Ibrahim Gardner
International students in the USA on an F-1 visa are permitted to work up to 40 hours per week, but only during the summer semester and breaks when classes are not in session. During the school year, international students are restricted to working 20 hours per week. To work off-campus, students must apply for CPT (Curricular Practical Training), which must be related to their field of study or deemed complementary to their curriculum. CPT can be either paid or unpaid and may take the form of internships, cooperative education jobs, or practicums. Students may also be eligible for OPT (Optional Practical Training), which allows them to work for up to 12 months (with a possible 24-month extension for STEM majors) in areas related to their major before or after graduation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can international students work 40 hours in the USA? | Yes, but only during the summer semester and breaks. |
| On-campus work hours during breaks | Up to 40 hours per week. |
| On-campus work hours during the school year | Up to 20 hours per week. |
| Off-campus work hours during breaks | Full-time. |
| Off-campus work hours during the school year | Up to 20 hours per week. |
| CPT work hours | Part-time (20 hours per week) or full-time (more than 20 hours per week). |
| OPT work hours | Up to 12 months full-time in total. |
| CPT eligibility | Must be an F-1 visa holder and have completed a full academic year. |
| OPT eligibility | Must be an F-1 visa holder and have been enrolled for at least one academic year. |
| Required documents for CPT | Letter from employer, confirmation of eligibility from International Student Services Office, passport, F-1 visa, and I-94 number. |
| Required documents for OPT | Social Security Number, passport, F-1 visa, and Form I-20. |
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What You'll Learn
CPT (Curricular Practical Training)
International students enrolled full-time and in valid F-1 status can generally work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during classes and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. However, strict rules govern international students' eligibility to work off-campus during their studies.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of work authorization that allows F-1 international students to gain paid employment or internships, cooperative education jobs, practicums, or other experiences related to their field of study. CPT is meant to be academic, with the internship/practicum considered an integral part of a student's degree program. It can be full-time (more than 20 hours per week) or part-time (20 hours or less per week). CPT must be authorized by the International Student Office, and students can only work for the specific employer and dates authorized. CPT does not interfere with students' eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT) unless they have done 12 months or more of full-time CPT, in which case they lose their OPT eligibility.
Many colleges and universities offer CPT Work Study programs to help international students gain paid positions and cover their education costs while gaining valuable work experience. CPT is often found in practical courses such as business and engineering, where students can apply their studies in a workplace setting. Students must be enrolled full-time for the semester they wish to pursue CPT, except during their final semester. CPT authorization also depends on successfully completing all internship courses to maintain eligibility for current and future CPT authorizations.
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OPT (Optional Practical Training)
International students enrolled full-time and in valid F-1 status can generally 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. The United States has strict rules for international students who want to work during their studies. Students in valid F-1 status cannot be employed off-campus without meeting eligibility requirements and obtaining official authorization.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a federal program that allows international students and recent graduates to work in the US in their field of study for up to 12 months. OPT is available for each higher level of study. For example, a student can apply for 12 months of work authorization for a bachelor's degree and later another 12 months for a master's degree. Students can participate in pre-completion OPT or post-completion OPT. To be eligible for OPT, students must have completed at least one academic year of full-time studies and have active F-1 student status. Students can work part-time during their studies, but this will reduce their available full-time OPT.
To apply for OPT, students must complete Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and pay the required fee. They must also have a Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," signed within the last 30 days. Students can apply for post-completion OPT up to 90 days before graduation, but it is recommended they apply at least 45 days before graduation to ensure timely processing.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is another option for international students to gain work experience. CPT is paid or unpaid employment that is directly related to a student's field of study and for which they receive academic credit. CPT can be part-time (20 hours per week or less) or full-time (more than 20 hours per week). Students can only engage in CPT while in school and must be authorized by their International Student Office. If a student works full-time on CPT for 12 months or more, they are not eligible for OPT.
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On-campus vs. off-campus work
International students in the US can work on-campus and off-campus, but there are strict rules in place for international students who want to work during their studies. Students with an F-1 visa cannot be employed off-campus without meeting eligibility requirements and obtaining official authorisation.
