Work Permits: International Students' Guide To Employment

International students often seek work permits to gain work experience in their host country. In the United States, international students can obtain a Social Security Number for work purposes. The process and requirements for obtaining a work permit vary depending on the country and the student's visa status. In the US, international students with F1 visas are allowed to work on-campus and off-campus under certain conditions, such as obtaining prior authorization from their school's International Student Office and ensuring that their employment is related to their area of study. Understanding the specific regulations and requirements of the host country is crucial for international students seeking work opportunities during their studies.

Characteristics and Values Table for International Students Applying for Work Permits

International students can obtain a Social Security Number for work purposes

International students can obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) for work purposes. However, they must first obtain valid employment authorization. This authorization can be based on on-campus employment, off-campus employment, or other forms of employment such as Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

For on-campus employment, international students must obtain a letter from their college or university department confirming that they have been offered an on-campus job. This letter must be printed on department letterhead, signed by the hiring department, and include details such as the job title and any other relevant information.

In the case of off-campus employment, international students must obtain a valid, unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This authorizes students to work under specific categories, such as F-1 optional practical training, international organization employment, or severe economic hardship employment.

Additionally, international students with F-1 or M-1 visas must ensure that any off-campus employment is related to their area of study and must be authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS before starting work.

Once employment authorization is obtained, international students can apply for an SSN by submitting the required documentation to the Social Security Administration (SSA). This typically includes an employment authorization letter, an employment offer letter, and proof of identity, such as a passport or I-94 card. It is recommended to wait at least 2-3 weeks after arriving in the US before requesting an SSN. The SSA will verify the student's immigration information before issuing the SSN, which can take 2-4 weeks or longer.

It is important to note that a Social Security Number is specifically for work purposes. It is not required for other activities such as obtaining a driver's license, cell phone, credit card, insurance, or admission to an academic institution.

International students can work off-campus with permission from their DSO/RO or USCIS

International students in the US on an F1 visa are permitted to work off-campus with permission from their Designated School Official (DSO) or the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The DSO is the person authorised to maintain the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and is usually the International Student Advisor. USCIS is a branch of the Department of Homeland Security.

Students must seek guidance and clearance from their DSO or the International Student Office (ISO) before applying for or accepting any employment. The DSO or ISO will be able to advise on any ambiguous situations and ensure that all appropriate forms are filed with USCIS. The DSO will also provide a letter of approval, which is required when applying for a Social Security Number (SSN). An SSN is required for all students who wish to work.

There are several categories of employment during the term of an F1 visa. On-campus employment is the most freely available and does not require USCIS approval. However, on-campus employment opportunities are often limited, and students may be required to obtain permission from the ISO before accepting a role. Off-campus employment must be directly related to the student's major and requires prior authorisation from both USCIS and the ISO.

Students can also apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT). OPT and CPT allow students to be employed during and after their studies. OPT is permitted for up to 12 months full-time and part-time OPT reduces the available full-time by half. Students can apply for a permanent or temporary work visa if they find an employer during their OPT who will support their application.

International students can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

To acquire OPT or CPT, international students must first apply for temporary employment authorization. This can be done by mailing a completed Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and paying a filing fee. USCIS will then send a Form I-766, "Employment Authorization Document" (EAD), upon approval of the application. Students must wait to start working until they receive their EAD. It is important to note that only aliens who have permission from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to work can apply for a Social Security number.

For F-1 students, CPT can be authorized by a Designated School Official (DSO) on a part-time or full-time basis, in accordance with school policies. CPT must be an integral part of the established curriculum, and students must maintain a full course of study even when CPT is authorized. On the other hand, OPT must be related to the student's major or course of study, and they can apply for 12 months of OPT at each education level.

International students at the City University of New York (CUNY), for example, can seek assistance from the CUNY Office of International Student and Scholar Services, which provides support and helps ensure compliance with federal regulations. Additionally, international students can inquire about grant, fellowship, or scholarship opportunities at their colleges.

International students can work on-campus without USCIS approval

International students on an F-1 visa may accept on-campus employment without USCIS approval, provided the employment is for an employer educationally affiliated with their school. However, it is subject to certain conditions and restrictions. For instance, on-campus employment at an off-campus location is not available to border commuter students.

F-1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year. After the first academic year, they may engage in three types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and economic hardship employment. CPT and OPT are types of temporary employment authorization that allow students to be employed during and after their course of study. OPT is available for students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. To work off-campus, F-1 students must obtain approval from USCIS and ensure that the employment is related to their area of study.

International students in the United States face challenges in finding jobs due to the complex immigration system and limited work opportunities. Before arriving in the US, F-1 students must prove their financial ability to pay for tuition and living expenses. Additionally, they must meet various requirements, including being enrolled as full-time students at an approved institution, demonstrating English proficiency, and maintaining a residence abroad.

The process of obtaining work authorization for international students can be complex, and it is important to carefully navigate the regulations to avoid any adverse consequences, such as termination of their SEVIS record and immediate departure from the country. Seeking guidance from designated school officials (DSOs) and referring to resources like CUNY's International Student Guide can help international students understand their employment options and make informed decisions about their education and career paths.

International students can work off-campus if it's related to their area of study

In the United States, there are two non-immigrant visa categories for international students: the F visa and the M visa. To be eligible for these visas, students must meet specific criteria, including being enrolled in an approved academic, language-training, or vocational program, being enrolled as a full-time student, and having sufficient funds for self-support during their studies.

International students can also explore temporary employment authorization options like Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which allow them to gain work experience during or after their studies. If they find an employer during their OPT who supports a work visa, they can apply for a permanent or temporary work visa.

In Canada, international students can work off-campus if they meet certain requirements, such as having a valid study permit and receiving written confirmation of program completion from their school. They can also work remotely for an employer outside of Canada while complying with the conditions of their study permit. To work off-campus in Canada, international students must have specific conditions printed on their study permit, including the number of hours they can work and eligibility criteria for off-campus employment.

Frequently asked questions