Studying Part-Time In The Us As An International Student

International students with an F1 visa can study part-time in the US, but they must follow strict rules and regulations. Students with F1 visas are typically allowed to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week and full-time during breaks, but off-campus work is generally not permitted. To work legally in the US, international students must have prior authorization from their school's International Student Office and the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). There are several programs that allow international students to gain experience in their field of study, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Part-time work is allowed for international students on F1 visas

International students in the US on F1 visas are allowed to work part-time, but only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Generally, all employment is contingent on remaining within the terms and restrictions of your F1 visa.

F1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year, but they may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. After the first academic year, F1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment. On-campus employment is defined as work that takes place on campus or at an off-campus location that is affiliated with the school. This could include working in a university bookstore, cafeteria, or other facilities used by students.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an off-campus employment option for F1 students when the practical training is an integral part of the established curriculum or academic program. CPT employment 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 your degree, or academic credit must be awarded. Prior authorization by your school's International Student Office and notification to the USCIS are required. You must have been enrolled in school full-time for one year on valid F1 status (except for graduate students where the program requires immediate CPT), and CPT employment must be an integral part of your degree program or a requirement for a course for which you receive academic credit.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is another option for F1 students. OPT is permitted for up to 12 months full-time in total – part-time OPT (while still in school) reduces the available full-time OPT by half of the amount of part-time work (for instance, if you work part-time for 6 months, you can work full-time for up to 9 months). Students who have engaged in 12 months or more of full-time CPT are not eligible for OPT.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an off-campus employment option for F1 students

International students in the United States, most of whom hold an F1 visa, are permitted to work in the country, but only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is one such off-campus employment option for F1 students. 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 for CPT, the work experience must be required for your degree, or academic credit must be awarded. Prior authorization by the Designated School Official (DSO) or the school's International Student Office is required, and notification must be given to the USCIS. Students must have been enrolled in school full-time for one year on valid F1 status (except for graduate students where the program requires immediate CPT). 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.

CPT authorization is only required when the training is inside the United States. The DSO or International Student Office must specify whether the student is approved for part-time (20 hours per week or less) or full-time CPT employment. While in school, students can only be approved for part-time CPT. CPT authorization will also specify the employer, location, and dates of employment. Students must comply with the CPT authorization granted, and any extensions, cancellations, or changes must be approved by the academic advisor/co-op coordinator and OGS. Students are allowed to work on-campus while they have CPT authorization, but they cannot work on an SGA and be authorized for CPT for a paid experience at the same time.

On-campus jobs are available for international students

International students in the US are often permitted to work part-time, but this is restricted by the type of visa they hold and the rules of their specific college or university. Most international students in the US hold an F1 visa, which allows them to work on campus without additional work authorization. Students with F1 visas can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during breaks.

On-campus jobs are available in a variety of areas, including libraries, labs, food service, residence halls, and campus bookstores. Students can also work in research facilities or sports stadiums that are affiliated with their school. These jobs can be a great way for international students to offset college costs, gain work experience, and enhance their CVs or resumes. They also offer the advantage of being close to where students live and providing flexibility to fit in with a student's schedule.

There are a few things to keep in mind when looking for an on-campus job as an international student. Firstly, it's important to start the job search early as these positions can be competitive. Students should also be aware that they may need a Social Security Number (SSN) for some on-campus jobs, and their Designated School Official (DSO) can advise them on this. While on-campus jobs are generally available to international students, they should check with their specific college or university to understand the rules and any limitations.

There are a few ways to find on-campus jobs. Many US colleges and universities have online job boards where students can search for openings, and some also have physical job boards on campus. Students can also try networking with peers, professors, and upperclassmen to find out about job openings. Additionally, students can visit their college's career center for help with their resume and to find out about jobs they qualify for.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows international students to work in their field of study

International students in the US on an F1 visa are permitted to work part-time, but only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). One such program is Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows international students to work in their field of study. OPT is a benefit available to international students in F1 immigration status who are enrolled in or completing a degree program in the United States. OPT employment must be directly related to the student's major area of study and can be used before or after completion of studies. Students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization, with a minimum of 20 hours per week, paid or unpaid. This can be used during an annual vacation or leave term, or after completion of studies.

To be eligible for OPT, students must be enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year in the US. Students who have engaged in 12 months or more of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) are not eligible for OPT. CPT is an off-campus employment option for F1 students when the practical training is an integral part of the established curriculum or academic program. CPT employment must be required for the degree or academic credit must be awarded.

If students have already received one year of full-time pre-completion OPT, the total time of full-time OPT available will be reduced by one year. Students who have earned a degree in certain Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields may apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT employment authorization. The Department of Homeland Security maintains a list of degree fields that qualify for the STEM extension.

It is important to note that working illegally in the US can lead to serious consequences, including jeopardizing student status and even deportation. Therefore, international students interested in OPT should consult with their school's International Student Office and ensure they follow all rules and regulations.

Working part-time can help international students build a solid resume

International students in the US are permitted to work part-time, but this is subject to their visa type and other restrictions. For instance, F1 visa holders are allowed to work part-time on-campus, up to 20 hours per week, and full-time during school breaks. However, off-campus work is usually restricted to Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). 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". OPT is permitted for up to 12 months full-time in total.

Part-time work can help international students build a solid resume in several ways. Firstly, it provides financial support, helping students cover living expenses, tuition fees, and daily needs. Secondly, it offers practical experience and helps students develop transferable skills like teamwork, time management, and communication, which can enhance their resumes and prepare them for full-time employment. Additionally, part-time work provides networking opportunities, allowing students to connect with professionals, colleagues, and potential mentors who can offer valuable references, career advice, and even future job prospects.

When creating a resume, international students should be aware of the preferred format in the US. US resumes usually include a page header with personal information such as full name, contact number, and email. Some also include a home address, city, personal website, or LinkedIn profile link. The education section is crucial, and students should list their school's name, location, degree, area of study, and dates attended. Other optional details include GPA, relevant coursework, awards, and honours. The relevant experience section should include past work experiences, internships, jobs, research experience, student leadership, volunteering, and independent projects. Transferable skills should be prioritised over interests and hobbies. US resumes are typically formatted in a classical font like Times New Roman, Garamond, or Cambria, with an 11-12 point font size, and organised in a reverse-chronological format.

Frequently asked questions