Savanna Hoffman
International students in the US on F-1 visas are allowed to work and there are opportunities for both on- and off-campus employment. However, there are restrictions and requirements that must be followed. On-campus employment is the most freely permitted category and does not require USCIS approval, but opportunities are limited and income may not be enough to cover yearly expenses. Off-campus employment must be directly related to the student's major and must be authorized by the Designated School Official and USCIS. For international students, the job hunt can be more complicated and time-consuming, as employers may be hesitant to hire due to visa requirements and cultural differences. However, there are companies in the US that do hire international students and students can seek help from career services, job centres, and resume writing centres.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa requirements | F-1 and M-1 visas are the two non-immigrant visa categories for international students wishing to study in the US. |
| Employment options | On-campus employment is the most freely permitted option for international students. Off-campus employment must be related to their area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official and USCIS. |
| Work hours | On-campus employment for F-1 students is limited to 20 hours per week during the school term and full-time during holidays and vacation periods. |
| Social Security Number | F-1 students need a certification letter from their school to present to the Social Security Administration to receive a Social Security Number. |
| Job search resources | International students can seek help from their school's career services, the International Student Job Center, and the International Student Resume Writing Center. |
| Employer considerations | Employers may be hesitant to hire international students due to complexities and misunderstandings concerning visas. |
| Work authorization | International students can obtain temporary US work authorization, with proof provided through an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card. |
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What You'll Learn
On-campus jobs for international students
International students in the US can work part-time on their campus, which can benefit them in numerous ways. For instance, they can earn some extra money, gain professional experience, and enhance their confidence. However, international students must comply with visa requirements and other rules and regulations. For instance, F-1 students can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during breaks.
- Barista: Most college students love coffee, so coffee shops on campuses are always bustling. As a barista, you will learn about coffee, espresso, tea, and other drinks. You will also get employee discounts.
- Catering Assistant and Food Runner: Catering assistants work in university cafeterias and restaurants. These jobs are ideal for students pursuing hospitality courses, but other students can also opt for them.
- Sales Assistant: International students can work as sales assistants at campus grocery stores, bookstores, clothing stores, etc. These jobs allow students to interact with others.
- Tour Guide: Campus tours are a popular activity in the US, and tour guides report to the college's admissions department. This role requires students to be outgoing and friendly.
- Peer Tutor: If your university has an educational resource center, you may be able to find a formal tutoring position.
- Campus Ambassador: Campus ambassadors promote the university and show prospective students why they should apply. They also give guided tours and share interesting facts about the university.
- Teaching Assistant: Teaching assistants can earn anywhere from $12 to $15 per hour.
- Library Assistant: Library assistants can also earn anywhere from $12 to $15 per hour.
- Receptionist: University receptionists provide general office support and administration, customer service, and communicate with students and staff via phone and email.
- Research Study Assistant: Research study assistants work on various projects, carry out research, maintain lab equipment, and collate results. This role requires excellent organisational skills.
- Department Assistant: Department assistants provide administrative and secretarial support to a department. They handle departmental matters and provide support to specific teams or projects. This role requires computer literacy and good teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills.
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$8.99
Off-campus jobs for international students
International students in the US, typically holding an F-1 visa, can work part-time under certain conditions that adhere to US immigration regulations. F-1 visa holders are generally allowed to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks, enabling them to supplement their income.
Once you have the new Form I-20, you must file a Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization", with USCIS within 30 days of receiving your recommendation. If USCIS approves you to work, they will send you a Form I-766, "Employment Authorization Document", (EAD) with the dates that you may work off-campus. The off-campus employment authorization ends 1 year after issuance or upon completion of the program, whichever comes first.
International students can also consider online jobs, which are a flexible option that allows them to work remotely. However, freelancing or self-employment may not be permitted under an F-1 visa unless done through an authorised employer.
Finding a job as an international student in the US can be challenging, as employers may be hesitant due to complexities and misunderstandings concerning visas. However, there are companies in the US that hire international students, and there are resources available to help with job searching and guidance, such as the International Student Job Center and International Student Resume Writing Center. It is essential to understand the visa requirements and restrictions and build connections through career fairs, recruiters, alumni groups, and professors.
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Visa requirements for international students
To study as a full-time student in the United States, you will generally need a student visa. There are two nonimmigrant visa categories for persons wishing to study in the US: the F and M visas. The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows you to enter the United States as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, school, or other academic institution, or in a language training program. To qualify for an F-1 visa, you must be enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate, and your school must be authorized by the U.S. government to accept foreign students. You must also meet the following criteria:
- 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.
