring after a student's enrolment in an academic programme and after the student has been in F-1 status for at least one full academic year, or in emergent circumstances as defined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

To apply for the EAD, students must submit Form I-765 within 30 days, along with the application fee and supporting materials. The form and filing information can be found on the USCIS website, and electronic filing is available. Students must also submit a photo that meets US passport photograph requirements and provide a reliable mailing address where they can securely receive mail for at least six months after applying. The application fee for Form I-765 can be found on the USCIS G-1055 Fee Schedule webpage, and students are encouraged to confirm that they have included the correct fee before submitting their application.

In addition to the completed Form I-765 Worksheet, students must include several documents as evidence to support their application. These include a copy of the front and back of any current or previous Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), also known as EAD cards or OPT cards; a copy of Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record (front and back); a printout of the electronic Form I-94; and a passport or other travel document. Students must also include a copy of their last EAD if applicable. If any documents are in a foreign language, students must include a full English translation, along with a certification from the translator verifying the accuracy and their competence to translate.

Frequently asked questions