Lori Meadows
International students in the United States can work part-time depending on the type of visa they hold and how far into their university studies they are. There are two types of jobs students can take: on-campus and off-campus. On-campus jobs include working in a university bookstore, library, or cafeteria. Off-campus jobs include internships, retail sales, or food service. Students with an F-1 visa are eligible for on-campus employment of up to 20 hours per week during classes and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. After completing their first academic year, F-1 visa students can apply for off-campus employment. However, the US government takes working illegally very seriously, and students found working without authorization may lose their student status.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | F-1, M-1 |
| Visa requirements | Enrolled in an academic, language-training, or vocational program; School must be approved; Enrolled full-time; Proficiency in English; Sufficient funds for self-support; Maintain residence abroad |
| On-campus work | Allowed for up to 20 hours per week during classes, and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session; Includes jobs in bookstores, cafeterias, research labs, and other facilities; Must obtain approval from DSO and Social Security Number (SSN) |
| Off-campus work | F-1 students cannot work off-campus during the first academic year; After the first year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and STEM OPT |
| Curricular Practical Training (CPT) | Paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to the student's field of study; Requires authorization from DSO and International Student Office; Must have a job offer before submitting CPT request |
| Optional Practical Training (OPT) | Work authorization for up to one year in areas related to the student's major; Can be pre-completion or post-completion; Requires active F-1 student status and enrollment for at least one academic year; Students who engage in 12 months or more of full-time CPT are not eligible for OPT |
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On-campus jobs
International students in the US can work part-time on campus, but each school will have different policies on working hours. On-campus employment is defined as work that takes place on campus or at an off-campus location affiliated with the school. This could include working in a university bookstore, cafeteria, library, or even a research lab.
There are various part-time job opportunities available for international students in the US, depending on their visa type and academic progress. For instance, 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, but this is only in cases of severe economic hardship or special circumstances as defined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
- Library assistant: Organising books, assisting students or lecturers in finding documents, and other library-related tasks.
- Research assistant: Conducting research and surveys, and providing research assistance to lecturers and professors.
- Teaching assistant: Assisting lecturers with teaching duties, such as a campus ambassador who promotes the university and shows prospective students around.
- Food service: Working in the dining halls, food courts, cafes, or kitchens.
- Campus stores: Working in the campus supermarket or university-branded clothing store as a sales assistant.
- Tutoring or peer mentoring: Helping fellow students with their course content, reading, or assignments.
To apply for on-campus employment, international students should talk to their Designated School Official (DSO), who can provide a letter of approval, which is necessary for obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN). It is important to note that on-campus employment must not displace a US citizen or lawful permanent resident.
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Off-campus jobs
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 the completion of their degree. However, there are several conditions and restrictions that must be adhered to. Firstly, students must have been enrolled for at least one academic year and have active F-1 student status. They must also have suffered a severe economic hardship caused by circumstances beyond their control, and on-campus employment opportunities must be insufficient or unavailable.
To apply for OPT, students must make an appointment with International Student Services to determine their eligibility. If eligible, they can apply for OPT after being enrolled for at least 9 months, but they cannot begin employment until they receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD). OPT employment requires prior authorization from the school's International Student Office and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Another option for off-campus employment is Curricular Practical Training (CPT). CPT is a part of the academic curriculum and must be an integral part of the student's degree program or a requirement for a course for which they receive academic credit. Students must have a job offer in their major or field of study before submitting their CPT authorization request. CPT may be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to the student's field of study. CPT is only available to students with F-1 visas and must be authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO).
It is important to note that violating US government working rules can affect an international student's ability to remain in the country and may even lead to deportation. Therefore, it is crucial to understand and follow all regulations when seeking off-campus employment in the US.
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Visa requirements
International students in the US can apply for part-time jobs, but the type of work they can accept depends on their visa type and how far they are into their studies. There are two non-immigrant visa categories for students: F-1 and M-1 visas.
F-1 Visa (Academic Student)
Students with an F-1 visa 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:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): CPT is defined as employment that trains you in your field of study and for which you fulfil academic credit or part of your degree requirement. CPT may be a paid or unpaid internship, a cooperative education job, a practicum, or other experience related to your field of study. CPT employment must be an integral part of your degree program or a requirement for a course for which you receive academic credit. To be eligible for CPT, you must have been enrolled in school full-time for one year on valid F-1 status (except for graduate students where the program requires immediate CPT). You must have received a qualifying job offer in your major or field of study before submitting your CPT authorization request.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): OPT is work authorization that allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year either before or after graduation. To be eligible for OPT, you must have been enrolled for at least one academic year and have active F-1 student status. OPT employment can occur anywhere in the US and does not require a job offer beforehand.
