Work Permits For International Students: What You Need To Know

International students in the US on a student visa can work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status during and after their degree. However, this requires prior authorization from the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and the student's International Student Office. On-campus employment is the most freely available option for international students, but it is limited and often unrelated to their studies. Students in F and J immigration status can obtain a Social Security Number for work purposes.

International students in the US on an F1 visa can work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status

OPT is a benefit available to international students in F1 immigration status who are enrolled in or completing a degree program in the United States. OPT employment must be directly related to the student's major area of study and can be used before or after completion of their studies. F1 students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization, which can be used during annual vacations or leave terms. The employment must be for a minimum of 20 hours per week and can be paid or unpaid. Volunteering and unpaid internships can be considered valid OPT employment if they comply with federal and state labor laws.

To be eligible for OPT, F1 students must have been enrolled in valid F1 student status for a minimum of nine months and must apply to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for employment authorization. The USCIS is a branch of the Department of Homeland Security that handles student and exchange visitor programs. Before starting any off-campus employment, F1 students must receive authorization from their Designated School Official and the USCIS.

It is important to note that working in the United States without authorization can result in serious consequences, including removal from the country and re-entry bars. Students should ensure they comply with all requirements for maintaining their student status and understand the regulations surrounding OPT and their employment authorization.

International students can obtain a Social Security Number for work purposes

International students can obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) for work purposes. However, they must first obtain valid employment authorization. This authorization can be based on on-campus or off-campus employment. For on-campus employment, international students must obtain a letter from their college or university department confirming that they have been offered an on-campus job. The letter must be printed on department letterhead and signed by the hiring department. For off-campus employment, international students must obtain a valid, unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), authorizing them to work under F-1 optional practical training, international organization employment, or severe economic hardship employment.

Additionally, international students must wait at least 2-3 weeks after arriving in the US before requesting an SSN. To apply for an SSN, students must visit a local Social Security Administration office and bring the following documents:

• On-Campus Employment Authorization/SSN Eligibility Letter
• I-94 card; or a copy of their J-1 admission stamp in their passport and a printout of their electronic I-94 information
• An employment offer letter from their department/hiring office

It is important to note that a Social Security number is not required for non-work purposes, such as obtaining a driver's license, cell phone, credit card, insurance, or admission to an academic institution.

International students can work outside their colleges with permission from their International Student Advisor or the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

The City University of New York (CUNY), for example, is home to over 6,000 international students with F and J immigration status. CUNY's International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office assists international students in finding on-campus employment opportunities and ensuring compliance with federal regulations. While on-campus jobs are more readily available and do not require USCIS approval, they may not always be related to a student's major and are often limited in terms of availability and working hours.

To work off-campus, international students must apply for temporary employment authorisation through Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT). OPT and CPT allow students to gain work experience during and after their studies, with the duration depending on their program. Students on an F1 visa can apply for OPT after being enrolled for nine months, but they cannot start working until they receive their Employment Authorisation Document (EAD) from USCIS. It is important to note that students who have completed 12 months or more of full-time CPT are not eligible for OPT.

Additionally, international students should be aware that they may need a Social Security Number (SSN) for off-campus employment. While a Social Security Number is not required for enrolment at CUNY College, it is necessary for working purposes. Students can obtain an SSN by providing their passport, I-20 or DS-2019, I-94 proof of address, and other forms of identification. It is crucial for international students to seek guidance from their college's International Student Office to ensure they comply with all necessary regulations and maintain their lawful status during their stay in the United States.

International students with F and J immigration status can apply for on-campus jobs at CUNY

The J-1 visa is for individuals temporarily admitted to the US for purposes other than studying, such as teaching or training. This includes alien physicians, au pairs, short-term scholars, and summer camp workers. J-1 visa holders are considered nonresident aliens for tax purposes and are taxed only on income derived from sources within the US. However, they may be treated as US residents for federal income tax purposes if they meet the substantial presence test.

CUNY offers various employment and internship opportunities for its students, including the Federal Work Study programme, which provides jobs for students with financial needs, and the CUNY/311 Project, which places qualified CUNY students as part-time call takers at New York City's 311 Customer Service Call Center. CUNY also has a partnership with the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), which provides part-time employment for eligible students at the NYCHA Customer Information Center in Long Island City.

International students can apply for temporary employment authorisation, known as Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

To be eligible for OPT, students must have a degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field and seek a training opportunity related to their degree. They must also have received their degree from a SEVP-certified college or university and have an employer who uses the E-Verify program. Students can apply for 12 months of OPT at each education level and are required to mail a completed Form I-765 ("Application for Employment Authorization") to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS will then send the student a Form I-766 ("Employment Authorization Document") upon approval. While school is in session, students are only permitted to work 20 hours per week.

CPT, on the other hand, can be authorised by a Designated School Official (DSO) on a part-time or full-time basis, in accordance with school policies. CPT must be an integral part of the established curriculum, and students must maintain a full course of study even when CPT is authorised. CPT authorisation is only required when the training takes place inside the United States.

International students can obtain a Social Security Number for work purposes, such as after being granted on or off-campus employment. To work off-campus, students must have authorisation from their DSO or USCIS, and the work must be related to their area of study.

Frequently asked questions