Lori Meadows
International students in the United States may be able to work and study simultaneously, depending on their visa type. The Federal Work-Study Program is a US government initiative that assists students with financial needs in earning money to fund their education through part-time employment. However, federal work-study is not available to international students. Nevertheless, international students can explore other work opportunities while studying, such as on-campus jobs, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and Optional Practical Training (OPT). These options can provide valuable work experience and help finance their educational expenses. It is important for international students to seek guidance from the relevant offices to understand the specific visa requirements and employment opportunities available to them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work-study in the US | Federal Work-Study Program, formerly known as the College Work-Study Program |
| Who is it for? | Undergraduate and graduate students with financial need |
| Who can apply? | Students with an F-1 or M-1 visa |
| What type of employment? | Part-time |
| Where can students work? | On or off campus |
| What type of work? | Community service work, work related to the student's course of study, research assistant, grader, etc. |
| Who pays the students? | A percentage of a student's earnings is paid through federal or state funds, and the remainder is paid by the employer |
| What is the application process? | Students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and indicate an interest in the FWS program |
| Can international students get work-study? | No, federal work-study is not an option for international students. However, schools may have programs or special policies that allow international students to work in jobs reserved for federal work-study. |
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What You'll Learn
Federal Work-Study Program
The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program is a federally funded program in the United States that assists undergraduate and graduate students with the costs of post-secondary education. The program provides part-time employment opportunities for students with financial needs, allowing them to earn money to pay for their education. It encourages students to participate in community service work and work related to their course of study. The program is available at various institutions, including colleges and universities, with approximately 3,400 institutions participating.
To be eligible for the Federal Work-Study Program, students must demonstrate financial need and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA application includes an option for students to indicate their interest in the work-study program, which must be checked. The student's financial need is determined based on their application, and the amount of the FWS award is listed along with the FAFSA award. Students who did not receive a Federal Work-Study award may contact the office to have their file reviewed, and appeals are considered based on available funds and program requirements.
The Federal Work-Study Program offers a range of job opportunities for students, including on-campus and off-campus positions. On-campus jobs may include working in departments within the college or university, such as libraries, student centres, or administrative offices. Off-campus jobs may be with federal, state, or local agencies, private organizations, or community service agencies. The program provides a valuable opportunity for students to gain work experience and earn money to support their education.
While the Federal Work-Study Program is not typically available to international students due to its federal funding, some schools have special policies or programs that allow international students to access similar work opportunities. These opportunities may be funded directly by the school or through other sources, providing a way for international students to finance their education while studying in the United States. It is important for international students to review the applicable policies and visa requirements before seeking employment.
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Visa requirements
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.
F-1 Visa
The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows you to enter the US as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution, or in a language training program. To be eligible, 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 US government to accept foreign students. 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. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment, but only if it is related to their area of study and has been authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS. F-1 students may also be eligible to work off-campus under the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT) program.
M-1 Visa
The M-1 visa (Vocational Student) category includes students in vocational or other nonacademic programs, other than language training.
Other Visa Options
International students can also work on-campus, starting in their first year, or off-campus through Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is available for F-1 students when the practical training is an integral part of the established curriculum or academic program. Students can get paid for CPT employment, and it must be required for their degree or count toward academic credit. Students can also work through Optional Practical Training (OPT), which can be extended for up to 29 months for students studying certain degree programs. The OPT extension is only available to those employed by companies enrolled in the E-Verify program and studying specific subjects.
Federal Work-Study Program
International students do not qualify for the Federal Work-Study program, which is a federally funded program that assists students with financial need in earning money to pay for their education through part-time employment. However, some schools may have programs or special policies that allow international students to work in jobs reserved for federal work-study.
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On-campus jobs
As an international student in the US, you may have come across the term "work-study" while searching for on-campus jobs. Federal work-study is a US government program that allows undergraduate and graduate students with financial needs to work part-time and earn money to pay for their education. Unfortunately, this program is not open to international students as it is federally funded. This means that some on-campus jobs may only be available to domestic students participating in the program.
