International Students: Federal Work Opportunities Explained

International students in the US can work part-time and earn money to pay for their education through the federal work-study program. However, federal work-study is not an option for international students. Instead, they can explore on-campus jobs, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to the student's field of study. OPT allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to a year before or after graduation. To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled for at least nine months and have active F-1 student status. F-1 students seeking off-campus employment must have completed at least one academic year and demonstrate an economic need. They must also receive approval from the Designated School Official (DSO) and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Can international students apply for federal work?

Work-study programs

To apply for the Federal Work-Study Program, students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and indicate their interest in the program. The program is only available to students who have completed the FAFSA and demonstrated financial need. Unfortunately, international students are generally not eligible for federal funding, as they have not completed the FAFSA. However, some universities, such as the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Mary Washington, offer work-study programs for international students funded by institutional funds rather than federal funds. These programs provide the same job opportunities and pay as the Federal Work-Study Program, with the only difference being the source of funding.

It is important to note that work-study positions are often in high demand and may not be available to all students who qualify. Additionally, an award of the Federal Work-Study Program does not guarantee a job, and students may need to apply and interview for vacant positions. Students can find out more information about work-study programs and their eligibility by contacting their school's financial aid office or international student office.

While federal work-study may not be an option, international students can still seek employment while studying. Many universities offer on-campus job opportunities for international students, and some universities, such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), encourage all students to work during the academic year, offering jobs in on- and off-campus offices, labs, and other departments. International students should review the applicable policies based on their visa type and seek guidance from the relevant university offices to explore their job opportunities.

On-campus employment

For instance, working at a university bookstore or cafeteria is considered on-campus employment. Students can also use job search tools, such as Handshake, to find on-campus job opportunities. Additionally, on-campus jobs may be advertised on flyers posted around campus, in elevators, or on office bulletin boards.

To be eligible for on-campus employment, international students must meet certain enrollment requirements. For instance, undergraduate students may need to be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester, while graduate students may need a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester. Before starting any on-campus job, international students must obtain proper work authorization and ensure that their employment is considered "on-campus."

F-1 students, specifically, may apply for on-campus employment up to 30 days before the start of classes. They must first talk to their Designated School Official (DSO) to ensure that the position qualifies as on-campus employment and that they have the correct employment information in their SEVIS record. If approved, the DSO will provide a letter of approval, which, along with a letter of approval from the employer, is required to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). All students who wish to work on campus must obtain an SSN.

It is important to note that international students with F-1 or J-1 immigration status will not be eligible for an SSN unless they have secured an on-campus job offer. Additionally, students with F-1, J-1, H-1B, M, or Q immigration status must check in with the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) and submit an offer letter before commencing work.

Off-campus employment

To apply for off-campus employment, F-1 students must first explain their economic hardship situation and receive approval from their Designated School Official (DSO). The DSO will then recommend the student and provide them with an updated Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status." Once the student has the new Form I-20, they must file a Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within 30 days of receiving their recommendation. If USCIS approves the student to work, they will send a Form I-766, "Employment Authorization Document" (EAD), with the dates that the student may work off-campus.

Approval for off-campus employment is valid for one year, after which the student must reapply and pay the fee again if required. F-1 students must also wait to receive approval from USCIS before beginning off-campus employment. During breaks and annual vacations, F-1 students authorized for on-campus employment may work more than 20 hours per week.

In special global circumstances (e.g., famine, war, economic downturn, etc.), the U.S. government may allow students from affected countries temporary special benefits, including the ability to apply for off-campus employment. In these cases, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will issue a notice in the Federal Register that gives timelines and details of the benefits.

