Lana Oconnell
International students often consider working while studying to gain work experience, earn extra money, or practice their language skills. In the United States, international students on an F1 visa can work on campus or off campus under specific categories, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). In Germany, international students can also work part-time alongside their studies, with certain restrictions based on their nationality and type of work. This comparison explores the work opportunities available to international students from Germany studying in the USA and highlights the differences in work regulations and cultural aspects of both countries.
Characteristics of international students from Germany working in the USA
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work on campus | Yes, but limited opportunities |
| Work off-campus | Only under specific circumstances, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) |
| Employment restrictions | Must maintain valid F1 status and adhere to USCIS regulations |
| Employment with recognized international organizations | Possible, but requires sponsorship and must be within the student's field of study |
| Employment Authorization Document (EAD) | Required for work authorization, can take up to 3 months to obtain |
| OPT | Available for 12 months, can work in any field, preferably with a job offer |
| CPT | Can be part-time or full-time, covers internships |
| Volunteering | Permitted on or off-campus if charitable or humanitarian, and unpaid |
| Taxation | Non-resident aliens may need to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) |
| Work opportunities after graduation | More challenging, degree from a German university is preferred by German employers |
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What You'll Learn
Work visa requirements for the USA and Germany
Work Visa Requirements for the USA
The requirements for a work visa in the USA vary depending on the type of visa and the individual's circumstances. Here are some general guidelines:
- Individuals living outside the United States who wish to work in the country typically need to apply for a visa from the U.S. Department of State (DOS). However, this may not be necessary for certain nationalities.
- The prospective employer can file a petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on the individual's behalf. Once approved, the individual can apply for a visa.
- There are various nonimmigrant visa classifications, including temporary worker visas. The requirements depend on the individual's skills, education, and work experience.
- For temporary worker visas, the employer must first file a Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (Form I-129). Once approved, the individual can apply for the visa.
- The individual will need to complete Form DS-160, provide photographs, and schedule a visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- For certain employment-based immigrant visas, individuals may need to demonstrate specific job skills, education, or work experience to live and work permanently in the United States.
- International students on an F1 visa have several options for working in the USA, including on-campus employment, which does not require USCIS approval, and off-campus employment, which has four categories with varying restrictions.
- Students on an F1 visa can also apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after being enrolled for at least nine months. They must obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the USCIS and maintain lawful F1 status.
Work Visa Requirements for Germany
The requirements for a work visa in Germany vary depending on the individual's profession, qualifications, and circumstances. Here are some general guidelines:
- Germany offers work visas for qualified employment to skilled workers with a university degree or vocational training qualification. The qualification must be recognized in Germany or comparable to German academic qualifications.
- The job offer must require academic or vocational qualifications. Some professions, such as healthcare, are regulated, and a license to practice is necessary before applying for the visa.
- For professionally experienced workers, a vocational or academic qualification, along with at least two years of professional experience in the last five years, is required. The job offer must be in a non-regulated profession.
- The annual gross salary for experienced workers must be at least €43,470 (as of 2025), and the Federal Employment Agency (BA) must approve the employment.
- Germany also offers an EU Blue Card for certain in-demand professions, known as "bottleneck professions." These include managers in manufacturing, information technology, and professional services.
- Self-employed individuals can apply for a German visa for self-employment. The business idea must have economic interest or demand, and there must be a positive impact on the German economy.
- Residence permits are typically granted for the duration of the employment contract, plus an additional three months. After holding a residence permit for at least three years, individuals may be eligible for a settlement permit, which is a form of permanent residence.
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On-campus employment in the USA
International students from Germany can work in the USA, but there are several rules and visa requirements to follow. Students must have an F1 visa to work in the USA, and even then, work opportunities are limited.
On-campus employment is the most freely available option for international students in the USA. It does not require approval from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). However, on-campus employment opportunities are limited at most schools. Students may not rely on this type of employment to prove their financial resources for the year, and the jobs are often not related to their field of study.
There are two types of limits on on-campus employment:
- Work must take place at the student's school or an educationally affiliated off-campus location. This includes work for an on-campus commercial business, like a bookstore or cafeteria, as long as the work directly provides services for students.
- On-campus employment must not displace a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
F1 students can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during holidays and vacation periods. Students must report their work and receive a certification letter to present to the Social Security Administration to receive a Social Security number.
Before accepting any on-campus employment, students must obtain permission from their school's International Student Office, and employment may not be permitted during a student's first semester or year.
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Off-campus employment in the USA
International students in the US on F1 visas are permitted to work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status both during and after completing their degrees. However, off-campus employment authorization ends one year after issuance or upon completion of the program, whichever is sooner.
