Lori Meadows
International students often turn to freelance work to gain valuable work experience and make extra money while studying. However, the ability to freelance as an international student varies by country and visa status. In the US, international students on F-1 visas are only authorized to work on campus unless they obtain additional work authorization, such as Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Other countries like Canada allow international students to work on or off-campus without a work permit as long as they satisfy certain requirements. It is important for international students to understand the specific regulations of their host country and visa type before pursuing freelance work to ensure compliance with local laws and maintain their visa status.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work authorization | Required for freelancing in the US |
| F-1 visa | Only allows work on campus unless additional work authorization is obtained |
| OPT | May be used for freelancing after the first year of school |
| CPT | Cannot be used for freelancing as it must be tied to a specific employer |
| Work hours | Cannot work more than 20 hours a week while classes are in session |
| Work type | All work must be related to the field of study |
| Record-keeping | Keep detailed records of all jobs |
| Work location | Any work done on US soil requires US work authorization, even for a non-US company |
| Penalties | May lose student visa, face difficulties with future visa applications, and be banned from re-entering the US |
| Forms | Foreigners in the US may need to file a W8-BEN form instead of a W-9, and a 1042-S form instead of a 1099 |
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What You'll Learn
Freelancing as an international student in the US
International students in the US are subject to work restrictions, which can make it difficult to take on freelance work. However, with proper planning and record-keeping, it is possible for international students to legally freelance while on a student visa, both before and after the completion of their studies.
Work Authorisation
International students in the US must have work authorisation to work remotely for a company based in another country, including freelance work. Freelancing is considered self-employment, and any work done on US soil requires US work authorisation. To avoid losing your student visa and risking future visa applications, ensure you only do freelance work that you are legally authorised to do.
CPT and OPT
Freelance work may be possible under the CPT or OPT programs. OPT (Optional Practical Training) must be approved by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and authorisations may take three months or more to be issued. OPT allows international students to work full-time (up to 40 hours a week) and can be used for freelancing multiple companies or clients, as long as the work is related to their field of study. Students with qualifying STEM majors can extend their post-completion OPT by up to 24 months, but they cannot freelance on this extension. CPT (Curricular Practical Training) is a type of employment authorisation that allows students to take on internships, and it may also enable freelance work.
Record-Keeping
Freelancers in the US typically need to file a W-9 form to provide their social security number or employer identification number. If their income exceeds $600, they will receive a 1099 form to declare that income on their taxes. Foreigners temporarily in the US may need to use different forms, such as W8-BEN and 1042-S, which can be more complicated. Additionally, international students on a visa should keep meticulous records of their assignments and hours worked to demonstrate compliance with their visa requirements.
Alternatives
International students can also explore other options for gaining work experience, such as on-campus jobs, internships, or part-time employment during their studies. These alternatives can help students build their resumes and network within the US, potentially leading to full-time job opportunities after graduation.
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Work authorization for non-US companies
International students in the US are allowed to freelance, but they must adhere to strict work authorization requirements. Any work done on US soil requires US work authorization, even if it is remote work for a non-US company. International students on F-1 visas are only authorized to work on campus unless they obtain additional work authorization.
There are two work authorization options for international students: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT cannot be used for freelance work because it must be tied to a specific employer. OPT may be used for freelance work, but not until after the first year of school. It is important to note that no off-campus work authorization will be granted during the first academic year.
International students can use websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com to find freelance jobs. They can also take on remote work, which can include working from home, a coffee shop, or a library, depending on the company's remote policies.
To maintain legal student visa status, international students must keep a detailed record of all jobs. They cannot work more than 20 hours a week while classes are in session, and all work must be related to their field of study. It is crucial to understand F-1 visa work authorization for remote work and to only do work that is legally authorized to avoid issues with visa status and future visa applications.
For tax purposes, US residents are usually asked to file a W-9 form to provide their social security number or employer identification number. Foreigners living temporarily in the US may need to file different forms, such as a W8-BEN instead of a W-9, and a 1042-S instead of a 1099.
In addition to freelancing, there are other ways for international students to earn income while in the US, such as on-campus jobs, rental properties, stocks and investments, and royalties from publications in another country.