Eligibility criteria

International students in the United States on a student visa have several options for employment, although federal work-study is not one of them. However, international students can explore on-campus jobs, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and Optional Practical Training (OPT) opportunities. Here are the detailed eligibility criteria for each of these options:

On-Campus Employment:

• Student Status: Only F-1 students with active status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) are eligible for on-campus employment.
• Timing: F-1 students can apply for on-campus employment up to 30 days before the start of classes.
• Work Hours: Students cannot work more than 20 hours per week when school is in session. During breaks and annual vacations, they may work more than 20 hours per week.
• Job Location: The work must take place on the school campus or at an educationally affiliated off-campus location. This includes on-campus commercial businesses, such as bookstores or cafeterias, as long as the work directly provides services for students.
• DSO Approval: Students must speak with their Designated School Official (DSO) before starting any on-campus job. The DSO will ensure the position qualifies and update the student's SEVIS record.
• Social Security Number (SSN): All international students who wish to work on-campus must apply for an SSN.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT):

• Student Status: CPT is available to F-1 students when the practical training is an integral part of their established curriculum or academic program.
• Work Requirements: The work experience must be required for the student's degree, or they must receive academic credit for it.
• Timing: CPT can be undertaken during the degree program.

Optional Practical Training (OPT):

• Student Status: F-1 students in valid immigration status are eligible for OPT during and after completing their degree.
• Timing: Students can apply for OPT after being enrolled for at least 9 months.
• Prior Authorization: OPT requires prior authorization from the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and the school's International Student Office.
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD): Students cannot begin OPT employment until they receive their EAD.
• Work Location: OPT can be undertaken anywhere in the US and must be directly related to the student's major.
• Duration: OPT is permitted for up to 12 months full-time. Part-time OPT reduces the available full-time OPT by half the amount of part-time work.
• Extension: The OPT program can be extended for an additional 17 months (up to a total of 29 months) for students studying certain degree programs.
• Post-Completion OPT: Applications for post-completion OPT must be received by USCIS before the completion of the degree.
• Travel: Students on OPT should be mindful of travel regulations. Leaving the country before receiving their EAD and obtaining a job may result in not being readmitted.

Application process

As an international student in the US, you may come across the term "work-study" when searching for on-campus jobs. Federal work-study is a US government program that allows undergraduate and graduate students with financial needs to work part-time and earn money to fund their education.

The application process for international students seeking federal work-study opportunities in the US can vary, but here is a general guide:

Understanding Your Eligibility

Firstly, it is important to note that federal work-study positions are primarily funded by the US government and, therefore, typically only available to students who have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FAFSA is used to determine your family's eligibility for need-based financial aid, and it is a prerequisite for federal work-study. However, some universities, like the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Mary Washington, offer institutional work-study programs funded by sources other than the federal government, which international students may be eligible for.

Working with the University Offices

International students should work closely with the university's international affairs office or admissions office to navigate the application process and determine their eligibility for financial aid and work-study programs. They can provide guidance and information on any special policies or programs the university may have for international students seeking employment.

Applying for Financial Aid

To apply for financial aid, including work-study, you must complete the FAFSA form. This form will assess your financial need and determine your eligibility for need-based financial aid. On the FAFSA application, there is an option to indicate your interest in being considered for the work-study program, which you must select.

Receiving the Award Letter

Once you have been accepted to a university and completed the FAFSA, you will typically receive a letter from the university's financial aid office outlining the financial assistance you have been awarded. This letter will detail the types and amounts of financial aid you are eligible for, including any work-study opportunities.

Accepting the Awards

After receiving the award letter, you will need to decide which awards you would like to accept. Inform the financial aid office of your decisions, and they will guide you on the next steps. It is important to note that receiving a work-study award does not guarantee a position, and you may need to search for and apply for specific work-study jobs, either on or off campus.

Understanding Visa Requirements

Remember that your ability to work on or off campus may depend on your visa type. For example, F-1 visa holders cannot work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment under certain conditions. Ensure that you review the applicable policies and regulations for your visa status before commencing any employment.

In summary, while federal work-study positions may not be an option for international students due to the federal funding requirements, there are alternative work-study programs, on-campus jobs, and practical training opportunities available for international students seeking employment while studying in the US.

Frequently asked questions