To be eligible for off-campus employment, F1 students must have been in valid F1 status for at least one full academic year and be in good academic standing. Students must also show an ability to afford school and living expenses before entering the US and should not plan to work off-campus. The USCIS will authorize off-campus employment only in cases of severe economic hardship occurring after a student's enrollment in an academic program or emergent circumstances, such as natural disasters or wars, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
F1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment:
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): After being enrolled for at least nine months, students can apply for OPT. They can then begin employment once they receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the USCIS and have been enrolled for at least a year. OPT employment can occur anywhere in the US and does not have to be related to the student's degree program.
- STEM Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT): F1 students may be eligible to work off-campus on a case-by-case basis due to special situations such as severe economic hardship or special student relief.
- Employment with a Recognized International Organization: The organization must be on the official State Department list, such as the Red Cross or the World Health Organization. The employment must be within the scope of the organization's sponsorship and within the student's field of study.
It is important to note that F1 students cannot work off-campus during their first academic year. Additionally, all employment is contingent on remaining within the terms and restrictions of the F1 visa, and students must maintain lawful F1 status throughout their stay in the US.
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Work opportunities for international students in Germany
Germany is a popular destination for international students, offering top-notch education, affordable costs, and abundant opportunities for personal growth. Many international students in Germany work part-time to earn extra money and gain valuable experience. The Federal Government's portal lists different options for working alongside academic studies, and there are plenty of part-time job opportunities available.
Students from EU/EEA countries have the same part-time work opportunities as German students, with a limit of 20 working hours per week during the semester. Students from non-EU/EEA countries face some restrictions, including a limit of 140 full days or 280 half days of work per year. They are also restricted from self-employment or freelancing and must obtain special permission from the local employment agency and the foreigners' registration office to work more hours. International students undertaking a language course or preparatory course can only work during semester breaks with permission from the Federal Employment Agency and the Immigration Office.
There are various resources for finding part-time work in Germany, including online job portals, university bulletin boards, local newspapers, and word-of-mouth. The Federal Employment Agency is a key point of contact for job seekers, helping individuals find training posts or employment. International students can work in a wide range of industries, with jobs such as scientific assistant, library assistant, tutorial assistant, waiter/waitress, courier, and student assistant being popular choices.
Additionally, international students in Germany have the opportunity to switch to vocational training if they prefer a more practical approach to their studies. To do so, they must amend their residence permit and meet the requirements set by the Federal Employment Agency.
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Work limitations for international students in Germany
International students in Germany can work part-time (20 hours per week) during the semester and full-time (40 hours per week) during breaks. This means that during a year, you can work a maximum of 140 full days or 280 half-days without requesting approval from the German Employment Agency. However, there are exceptions to the 140-day rule for certain working categories, such as student assistants or mandatory internships.
If you are taking a language or preparation course, the rules are more restrictive. You are only allowed to work during the holidays if you have received a certificate from the Aliens' Registration Office and the Employment Agency. The maximum salary working students can earn is €538 per month to avoid paying taxes or social security contributions. If you exceed this limit, you will be treated as an employee, and taxes and contributions will be deducted from your salary.
As a non-EU student, you can work alongside your studies with your German student visa. However, there is a limit of 140 working days or 280 half-days per year. Voluntary internships, even if unpaid, count towards this limit, but compulsory internships do not. If you work as a student assistant, you can extend your working hours by submitting a request to the Foreigners Office and the Federal Employment Agency.
Freelancing or self-employment is not permitted without approval from the German Immigration Authority and Employment Authority. After graduating, you can switch to a residence permit as a job seeker, which allows you to live in Germany for six months to look for a job. If you have a job offer, you can apply for a residence permit for employment, which is issued for two years and can be extended as long as you are employed.
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Frequently asked questions
International students from Germany can work in the USA, but they need to have a student visa and meet certain requirements. Students on an M-1 visa are not eligible to work. Those on an F1 visa can work on campus for their university or an employer contracted to provide services to its students. Off-campus work is permitted under specific circumstances, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT), which can be full-time after graduation. To work off-campus under severe financial need or due to a crisis in their home country, special permission from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is required.
International students from Germany must have been in valid F1 status for at least one full academic year and be in good academic standing. They must also secure an internship or employment with a "recognized international organization" within their field of study. After meeting these requirements, students can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the USCIS and can only start working after receiving it.
In Germany, international students can work part-time alongside their studies, with certain restrictions based on their nationality and type of work. EU/EEA students and third-country nationals have different work hour limits. After graduating, EU citizens can seek work without a permit, while non-EU students can extend their residence permit for up to 18 months to find work related to their studies. In the USA, international students face more challenges to stay and work after graduating, requiring careful navigation of visa and employment regulations.