On-campus work
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 mean working in a university bookstore, cafeteria, library, or faculty student association, for example. International students enrolled full-time and in valid F-1 status can generally 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. Students can also work full-time during the summer and other breaks, as long as they will return to school after the break.
Off-campus work
Off-campus employment is only allowed in certain circumstances. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of off-campus employment that trains students in their field of study and for which they fulfil academic credit or part of their degree requirement. CPT may be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to the student's field of study. Students must receive CPT authorization from their school's International Student Office, and this authorization will specify whether they are 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. Any F-1 student suffering "severe economic hardship", as defined by USCIS, is eligible to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during breaks.
Another type of off-campus employment is Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows international students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year either before or after they graduate. Students must have been enrolled for at least one academic year and have active F-1 student status to be eligible to apply.
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F-1 visa status
International students in the United States with an F-1 visa status are allowed to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session and up to 40 hours per week during breaks. However, off-campus employment is generally not permitted unless certain eligibility requirements are met, and official authorization is obtained. Students who work off-campus without authorization risk losing their F-1 status and may face other consequences, such as being forced to leave the country and compromising their ability to get a U.S. visa or enter the country in the future.
To maintain their F-1 visa status, students must comply with several regulations. Firstly, they must attend all their classes and maintain normal academic progress. Secondly, they must pursue a full course of study each term, with undergraduate students enrolling in at least 12 credit hours and graduate students enrolling in at least 8 credit hours each semester. Thirdly, they must ensure that the school listed on their visa and Form I-20 ("Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status") is the same as the school they intend to attend, and they must be registered in SEVIS within 30 days of the program start date and the beginning of each academic term. Additionally, students must maintain valid Form I-20 by following proper procedures for extensions of stay, changes in educational levels, programs of study, or transfers.
F-1 students who experience severe economic hardship, due to emergent circumstances such as natural disasters, wars, financial crises, or loss of financial aid, may be eligible for off-campus employment. In such cases, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) makes case-by-case decisions and authorizes off-campus employment if new, unexpected circumstances beyond the student's control have created financial hardship.
To work legally in the United States, F-1 students typically need to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). They can complete the application online and then bring their original documents, including their passport, F-1 visa, and Form I-20, to the local Social Security Administration Office.
It is important to note that F-1 students who wish to work while studying in the United States should consult with their International Student Office or Office of International Affairs to ensure they comply with all applicable regulations and maintain their visa status.
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Social Security Number (SSN)
International students with F-1 status in the USA can generally work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during classes and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. However, strict rules govern international students' off-campus employment, and students found working illegally risk losing their F-1 status. To work in the US, international students need a Social Security Number (SSN).
A Social Security Number is a 9-digit number issued to citizens and eligible non-citizens in the United States. Its primary purpose is to track individuals for taxation purposes, but it is also often used for other purposes, such as opening bank accounts or applying for a credit card. While having an SSN is convenient, it does not grant legal authorization to work in the US. However, if you have been authorized to work, you are required to obtain an SSN.
To apply for an SSN, you must first obtain valid employment authorization. New students should wait at least 2-3 weeks after arriving in the US before requesting an SSN. You will need to submit a Social Security Letter Request and provide evidence of employment authorization. You can then complete the social security application online and visit your local Social Security Administration office to show your documents in person. The Social Security Administration will mail your number and card once all your immigration information has been verified, which can take 2-4 weeks or more.
It is important to keep your SS card in a safe place, as replacing it can be difficult and costly. If you do not have an on-campus job or off-campus training authorization, the Social Security Administration will not issue a replacement card.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can work in the USA, but they must be enrolled full-time and have valid F-1 status.
International students can work up to 20 hours per week during the school term and up to 40 hours per week during the summer or breaks.
CPT stands for Curricular Practical Training. It is a type of employment that trains students in their field of study and can be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to their field of study. CPT authorization will specify whether a student is approved for part-time (20 hours per week or less) or full-time (more than 20 hours per week) employment.
OPT stands for Optional Practical Training. It is work authorization that allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year, with a possible 24-month extension for STEM majors.
