Working Off-Campus: International Students' Guide To Employment

International students' eligibility to work off-campus is a complex issue, with rules varying by country and visa type. In the US, F-1 visa holders can work on-campus jobs without government authorisation, but off-campus work permission is more challenging to obtain. Students must demonstrate eligibility and gain approval from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or a Designated School Official (DSO). This process can be lengthy and costly, and certain criteria must be met, such as relating to the student's major and economic hardship.

Can international students work off-campus?

F-1 visa holders can work off-campus

F-1 visa holders are eligible to work off-campus in the US. However, there are several conditions and restrictions that must be met. Firstly, F-1 visa holders must complete their first academic year before becoming eligible for off-campus employment. This is in contrast to on-campus employment, which is generally more freely available and can be taken up by F-1 visa holders from the start of their studies, provided the job is directly providing services to students.

F-1 visa holders intending to work off-campus must apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) status. They can do so after being enrolled for at least 9 months, but employment cannot begin until they have received their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and have been enrolled for at least a year. OPT employment can be undertaken anywhere in the US and does not require a job offer to apply. However, it can take up to 90 days for USCIS to process the application, so early application is recommended.

There are three types of off-campus employment available to F-1 visa holders: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is an off-campus employment option when the practical training is an integral part of the established curriculum or academic program; severe economic hardship, which is a financial condition caused by unforeseen circumstances that make it difficult for a student to continue their education; and Special Student Relief (SSR), which is due to emergent circumstances. Off-campus employment recommendations cannot exceed one year, except for employment during SSR, which can end on the last date of the authorized SSR or the student's program end date, whichever is earlier.

F-1 visa holders must also ensure that their off-campus employment is related to their area of study and is authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) before starting work. The DSO is responsible for verifying that the student qualifies for off-campus employment and must enter the employment information in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The student must then file a Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with the USCIS, along with a copy of Form I-20. Any F-1 off-campus request in ''Requested' status for longer than 180 days is automatically canceled by SEVIS.

International students must obtain work authorization

To obtain work authorization, students must file a Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with the USCIS. Additionally, a copy of Form I-20 must be sent along with Form I-765. Any F-1 off-campus request in 'Requested' status for longer than 180 days is automatically canceled by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Students must also pay a fee of $410 to the USCIS.

Off-campus employment recommendations cannot exceed one year, except for employment during Special Student Relief (SSR), which is enacted by the Department of Homeland Security in response to severe unrest or natural disasters in specific countries. SSR allows international students to apply for full-time off-campus work permits and enroll part-time. Students from countries experiencing humanitarian or other crises may not need to meet all the usual requirements.

Another circumstance under which international students can obtain work authorization is through unforeseen financial changes or severe economic hardship. This benefit is intended to address specific situations where a financial need beyond the student's control arises, which were unforeseen at the time of applying to the school. This authorization can only be granted after all other potential employment opportunities have been proven to be insufficient.

Off-campus employment includes internships

Off-campus employment for international students is a complex issue that varies depending on the student's visa type, academic standing, and financial situation. In the United States, F-1 visa holders are typically eligible to work off-campus under specific circumstances.

Firstly, F-1 students must have completed their first academic year and be in good academic standing. They must also demonstrate that on-campus employment opportunities are insufficient to meet their financial needs or that they are facing unforeseen circumstances causing severe economic hardship. This could include loss of financial aid, unexpected changes in the student's source of support, substantial increases in tuition or living costs, or emergent situations such as natural disasters or financial crises.

Once these criteria are met, international students can explore off-campus employment options, which include internships. Internships with international organizations are specifically mentioned in US regulations (8 CFR 214.2(f)(9)(iii)). A Designated School Official (DSO) must verify the student's eligibility for off-campus employment by entering the information into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The DSO will also provide the student with Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status."

To initiate the process, students must file Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). They may need to pay a fee for this application. It is important to note that any mistakes or delays in these applications can significantly impact the start date of authorized employment. Additionally, off-campus employment recommendations are typically limited to one year unless there are special circumstances.

While the above information provides a general framework, it is always advisable for international students to seek specific guidance from their educational institution and consult official government sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding off-campus employment, including internships.

Students can work on-campus without government authorization

International students with F-1 visas can work on their school campus without US government authorization. This is permitted for up to 20 hours a week while school is in session and up to full-time during school vacations. However, before starting work, the Designated School Official (DSO) must certify that the job will not displace non-student US workers. Typically, only jobs that are usually filled by students, such as those in the cafeteria, library, or bookstore, or positions as teaching or research assistants, will satisfy this requirement.

On the other hand, working off-campus as an F-1 student is more complicated and often requires government authorization. Off-campus employment must be related to the student's major and can include paid internships, employment during breaks, and positions where the individual receives benefits instead of pay. Students seeking off-campus employment must obtain work authorization from either their DSO or the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS can authorize limited types of off-campus work, including off-campus employment due to severe economic hardship and optional practical training.

In certain situations, such as when a student is facing economic hardship or is from a country experiencing a humanitarian crisis, they may not need to meet all the usual requirements for off-campus work authorization. For example, the Department of Homeland Security enacts Special Student Relief when there is severe unrest or natural disasters affecting specific countries, allowing international students to apply for full-time off-campus work permits and enroll part-time.

Additionally, F-1 students who have been offered employment under the sponsorship of an international organization, as defined by the International Organization Immunities Act, can apply for off-campus work authorization by submitting specific documentation to the Department of Homeland Security.

Severe economic hardship allows off-campus employment

International students with F-1 visas are eligible to work off-campus in cases of severe economic hardship. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) defines "severe economic hardship" as a financial condition caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond the student's control that make it difficult for a student to continue their education. These circumstances may include the loss of financial aid or on-campus employment, substantial changes in the exchange rate, unexpected increases in tuition or living costs, or changes in the financial state of the student's source of support.

To qualify for off-campus employment due to severe economic hardship, students must demonstrate that on-campus employment opportunities are unavailable or insufficient to meet their financial needs. A designated school official (DSO) must verify that the student qualifies for off-campus employment by entering the information into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The DSO should also ensure that the student has read and understands the guidelines for off-campus employment.

Once the DSO has made the recommendation, the student must file a Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The student must also provide a copy of the Form I-20, which includes the DSO's recommendation for economic hardship employment. The USCIS officer will make a case-by-case decision based on the student's circumstances. If approved, the student will receive a Form I-766, "Employment Authorization Document," and a letter notifying them of the decision.

It is important to note that off-campus employment recommendations for severe economic hardship are typically limited to one year. Additionally, students must have been enrolled in an academic program for at least one full academic year and have maintained their F-1 status before becoming eligible for off-campus employment due to economic hardship.

Frequently asked questions