Lori Meadows
International students in the US on a student visa have several options for working in the country, both on- and off-campus. However, there are strict rules and eligibility requirements that must be met, and students must seek guidance from their International Student Office before applying for or accepting any employment. Students must also ensure they maintain lawful F1 status throughout their stay. To work off-campus, students must meet eligibility requirements, obtain official authorization, and have been enrolled for at least one academic year. Students may also be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT), which can be completed before or after graduation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Federal work-study availability for international students | Not available |
| On-campus work availability for international students | Available |
| Off-campus work availability for international students | Available with prior authorization |
| Visa requirements for international students seeking work | F-1 or M-1 visa |
| Application process for off-campus work | File Form I-765, pay fee, and obtain Employment Authorization Document (EAD) |
| Curricular Practical Training (CPT) availability for international students | Available |
| Optional Practical Training (OPT) availability for international students | Available |
| Social Security Number requirement for international students | Required for on-campus employment |
| Role of Designated School Official (DSO) | Certify eligibility and provide Form I-20 |
| Role of International Student Office | Provide guidance, clearance, and support for maintaining lawful status |
| USCIS processing time for OPT applications | Up to 90 days |
| Work hour restrictions for on-campus employment | Maximum 20 hours per week when school is in session |
| Work authorization duration for off-campus employment | One year |
| Fee waiver possibility for F-1 students | Yes |
| Emergent circumstances impacting work authorization | Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security may temporarily lift limits |
| Work hour restrictions during breaks and annual vacation for on-campus employment | F-1 students can exceed 20 hours per week |
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What You'll Learn
Work-study programs
To apply for the FWS program, students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and indicate their interest in the program. The applicant's financial need is determined based on their application, and if eligible, the FWS award amount will be listed. The FWS program is typically first-come, first-served, so applying early is crucial.
International students, unfortunately, do not often qualify for the FWS program as it is federally funded and restricted to students who have completed the FAFSA. However, some schools have special programs or policies that allow international students to work in jobs usually reserved for FWS. For instance, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Mary Washington offer work-study programs funded by institutional money rather than federal funds. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) encourages all students, regardless of citizenship, to work during the academic year, offering jobs in various departments.
International students seeking employment while studying should also explore other options such as on-campus jobs, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and Optional Practical Training (OPT). It is important to note that work eligibility may depend on the type of visa held by the student. International students can seek guidance from their school's international affairs or career services office to navigate employment opportunities effectively.
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Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Students must maintain full-time enrollment during the fall and winter CPT. Full-time enrollment is 12 credit hours for undergraduate students, 8 credit hours for graduate students, and 6 credit hours for Graduate Student Instructors and Graduate Student Research Assistants. Most students limit their CPT during the academic year to local jobs or working remotely for their employer, usually on a part-time basis. CPT authorization is only required when the training takes place in the United States.
To apply for CPT, students must take the CPT Certification Course and save their certificate as a PDF. They must then discuss their CPT plans in detail with their Academic or Faculty Advisor and show them the Detailed Training Description. If the advisor believes the training is integral to the curriculum, they may recommend CPT by completing the Academic/Faculty Advisor Recommendation Form. The advisor may also help the student enroll in a Registrar Designated CPT course, if applicable. Students must gather all the required documents listed in the "Documentation Needed to Apply" section and submit them via the M-Passport portal. An International Student and Scholar Advisor will review the CPT application.
DSOs must authorize CPT on a part-time or full-time basis, adhering to school policies. Students must maintain a full course of study even when CPT is authorized. The DSO must enter the name and address of the company or organization where the training will take place. Additionally, they must describe how the training is an integral part of the established curriculum, and this description will be displayed on the Employment Information page.
Students must have CPT authorization to participate in unpaid internships. CPT authorization is strongly recommended for all unpaid internships, regardless of whether the student needs to provide employment authorization documents to the company. CPT is significant because it authorizes practical training as part of the curriculum for the academic program, and it is more than just a way for the employer to verify employment eligibility.
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Optional Practical Training (OPT)
International students with F-1 visas can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) to gain work experience in the United States. OPT is a type of work permit that allows students to work in their field of study. To be eligible, students must have their Designated School Official (DSO) recommend OPT in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The DSO will provide a Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," which certifies the applicant's F-1 student status.