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F-1 visa work authorization
International students in the US on an F-1 visa may work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status before and after completing their degrees. OPT allows for full-time work after graduation and is authorized by the US government. To gain OPT employment, students will need permission from USCIS and their school's International Student Office. Students do not need a job offer to apply for OPT, but they cannot begin employment until they have received their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and have been enrolled for at least a year.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is another option for F-1 students when practical training is an integral part of their established curriculum or academic program. CPT is defined as "alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school". To qualify, the work experience must be required for the degree, or academic credit must be awarded. Students must receive authorization from both USCIS and their school's International Student Office. Unlike OPT, students must have a job offer before they can apply for CPT employment.
F-1 students suffering from "severe economic hardship caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond [their] control" are eligible to work off-campus part-time during school and full-time during holidays and vacations.
Students can also work on-campus, but they must adhere to several rules and regulations. They must maintain valid F-1 status, may not displace a US student, and may work up to 20 hours per week (part-time) or full-time during holidays and vacation periods.
F-1 students may also find employment with a "recognized international organization". To qualify, the organization must be on the official State Department list, and the employment must be in the student's field of study, they must be in good academic standing, and they must have held valid F-1 status for at least one academic year.
The type of work authorization a student can request depends on their visa and what stage they are at in their program. Students should talk to the designated school official (DSO) of their university's international student office to navigate their school's requirements to get work authorizations.
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OPT and CPT work authorizations
International students in the US on F-1 visas are subject to work restrictions that affect their ability to freelance. They are only authorized to work on campus unless they obtain additional work authorization. Two work authorization options for international students are Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT).
CPT is a temporary work authorization that allows international students on F-1 visas to work off-campus during their academic program after one year of full-time study. CPT must be tied to a specific employer and cannot be used for freelance work. The duration of a CPT internship is determined by the employer and academic program, and there is no limit to the number of CPT jobs a student can have at once. Part-time CPT is up to 20 hours per week, while full-time CPT is up to 40 hours per week. Students who engage in full-time CPT must still be enrolled full-time during the academic year. CPT internships can also earn college credit, depending on the school.
OPT is a temporary work authorization that allows F-1 students from accredited colleges or universities to gain practical work experience related to their field of study. OPT may be used for freelance work, both before and after graduation, and students can work full-time (up to 40 hours per week). Students can even freelance for multiple companies or clients as long as their total hours do not exceed the OPT limit. However, OPT approval takes longer than CPT approval and requires an application fee. Students must also wait to start work until they receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Additionally, 12 months of full-time CPT makes students ineligible for OPT.
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Record-keeping and tax filing
Record-keeping
Freelancers are advised to keep meticulous records of their assignments, hours worked, and all communications and contracts. This is important not only for tax purposes but also to demonstrate the relevance of freelance work to their field of study, which may be required by certain visa restrictions. For example, in the US, students on OPT visas can freelance as long as the work is related to their field of study, and they must report all employment.
Tax Filing
The process of filing taxes as a freelancer can be more complicated than filing with a traditional salary and W-2 tax form. Freelancers are typically responsible for self-employment taxes, which can amount to 15.3% for Social Security and Medicare taxes. However, there are also various deductions and write-offs that freelancers may be able to take advantage of to reduce their tax bill. These can include business-related expenses such as equipment, travel, meals, office expenses, and phone and internet services.
In some countries, such as the Czech Republic, freelancers must obtain a trade license, which entails specific legal responsibilities and tax obligations that may change annually. In the US, international students may need to file a W-9 form and receive a 1099 from their employers, which simplifies the tax-filing process. Students who have been in the US for more than five years may be able to file their taxes as residents if they meet certain physical presence requirements.
It is important to stay organized and understand the specific tax laws and requirements of the country and region in which one is freelancing. Seeking advice from a tax professional or using tax software can help ensure that one's taxes are filed correctly and that all applicable deductions are claimed.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, but there are restrictions. International students on F-1 visas are only authorised to work on campus unless they get additional work authorisation. Students must take some preliminary steps with their schools before pursuing paid writing opportunities.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT cannot be used for freelance work, but OPT may be able to be used for freelance work after the first year of school.
International students can freelance for multiple companies or clients as long as their total hours do not exceed the OPT limit. They must apply through their college and submit the required paperwork directly to USCIS.
Yes, international students in Canada may be authorised to work either on or off-campus without getting a work permit, provided they have satisfied the necessary requirements.
International students can use websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com to find freelance jobs. They should also cross-check with relevant government websites and consult their international student advisor to ensure they comply with all laws and regulations.
