Savanna Hoffman
International students in the US can work part-time, but they must meet certain conditions. To work part-time in the US, international students need to have an F1 or M1 visa, which allows them to work on campus and in training programs. Students must also have been enrolled full-time for one year with valid F1 status and must have a Social Security Number (SSN) to work on and off-campus. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an option for F1 students when practical training is an integral part of the curriculum or academic program, and students can get paid for CPT employment. Optional Practical Training (OPT) is work authorization that allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year before or after graduation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | F-1 Visa (Academic Student) or M-1 Visa (Vocational Student) |
| Student status | Enrolled full-time at an accredited college, university, high school, elementary school, or other academic institution |
| English proficiency | Proficient in English or enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency |
| Financial requirements | Sufficient funds for self-support during the entire course of study |
| Work eligibility | On-campus work up to 20 hours per week during school terms and up to 40 hours per week during breaks; off-campus work eligibility depends on visa type and authorization |
| Curricular Practical Training (CPT) | Paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to the field of study; requires prior authorization and must be an integral part of the degree program |
| Optional Practical Training (OPT) | Work authorization for up to one year in areas related to the student's major, either before or after graduation; eligibility requires active F-1 student status and enrollment for at least one academic year |
| Social Security Number (SSN) | Required for both on-campus and off-campus employment; obtained after completing the online application and submitting original documents |
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What You'll Learn
On-campus jobs
International students in the United States can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. On-campus jobs are a great way for international students to earn some extra money, gain work experience, and enhance their CVs. Additionally, on-campus jobs allow students to develop their independence and manage their time, finances, and obligations.
There are various on-campus job options available for international students in the USA, and many universities offer jobs that adhere to visa guidelines. Here are some examples of on-campus jobs that international students can consider:
- Department Assistant: Providing administrative and secretarial support to a university department, handling departmental matters, and supporting specific teams or projects. This role requires computer literacy and good teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Hospitality: Working in cafes, restaurants, or dining facilities on campus as a front-of-house assistant or runner. Hospitality jobs offer flexible hours, making them ideal for international students balancing work and studies.
- Sales Assistant: Working in the campus grocery store, bookstore, clothing store, or university-branded merchandise shop.
- Barista: Working in a coffee shop on campus, allowing you to learn about different drinks and often providing employee discounts.
- Catering Assistant and Food Runner: Working in university cafeterias and restaurants, especially suitable for students pursuing hospitality courses to gain hands-on experience.
- Teaching Assistant: Academic posts that involve supporting students with their course content, readings, or assignments.
- Tour Guide: Leading campus tours for prospective students, applicants, and their parents.
- Research Study Assistant: Working on various projects, conducting research, maintaining lab equipment, and collating results. This role requires excellent organisational skills.
- University Receptionist: Providing general office support, administration, customer service, and communication with students and staff.
It is important to note that international students must have a valid F-1 visa status and maintain their lawful F1 status during their stay in the US. Additionally, students should work closely with their school's International Student Office to ensure they meet all requirements and do not jeopardise their visa status.
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Off-campus jobs
International students in the US with F1 visas are generally allowed to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during their studies and full-time during the summer vacation, provided they are enrolled in the next course. However, F-1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year. After their first academic year, F-1 visa students are allowed to apply for three types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and Severe Economic Hardship Employment. CPT is a part of the academic curriculum of international students and must be an integral part of their degree program or a requirement for a course for which they receive academic credit. OPT is a program that allows international students in the US to work temporarily in a job related to their field of study, and it can be subcategorized as pre-completion OPT and post-completion OPT. Students with a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics can request a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT. Severe Economic Hardship Employment is available to students who have completed at least one academic year and can prove a severe economic hardship beyond their control.
For both F-1 and M-1 students, any off-campus training employment must be related to their area of study and must be authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) and US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) prior to starting work. The DSO is the person authorized to maintain the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). To work off-campus, students must also have a Social Security Number (SSN). However, they can still apply for a job without an SSN and then use the job offer to get an SSN after being hired.