Once the DSO recommends OPT in SEVIS, students must apply for work authorization by filing a Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). There is a filing fee for this application. If approved, USCIS will issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which allows the student to begin working in the United States. It is important to note that students must not start working before the commencement date on their EAD.
There are two types of OPT: pre-completion and post-completion. Pre-completion OPT allows students to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) while school is in session and full-time when school is not in session. Post-completion OPT allows students to work part-time (at least 20 hours per week) or full-time after completing their studies. The total duration of OPT is 12 months at each education level, such as the bachelor's and master's levels.
It is important to be mindful of the regulations and guidelines associated with OPT. For instance, if a student transfers to another school or progresses to a higher educational level, their authorization for OPT employment will terminate. Additionally, working without authorization has serious consequences, including removal from the country. Students must also maintain their F-1 status by complying with all requirements, even if their EAD is terminated.
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Employment Authorisation Document
International students in the United States on an F-1 visa may be eligible to work off-campus. To do so, they must first obtain an internship offer with an international organisation and then apply for an Employment Authorisation Document (EAD) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The process for applying for an EAD begins with the student working with their Designated School Official (DSO) to certify their eligibility. The DSO must enter their recommendation into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The DSO should then print and sign the supporting Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status", and give this form to the student. The student must then submit Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorisation", to USCIS within 30 days of the DSO endorsing the Form I-20. There is a fee for this application, although it may be waived for F-1 students.
Once USCIS approves the Form I-765, the student will receive a Form I-766, "Employment Authorisation Document" (EAD), in the mail. This card serves as proof that the student has authorisation to work in the United States. The EAD card includes the dates of authorised employment, a photograph, the individual's full name, date of birth, and visa classification. Any limitations on the employment will also be noted on the card. The EAD must be carried when travelling internationally.
Approval for off-campus employment is valid for one year, after which the student must re-apply if they wish to continue working. To avoid a gap in employment authorisation, students should file their renewal application as soon as possible once their EAD is within 180 days of its expiration date. If an EAD is lost, stolen, or destroyed, a replacement can be requested by filing a new Form I-765 and paying the associated fee, unless a fee waiver is requested and approved.
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F and M visas
To study in the US as an international student, you must obtain a student visa. The two most common types of student visas are F-1 and M-1 visas. F-1 visas are for full-time international students pursuing academic studies, while M-1 visas are for full-time international students pursuing vocational studies.
F-1 Visa
To be eligible for an F-1 visa, you must be enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program. Your school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement, and authorized by the US government to accept foreign students. F-1 students are allowed to work in the US, but only under certain conditions and restrictions.
On-campus employment is the most freely available option for F-1 students. It does not require approval from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and can include work for on-campus commercial businesses, such as bookstores or cafeterias, as long as the work directly provides services for students. F-1 students may engage in on-campus employment for up to 20 hours per week when school is in session and may exceed this limit during breaks and annual vacations.
After completing their first academic year, F-1 students may engage in off-campus employment, but only if it is related to their area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS. Off-campus employment is typically for economic need and may be authorized for one year, after which re-application is required. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is another off-campus employment option for F-1 students, where practical training is an integral part of the established curriculum or academic program.
M-1 Visa
The M-1 visa is for international students pursuing vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training. Information regarding work opportunities for M-1 visa holders is limited, but M-1 students may be eligible for on-campus employment or work related to their studies.
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Frequently asked questions
No, federal work-study is not an option for international students. However, schools may have programs or policies that allow international students to work in jobs reserved for federal work-study. International students can also explore on-campus jobs, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and Optional Practical Training (OPT) opportunities.
On-campus employment is available to F-1 students whose status is Active in SEVIS. The work must take place at the school or an educationally affiliated off-campus location. Students must not work more than 20 hours per week when school is in session.
OPT is available to international students in valid F1 status both during and after completing their degree. Students can apply for OPT after being enrolled for at least 9 months but must receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before starting work. OPT is permitted for up to 12 months full-time and can be extended for an additional 17 months in certain cases.
International students must first seek guidance from their school's International Student Office or DSO (Designated School Official). They can help students understand their work options, maintain their legal status, and file the appropriate forms with USCIS. Students should also be mindful of their visa type and any applicable work restrictions.
