Lori Meadows
International students in the US often wonder if they can apply for work-study positions to help fund their education. Work-study is a US government program that allows students with financial needs to work part-time and earn money for their education. While federal work-study is not usually an option for international students, some universities offer work-study programs through institutional funding. Additionally, international students may have opportunities for on-campus employment, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and Optional Practical Training (OPT). However, their ability to work on or off-campus depends on their visa type, and they typically need a Social Security Number to work in the US.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work-study definition | A US government program that allows students with financial needs to work part-time and earn money to pay for their education |
| Who can apply for work-study? | Undergraduate and graduate students with financial needs |
| Is work-study available for international students? | International students are not eligible for federal work-study as it is only available for students who have completed the FAFSA. However, some universities offer work-study programs for international students through institutional funding. |
| What type of jobs are available for international students? | On-campus jobs, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and Optional Practical Training (OPT) |
| What is required to work in the US as an international student? | A Social Security Number, a valid visa (F-1 or M-1), and authorization from the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS for off-campus employment |
| Are there any restrictions on work hours for international students? | During school terms, students cannot work more than 20 hours per week. During school breaks, they may work full-time, up to 40 hours per week. |
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What You'll Learn
International students are limited to on-campus employment
International students in the US are often not eligible for work-study positions, as these are mostly federally funded and require completion of the FAFSA. However, some schools have programs or policies that allow international students to work in jobs reserved for federal work-study. Additionally, international students have other opportunities for employment, such as on-campus jobs, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and Optional Practical Training (OPT).
On-campus employment is a viable option for international students, especially those with F-1 visas, who can work on campus after their first academic year. This can include working in a university bookstore or cafeteria, as long as the work directly provides services for students. Students can work up to 20 hours per week when school is in session and may exceed this limit during breaks and annual vacations.
To apply for on-campus employment, international students should first consult their Designated School Official (DSO). 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). It is important to note that international students must not begin working while their Form I-765 is pending with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
While off-campus employment is generally not permitted during the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in off-campus work after completing their first year, provided they meet certain conditions and restrictions. These include having an economic hardship that qualifies as an emergent circumstance, such as a severe economic hardship or special student relief. Off-campus employment must be authorized by the DSO and USCIS and must be related to the student's area of study.
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International students don't qualify for federal work-study
International students are often not eligible for federal work-study in the United States. 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 program is either federally or state-funded, and the positions are typically part-time, paying at least the federal minimum wage.
To qualify for work-study, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for financial aid. The FAFSA is used to calculate the expected family contribution towards a student's education. However, international students generally do not qualify for federal work-study as it is only available to students who have completed the FAFSA.
While federal work-study is not an option, international students can still seek employment while studying. Some schools have special policies or programs that allow international students to work in jobs reserved for federal work-study. Additionally, international students can explore on-campus jobs, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and Optional Practical Training (OPT). It is important to note that work opportunities for international students may depend on their visa type, so reviewing applicable policies is essential.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) encourages all students, regardless of their citizenship status, to work during the academic year, offering jobs in on-campus offices, labs, and other departments. Similarly, the University of Pennsylvania offers institutional work-study programs funded by the university rather than federal funds, making international students eligible.
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Schools may have special policies for international students
International students in the US often do not qualify for federal work-study programs as these positions are only available to students who have completed the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). However, schools may have programs or special policies that allow international students to work in jobs reserved for federal work-study. For example, the University of Pennsylvania uses institutional funding, rather than federal funds, to offer work-study programs to eligible international students. The University of Mary Washington offers "institutional work-study," in which wages are provided by the departments the positions support.
International students will still have many opportunities to be employed while enrolled, such as on-campus jobs, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and Optional Practical Training (OPT). On-campus jobs can be found in on- and off-campus offices, labs, and other departments. International students can also work off-campus, but this must be related to their area of study and must be authorized by the Designated School Official and USCIS.
International students must have a Social Security Number to work in the US, but they must secure a job first to apply for one. Students with F-1 visas may not work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment. After the first year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment, including STEM OPT.
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International students need a Social Security Number to work
International students in the US may be eligible for work-study programs, which allow them to work part-time and earn money to pay for their education. However, federal work-study is generally not an option for international students, as these positions are federally funded and thus only available to those who have completed the FAFSA.
That said, international students can still find employment while enrolled, and they will need a Social Security Number (SSN) to work. An SSN is used to report an employee's earnings, but it is also often used for other purposes, such as opening a bank account. While having an SSN is convenient, it does not grant legal authorization to work in the US. If you have been authorized to work, you are required to apply for and obtain an SSN.
To apply for an SSN, you must first obtain valid employment authorization. On-campus employment authorization can be obtained by submitting a request through your institution's International Student Services (ISS) or Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). Once you have received employment authorization confirmation from ISS/OISS, you can apply for an SSN in person at a local Social Security Administration office.
To apply for an SSN, you will need to bring certain documents, including a letter from your department confirming your on-campus employment. If you are a J-1 student, you will need a Social Security letter from your sponsor. J-2 dependents with employment authorization will need their EAD card to apply for an SSN.
It is important to note that the process of obtaining an SSN may vary depending on your specific situation and institution. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with your institution's international student office or career services office for guidance on the required steps and documents.
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International students can work on-campus from the first year
International students in the US often do not qualify for federal work-study programs as these positions are usually federally funded. However, international students can still work on-campus from their first year, providing they have a Social Security Number and their visa permits it.
International students can work on-campus at institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Mary Washington, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The University of Pennsylvania offers institutional funding for international students, while the University of Mary Washington offers "institutional work-study," where wages are provided by the departments that the positions support. MIT encourages all students to work during the academic year, offering jobs in on-campus offices, labs, and other departments.
International students at the University of Pennsylvania can benefit from their International Student Work-Study program, which provides on-campus employment opportunities. Students must secure a job first before applying for a Social Security Number. Students are paid weekly based on hours worked and are required to perform accurate time entry and submit weekly timesheets. Students cannot be paid for lunch, holidays, sick time, and other time off, or for receiving instruction in the classroom, laboratory, or other academic settings.
International students can also work off-campus, but only if the employment is related to their area of study and has been authorized by the Designated School Official and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). F-1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year, but they may accept on-campus employment. After the first year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT Extension.
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Frequently asked questions
International students are often not eligible for federal work-study programs as these are reserved for students who have completed the FAFSA. However, some universities offer work-study programs to international students through institutional funding.
Work-study is a US government program that allows students with financial needs to work part-time and earn money to pay for their education.
To apply for work-study as an international student, you must first secure a job offer. Once you have a job offer, you can apply for a Social Security Number, which is required to work in the US.
Yes, international students are restricted to working a maximum of 20 hours per week during school terms. During school breaks, such as Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring breaks, they may work full-time, up to a maximum of 40 hours per week.