- You must be enrolled as a full-time student at the institution.
- You must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency.
- You must have sufficient funds available for self-support during the entire proposed course of study.
- You must maintain a residence abroad, which you do not intend to give up.
The M-1 visa (Vocational Student) category includes students in vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training. To be eligible for an M-1 visa, you must meet the same criteria as the F-1 visa, except you do not need to demonstrate English proficiency.
F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. F-1 students may work at any qualifying on-campus job that does not displace a U.S. citizen or LPR, and they may work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session (full-time during those periods when school is not in session or during the annual vacation). After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT)
For both F-1 and M-1 students, any off-campus training or employment must be related to their area of study and must be authorized by the Designated School Official and USCIS. In general, only aliens who have permission from DHS to work can apply for a Social Security number.
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Job hunting tips for international students
Job hunting as an international student in the US comes with its own set of challenges. Firstly, you need to ensure you are aware of and understand your visa requirements and restrictions. The US job market may be vastly different from that of your home country, and employers may be hesitant to hire international students due to complexities and misunderstandings concerning visas. It is your responsibility to provide employers with information about your visa status and any cultural differences they should be aware of.
To begin with, you should familiarise yourself with the different types of visas available to international students and the rules and regulations surrounding them. For instance, F-1 and M-1 visas allow for off-campus training employment, but only if it is related to your area of study and has been authorised by the Designated School Official and USCIS. Additionally, F-1 students can work up to 20 hours per week during school terms and full-time during annual breaks, but only in qualifying on-campus jobs that do not displace US citizens or LPRs.
- Start early: It will likely take longer to find a company that is willing to sponsor employees who need work visas, so it is advisable to begin your job search as early as possible.
- Utilise career services: Your school likely offers career services with experience helping international students find jobs in the US. Set up a meeting with a career coach to discuss your specific situation and goals, and take advantage of career fairs to connect with recruiters.
- Network: Building relationships with alumni, professors, and even parents of your American friends can increase your chances of finding a job. Around 70% of jobs are found through solid connections.
- Stay positive: Job hunting can be exhausting and demoralising, but it is important to maintain a positive attitude and confidence in your abilities. Employers are more likely to want to invest in you if you exhibit positivity and self-assurance.
- Research: Thoroughly research potential employers and understand your own strengths and weaknesses. This will help you make a good impression during interviews.
- Dedicated resources: Make use of resources dedicated to helping international students with their job searches, such as the International Student Job Center and International Student Resume Writing Center.
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STEM OPT work authorization for international students
International students in the US on an F-1 visa can work in qualifying on-campus jobs, provided they do not displace a US citizen or LPR. They may work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during school breaks.
For off-campus employment, F-1 students must ensure that the work is related to their area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS. This includes Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
One option for off-campus employment is the STEM OPT extension, which allows certain F-1 students with STEM degrees to apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT. To be eligible, students must:
- File the STEM OPT application with USCIS during the final 90 days of their post-completion OPT authorization period.
- Have earned a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in a STEM field within the last 10 years from an accredited institution.
- Have a paid job or job offer of at least 20 hours/week with an employer enrolled in the US Government's E-Verify program, doing work directly related to their STEM field.
- Complete and sign the I-983 form with an Employer Official from their E-Verify employer.
- Submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, up to 90 days before their current OPT employment authorization expires and within 60 days of the DSO entering the OPT recommendation into their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record.
Students should be aware that working without authorization can result in serious consequences, including removal from the country. Additionally, job hunting as an international student can be challenging due to visa complexities and employer preferences for US citizens. It is recommended that students familiarize themselves with visa requirements and utilize their school's career services for guidance.
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Frequently asked questions
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are allowed to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during holidays and vacation periods. This includes jobs with the university's departments and facilities, as well as companies that contract with the school to serve students directly. Off-campus employment must be related to their area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official and USCIS.
Job hunting for international students in the US can be challenging due to complexities and misunderstandings regarding visas, with employers often being hesitant to hire international students over US students. International students may need to spend more time finding companies that sponsor employees requiring work visas.
International students can seek guidance from their university's International Student Services advisor or career services, as well as resources like the International Student Job Center and International Student Resume Writing Center. Additionally, they can attend career fairs, build relationships with recruiters and alumni networks, and utilize websites like Interstride for information on hiring processes.