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT Extension: F-1 students may be eligible to work off-campus on a STEM OPT extension.
M-1 Visa (Vocational Student)
The M-1 visa category includes students in vocational or other non-academic programs, other than language training.
Visa Application Process
To apply for a student visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program.
- Your school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement.
- You must be enrolled as a full-time student at the institution.
- You must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency.
- You must have sufficient funds available for self-support during the entire proposed course of study.
- You must maintain a residence abroad that you do not intend to give up.
Social Security Number (SSN)
To work on-campus or off-campus, you will need a Social Security Number (SSN). To apply for an SSN, you must bring the following documents to the Social Security Office:
- A letter from your employer, on company letterhead, stating the job title, work hours, start date, and rate of pay.
- A letter from your International Student Services Office confirming your eligibility to work.
- Your passport, F-1 visa, and I-94 number.
- Your Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status."
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Work eligibility
International students in the US can take on-campus and off-campus part-time jobs, depending on their visa type and how far they are into their studies. On-campus employment includes work that takes place on campus or at an off-campus location affiliated with the school, such as a university bookstore or cafeteria. Off-campus jobs include retail sales associate or food service worker positions.
For international students, finding a part-time job can improve language ability and provide valuable work experience while earning money to fund their studies. However, the US government takes working illegally very seriously, and students must follow strict rules and regulations to maintain their student status.
On-Campus Employment
International students with an F-1 visa can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session and up to 40 hours per week during breaks. To apply for on-campus employment, students should first talk to their Designated School Official (DSO) and obtain a letter of approval. This letter is required to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN).
Off-Campus Employment
F-1 visa students are eligible for off-campus employment after completing their first academic year. There are three types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and severe economic hardship off-campus employment. CPT is a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, or other experience related to the student's field of study, for which they receive academic credit. OPT allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year before or after graduation. To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled for at least one academic year and have active F-1 status. Severe economic hardship off-campus employment is authorized by USCIS on a case-by-case basis for students who can demonstrate unexpected circumstances beyond their control, resulting in severe economic hardship.
To apply for off-campus employment, F-1 students must obtain prior authorization from their school's International Student Office and notify USCIS. Students must also have a Social Security Number (SSN) to work off-campus.
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Application process
The application process for international students seeking part-time employment in the US can vary depending on their visa type, their chosen industry, and their stage of study. Here is a step-by-step guide for the application process:
- Determine Eligibility: Before beginning the job search, international students must understand the requirements and restrictions of their visa. Most international students in the US hold an F1 visa, which allows for part-time work under certain conditions. It is crucial to consult with the institution's international student office to clarify eligibility and ensure compliance with visa regulations.
- Choose the Type of Job: International students can typically seek on-campus or off-campus employment. On-campus jobs might include working in a university bookstore, cafeteria, or library, while off-campus jobs can be with an employer educationally affiliated with the school.
- Find Job Opportunities: Students can search for job postings on college job boards, social media platforms, and online employment portals. They can also seek referrals and practical advice from their international office or career center.
- Apply for Jobs: Once the desired jobs have been identified, students can start applying. It is important to note that a good level of English proficiency is often required, and a wider range of language skills may be beneficial for certain roles.
- Obtain Necessary Documentation: Depending on the type of employment, international students may need to obtain specific documents. For instance, on-campus employment may require a letter of approval from the Designated School Official (DSO), which is needed to get a Social Security Number (SSN).
- Complete Visa Requirements: For off-campus employment, F-1 students must obtain authorization from the DSO and apply for an Employment Authorization Document with USCIS. This process may involve submitting Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," and Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," along with paying the necessary fees.
- Understand Work Limitations: International students should be aware of any limitations on their work hours. For instance, CPT employment specifies whether authorization is for part-time (20 hours or less per week) or full-time work, and there are rules regarding the balance between part-time and full-time OPT.
- Maintain Status: Throughout their employment, international students must maintain lawful F1 status by working closely with their school's International Student Office. This ensures that their employment complies with visa regulations and does not adversely affect their full-time student status.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can work part-time in the USA, but there are strict rules in place. Students with an F-1 visa can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during breaks. After their first academic year, F-1 students can also apply for off-campus employment, but this requires authorization.
On-campus jobs include roles such as library assistant, teaching assistant, campus ambassador, research study assistant, peer mentor, barista, and sales assistant in university stores.
International students can search for job postings on college job boards, social media platforms, and online employment portals. They can also speak to their international office or career center for advice and referrals. To apply for on-campus jobs, students should talk to their Designated School Official (DSO) who will provide a letter of approval, which is needed to get a Social Security Number (SSN).
