Ibrahim Gardner
International students in the US with valid F1 immigration status are permitted to work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status both during and after completion of their degree. Students 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). On-campus employment is the most freely available option for international students, and while it does not require USCIS approval, students must obtain permission from the International Student Office.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Student visa type | F-1, M-1 |
| Student status | Active in SEVIS |
| Work type | On-campus, Off-campus |
| Work authorization | Designated School Official (DSO), USCIS |
| Work duration | Up to 20 hours per week when school is in session |
| Work permission | Directly related to the student's major |
| Social Security Number requirement | Yes |
| OPT requirement | Minimum 9 months of enrollment |
| CPT eligibility | Less than 12 months of full-time CPT |
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What You'll Learn
On-campus employment
International students in the US on an F1 visa are allowed to work on-campus without requiring USCIS approval. However, on-campus job opportunities are limited, and students may need to obtain permission from their school's International Student Office before accepting any on-campus employment. F1 students can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during holidays and vacation periods, provided they intend to register for the next academic semester. On-campus employment includes work that takes place on campus or at an off-campus location that is educationally affiliated with the school, such as a university bookstore or cafeteria.
In Canada, international students are allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit, provided they meet other requirements for working while studying. Students must ensure they can work without a permit before starting, as failing to meet the requirements may result in having to leave the country. Students can work remotely for an employer outside Canada while studying, as long as they meet the conditions of their study permit.
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Off-campus employment
International students with an F-1 visa are permitted to work on-campus, but they must obtain written authorization before engaging in off-campus work. Off-campus employment authorization for F-1 students ends 1 year after issuance or upon completion of the program, whichever comes first.
To be eligible for off-campus employment, F-1 students must demonstrate their ability to afford school and living expenses before entering the United States and should not plan to work off-campus. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will authorize off-campus employment only in cases of severe economic hardship occurring after enrollment in an academic program and after the student has been in F-1 status for at least one academic year.
In special global circumstances, such as famine, war, or economic downturn, the U.S. government may offer temporary benefits to students from affected countries, including the option to apply for off-campus employment. This practice is called Special Student Relief (SSR).
To apply for off-campus employment, students must obtain authorization from the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS. They must also apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) and file IRS Form 8843.
It is important to note that there are different types of off-campus employment options for international students, including Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT). OPT and CPT allow students to gain work experience during and after their studies, and they can be employed part-time during the academic year and full-time during breaks and summer vacations. However, students who engage in full-time CPT for 12 months or more will lose their OPT benefit upon graduation.
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Social Security Number requirements
International students in the United States who wish to work are generally required to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). This is the case for both on-campus and off-campus employment. However, it is important to note that only aliens who have permission from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to work can apply for an SSN.
F-1 students with Active SEVIS status may apply for on-campus employment. This includes work that takes place on campus or at an off-campus location that is educationally affiliated with the school, such as a university bookstore or cafeteria. To apply for on-campus employment, F-1 students should speak to their Designated School Official (DSO), who is authorised to maintain the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). If approved, the DSO will provide a letter of approval, which, along with a letter of approval from the employer, is required to apply for an SSN.
For off-campus employment, F-1 students must obtain authorisation from the DSO prior to starting work. The off-campus employment must also be related to the student's area of study. Similar to on-campus employment, students will need to provide a letter of approval from their DSO and employer to apply for an SSN.
To apply for an SSN, international students must first initiate the process online and then present their original proof of ID, age, and lawful resident status, along with any applicable letters from their DSO and employer, within 45 days. The Social Security Administration will verify the applicant's immigration information before issuing an SSN, which typically takes a few weeks.
It is worth noting that while an SSN is not required to begin working, it is essential for tax purposes, as the Internal Revenue Service requires employers to use an employee's SSN to report their wages. Additionally, an SSN is necessary for setting up phone, utility, or bank accounts in the US.
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Temporary employment authorization
International students in the US can obtain temporary work authorization under specific circumstances, whether during their studies or after graduation. The application process is straightforward, and there are two main types of temporary employment authorization: Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT is a type of temporary employment authorization that allows international students to gain work experience directly related to their major area of study. F-1 students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before or after completing their academic studies. The duration of OPT depends on the program, and students can use this time to find an employer who will support a work visa, allowing them to apply for a permanent or temporary work visa. If an F-1 student has earned a degree in certain STEM fields, they may be eligible for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT employment authorization.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT is another type of work authorization that allows F-1 students to accept practical training in their academic field after one year of full-time study. CPT allows students to work full or part-time during their internships, and internship programs are common CPT opportunities.
Other Considerations
It is important to note that international students must have authorization to work before starting any employment. For off-campus employment, F-1 students must receive approval from USCIS and ensure that the work is related to their area of study. On-campus employment is specific to work that takes place on campus or at an off-campus location affiliated with the school, such as a university bookstore or cafeteria. Active F-1 students may apply for on-campus employment up to 30 days before classes start, and their work hours are limited to 20 hours per week when school is in session.
Additionally, all students who wish to work in the US must apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). However, a Social Security Number alone is not sufficient proof of work authorization for international students, and employers must confirm work authorization before the employment start date.
Temporary Work Visas
In addition to OPT and CPT, there are temporary work visas that allow international students to work in the US temporarily, including the H, L, O, and E visas. The O-1 status, for example, is a temporary work status available to foreign nationals with extraordinary ability or achievements in specific fields.
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International student visa requirements
International students intending to study in the United States must obtain a student visa. There are two nonimmigrant visa categories: F and M visas. The F-1 visa is the most common visa for international students in the US and is for academic educational programs, language-training programs, or vocational programs. F-1 visa holders may not work off-campus during the first academic year but may accept on-campus employment, provided they have permission from the International Student Office. After the first year, F-1 students may work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status, but this must be related to their area of study and requires prior authorization from the USCIS and the school's International Student Office. To obtain an F-1 visa, students must first be enrolled at a SEVP-approved school and pay the necessary fees.
The M-1 visa is for students in vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training. M-1 students may engage in practical training after they have completed their studies, and any off-campus employment must be related to their area of study and authorized in advance. Similar to the F-1 visa requirements, students must be enrolled at a SEVP-approved school and pay the necessary fees to obtain an M-1 visa.
Additionally, F-1 and M-1 visa holders' spouses and unmarried minor children can apply for F-2 or M-2 visas, respectively, to accompany them during their stay in the US. It is important to note that a visa does not guarantee entry into the country, and admission is determined by the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection officials at the port of entry.
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Frequently asked questions
International students in the US with a valid F1 visa are permitted to work off-campus with Optional Practical Training (OPT) status. This can be during or after their degree, but the work must be directly related to their major.
First, you must apply for temporary employment authorization, known as either Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT). You can apply for OPT after being enrolled for at least 9 months. You will need prior authorization from the USCIS and your school's International Student Office. You cannot begin work until you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
On-campus employment is the most freely available option for international students in the USA. F-1 students with Active SEVIS status may apply for on-campus employment up to 30 days before classes start. If approved, you will get a letter of approval from your DSO, which you can take, along with a letter of approval from your employer, to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).
OPT allows you to be employed anywhere in the US, whereas CPT is specific to work that takes place on campus or at an off-campus location that is educationally affiliated with the school. Students who have engaged in 12 months or more of CPT are not eligible for OPT.