Examples of off-campus jobs for international students include retail sales associate, food service worker, and internships or co-op programs in their field of study. On-campus jobs, which international students are more commonly known to take, include library assistant, research assistant, teaching assistant, and tutor.
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Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
International students in the United States on an F-1 visa are permitted to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. However, strict rules govern international students' eligibility to work off-campus.
To qualify for CPT, students must meet several requirements:
- They must have been enrolled full-time for one year with valid F-1 status (except for graduate students where the program requires immediate CPT).
- CPT employment must be a required part of their degree program or a requirement for a course for which they will receive academic credit.
- Students must have a job offer from a qualified employer in their major or field of study before submitting their CPT authorization request.
- CPT authorization must be obtained from the school's Designated School Official (DSO) and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
- CPT authorization will specify whether the student is approved for part-time (20 hours or less per week) or full-time employment, and students must maintain a full course of study even when CPT is authorized.
- CPT employment cannot delay the completion of the student's academic program.
It is important to note that students who engage in 12 months or more of full-time CPT will become ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Therefore, students should carefully consider their CPT and OPT options and work closely with their school's International Student Office to maintain their lawful F1 status.
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Optional Practical Training (OPT)
International students in the United States on an F-1 visa are typically required to be enrolled full-time. However, Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows international students to gain valuable experience and build their professional networks by working in areas related to their major for up to 12 months, either before or after graduation.
OPT is a form of temporary employment directly related to an F-1 student's major area of study. Students can apply for pre-completion OPT after being lawfully enrolled full-time for one academic year at a college or university certified by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The OPT application process involves several steps, including submitting Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," and paying the required fee. Students can work anywhere in the US with OPT authorization, and they do not need a job offer beforehand.
It is important to note that OPT is distinct from Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is an off-campus employment option for F-1 students when practical training is integral to the curriculum. CPT employment must be directly related to the student's degree program or a requirement for a course for which they receive academic credit. While CPT may be part-time or full-time, working full-time on CPT for 12 months or more disqualifies students from OPT eligibility.
For international students, OPT is a valuable opportunity to develop skills, gain work experience, and explore future immigration options. It is an important bridge that allows graduates to build connections with potential employers while determining their next steps. The number of students receiving OPT work authorization has more than doubled in the last decade, reflecting its significance in US higher education.
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Visa requirements
International students in the US can work part-time during their studies, but there are strict rules and visa requirements that must be followed. The US government takes working illegally very seriously, and students who break the rules could lose their student status or even face deportation.
F-1 Visa
The F-1 Visa is for academic students enrolled in US universities, colleges, high schools, language training programs, and other academic institutions. Students with F-1 visas are allowed to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during school terms and up to 40 hours per week during school breaks. 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.
F-1 students can also work off-campus in certain circumstances, such as severe economic hardship or special student relief. Off-campus employment must be directly related to the student's major and authorised by the Designated School Official (DSO) and the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). F-1 students may also be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is an off-campus employment option where the work must be an integral part of the student's degree program or a requirement for a course for which they receive academic credit. OPT allows international students to work temporarily in a job related to their field of study for up to 12 months, either before or after graduation.
M-1 Visa
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 only after they have completed their studies. Off-campus training employment must be related to their area of study and authorised by the DSO and USCIS.
J-1 Visa
The J-1 Visa, or Exchange Visitor Visa, is for anyone outside of the US who wishes to take part in study- and work-related exchange programs in America. J-1 students can only work on campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week and must have their off-campus work authorised by the DSO.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can work part-time in the USA, but there are strict rules and eligibility requirements that must be met. Students with F1 visas are generally allowed to work on their university campus for up to 20 hours a week and full-time during school breaks.
International students must have a valid visa and be in good academic standing. They must also have a Social Security Number (SSN) and their employment must be related to their field of study. For off-campus employment, students must obtain authorization from the Designated School Official (DSO) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Part-time jobs for international students include on-campus jobs such as library assistant or teaching assistant, and off-campus jobs such as retail sales associate or food service worker. Many universities also have restaurants and dining facilities that recruit students for positions like front-of-house assistant or runner.