However, there are still many opportunities for international students to work on-campus. Firstly, some schools have special policies that allow international students to work in jobs usually reserved for federal work-study. For example, the University of Pennsylvania offers work-study programs to eligible international students through institutional funding, while the University of Mary Washington offers "institutional work-study," where wages are provided by the departments the positions support.
Additionally, international students can explore other on-campus employment opportunities outside of the work-study program. For instance, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) encourages all students to work during the academic year, offering jobs in on-campus offices, labs, and other departments. Remember that your ability to work on campus may depend on your visa type, so be sure to review the applicable policies. For instance, F-1 visa holders can accept on-campus employment after arriving in the US, but they may not work off-campus during their first academic year.
Working on-campus as an international student can provide several benefits, such as helping to finance your educational expenses and gaining real-world experience in your field of study. It can also allow you to practice English in a professional environment and expand your network. When exploring on-campus job opportunities, be sure to utilize the international student office and/or the career services office for guidance.
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Off-campus jobs
International students in the US are not eligible for federal work-study programs as these are federally funded. However, international students can still seek employment while studying, and there are various options available.
International students in the US with an F-1 visa may not work off-campus during their first academic year. After the first year, they may engage in three types of off-campus employment:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT Extension
F-1 students may also be eligible to work off-campus on a case-by-case basis due to special situations such as economic hardship. Any off-campus employment must be related to the student's area of study and must be authorised by the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS. Students must also ensure that their visa allows them to work off-campus.
International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit, provided they meet other requirements for working while studying. Students must ensure they are eligible for off-campus work before starting work, or they may have to leave the country. Students can work remotely for an employer outside Canada, provided they meet the conditions of their study permit.
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Work experience
International students in the US can gain work experience through on-campus jobs, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and Optional Practical Training (OPT). While federal work-study is not an option for international students, some schools have programs or policies that allow international students to work in jobs reserved for federal work-study. Additionally, international students can seek guidance from career services or international student offices to explore job opportunities.
On-campus jobs are a common way for international students to gain work experience. These jobs can vary across different departments, including offices, labs, and other departments related to the student's interests and field of study. It is important to note that the availability of on-campus jobs may depend on the student's visa type and the specific policies of the institution. Some institutions may require authorization from a Designated School Official before allowing international students to work on campus.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) are also options for international students to gain work experience. CPT allows students to gain practical experience related to their major as part of their curriculum. OPT, on the other hand, provides opportunities for international students to work off-campus in positions related to their area of study. For example, F-1 students may engage in off-campus employment through the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT extension.
Federal work-study programs are typically not available to international students. These programs are designed to assist undergraduate and graduate students with financial needs in earning money for their education through part-time employment. However, some institutions may have special policies or programs that allow international students to access similar job opportunities. It is recommended that international students consult the relevant offices to understand their specific work options.
When considering work experience, international students should carefully manage their schedules and ensure they understand the demands of their academic courses. Gaining work experience can provide valuable skills, enhance resumes, and offer opportunities to practice English in a professional context. Additionally, international students should be aware of any tax implications and seek guidance from the relevant offices to ensure they complete the necessary paperwork.
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Frequently asked questions
Work-study, also known as the Federal Work-Study Program, is a US government program that assists undergraduate and graduate students with financial needs to work part-time and earn money to fund their education.
International students are not eligible for the Federal Work-Study Program. However, international students can still find employment through on-campus jobs, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and Optional Practical Training (OPT). Additionally, some schools may have programs or policies that allow international students to work in jobs reserved for federal work-study.
To work in the US as an international student, you typically need a student visa (F-1 or M-1). F-1 students may accept on-campus employment during their first academic year and may engage in off-campus employment thereafter. M-1 students must have employment related to their area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official and USCIS.
Work-study can provide international students with the opportunity to earn money to offset the cost of their education. It also allows them to gain real-world experience, improve their English skills, and expand their professional network.
