Work Study: International Students' Employment Opportunities

Work-study programs are a great way for students to earn some money while pursuing their education. While the Federal Work-Study Program in the US is not available to international students, there are other ways for them to work and study. International students can still find employment while enrolled, such as on-campus jobs, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and Optional Practical Training (OPT). Additionally, some schools have special policies that allow international students to access work opportunities usually reserved for the federal work-study program. These programs can be a great way for international students to finance their education, gain work experience, and improve their language skills.

Can international students get work study?

International students are ineligible for federal work-study programs

International students are not eligible for federal work-study programs in the United States. Work-study programs are a component of financial aid benefits in the US, providing part-time jobs for students with financial needs. However, as these programs are federally funded, they are generally restricted to domestic students.

The criteria for eligibility for the federally funded work-study program include the student's household size, family income, assets, and the number of dependent family members enrolled in post-secondary programs. International students typically cannot meet these criteria as they are not considered to be "eligible non-citizens" under federal regulations.

While international students cannot participate in the federal work-study program, there are alternative options available. Some universities, such as the University of Pennsylvania, offer work-study programs specifically for international students, funded by institutional sources rather than federal funds. These programs provide similar job opportunities and payment schedules to the federal program. Additionally, international students can explore on-campus jobs, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and Optional Practical Training (OPT) to gain work experience and finance their education.

It is important to note that work-study qualifications can change yearly, so international students should not be discouraged and can consider applying again in subsequent years. Additionally, many places near colleges are often willing to hire students for part-time work and can accommodate their academic schedules. International students should utilise their university's international student office and career services office for guidance on finding suitable employment opportunities.

Schools may have special policies to allow international students to work

International students are often unable to qualify for work-study programs in the United States due to their federal funding, which requires students to have completed the FAFSA. However, schools may have special policies in place to allow international students to work. For example, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) encourages all students, including international students, to work during the academic year by offering jobs in on- and off-campus offices, labs, and other departments.

The University of Pennsylvania also offers work-study programs to eligible international students by using institutional funding rather than federal funds. Other schools may have similar programs or policies that allow international students to work in jobs reserved for federal work-study. These opportunities are often funded directly by the school.

Additionally, international students can explore other employment opportunities while enrolled as students, such as on-campus jobs, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and Optional Practical Training (OPT). On-campus jobs can include positions in offices, labs, and other departments that align with students' interests. CPT and OPT provide practical training opportunities related to students' fields of study, allowing them to gain valuable work experience while studying.

It is important for international students to review their visa type and applicable policies, as their ability to work on or off-campus may depend on their visa status. For instance, F-1 students typically need to demonstrate their ability to afford school and living expenses before entering the US and are usually expected not to work off-campus. However, exceptions can be made in cases of severe economic hardship or emergent circumstances, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

International students can be employed in on-campus jobs

International students in the US can get jobs on campus, although their options may be limited. While federal work-study programs are not an option for international students, some schools have special policies that allow international students to take advantage of work opportunities that are otherwise reserved for students in the federal work-study program. For example, the University of Pennsylvania uses institutional funding to offer work-study programs to eligible international students.

International students with an F1 visa status are permitted to work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status during and after the completion of their degree. However, OPT employment requires prior authorization from the USCIS and the school's International Student Office, and the student must have been enrolled for at least a year. F1 students can also work on campus, but the job must be physically located on the school's campus or off-campus at the site of an educationally affiliated organization. For instance, an F1 student can work for a contractually affiliated company such as a school bookstore, but not for a construction company, even if the job site is on campus.

F1 students can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during annual vacations or when school is not in session. They must report their work and receive a certification letter to present to the Social Security Administration to receive a Social Security number. Additionally, F1 students must keep a DSO informed of any changes in employer and hours.

International students can also gain valuable work experience and help cover the costs of their education through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) programs. CPT employment 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 and get it authorized by the school's International Student Office before submitting their CPT authorization request.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an option for international students

International students are often not eligible for federal work-study programs as these are only available to students who have completed the FAFSA. However, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an option for international students looking to work while studying. CPT is a type of employment authorization that allows international students to gain practical experience in their field of study. It is available to F-1 students and can be authorized by a Designated School Official (DSO) on a part-time or full-time basis, in accordance with school policies. CPT can be a great way for international students to build their resumes and gain valuable skills while also earning some money to offset their college expenses.

To apply for CPT, students must first find an employment opportunity that qualifies for CPT. This could be an internship or a job that is an integral part of the established curriculum. The student must then provide information about the employer, including the company name and address, and explain how the training is curricular. The DSO will review the student's request and authorize CPT if it meets the requirements. It is important to note that CPT authorization is only required when the training is inside the United States.

Once CPT is authorized, students can legally work, but they must also maintain a full course of study during the school session. CPT can be a great opportunity for international students to gain practical experience and make some money while studying. However, it is important to be mindful of the hours worked, as students may only work up to 20 hours per week during the school session. Additionally, having 12 months or more of full-time CPT will make a student ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Overall, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a valuable option for international students seeking employment opportunities while studying. It provides a way to gain practical experience and earn money, similar to federal work-study programs, while also building important skills for the future. International students should take advantage of the resources available, such as the international student office and career services, to explore CPT and other employment options available to them.

International students can apply for financial aid

International students can apply for private loans, although many financial aid experts advise against taking on too much debt. Instead, it may be better to consider studying in a country with lower tuition fees. International students can also work while enrolled, which can help finance their educational expenses and tuition. On-campus jobs are an option, although some may be "work-study only" and therefore only available to domestic students. However, some schools have special policies that allow international students to take advantage of these opportunities, often funded directly by the school. For example, the University of Pennsylvania offers work-study programs to eligible international students through institutional funding.

International students wishing to work while studying should utilize the international students office and the career services office for guidance on on-campus positions. Additionally, some schools collaborate with local businesses to share job postings or may be able to help students find directories of positions. International students can also work off-campus, although this may be dependent on their visa type.

To apply for financial aid, international students may need to fill out the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) or the CSS Profile, which is used by private colleges. Some universities may also have their own forms. In very rare cases, a school may require international students to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), although this requires a Social Security number, so the form must be submitted on paper.

Frequently asked questions