Savanna Hoffman
International students in the US are often faced with high tuition fees and living costs, amounting to more than $50,000 per year. To offset these costs, many international students seek part-time employment during their studies. While US immigration laws allow international students to be employed in the country during and after their studies, there are strict rules and visa requirements that must be adhered to. Students with F-1 or M-1 visas, for example, are allowed to work part-time on campus without requiring government approval, but they must pay federal and state income taxes. Off-campus employment for F-1 students is generally restricted during the first academic year, but there are exceptions, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs, which allow off-campus work related to the student's major.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | F-1 or M-1 |
| Work type | Part-time |
| Work location | On-campus |
| Work availability | Depends on the university |
| Work permission | Required from the university |
| Work hours | Depends on the university |
| Work during breaks | Allowed |
| Social Security Number | Required to work |
| Taxes | Exempt from Employment Tax (FICA) |
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What You'll Learn
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus without US government approval
- Off-campus work for F-1 students is only allowed after the first academic year
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of off-campus employment for F-1 students
- Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows international students to work temporarily in their field of study
- M-1 students can work full-time in a practical training role related to their studies after graduation
F-1 visa holders can work on-campus without US government approval
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are permitted to work on-campus without prior approval from the US government. However, there are certain conditions and restrictions that must be met. Firstly, the work must take place either at the student's school or at an educationally affiliated off-campus location, such as an on-campus commercial business like a bookstore or cafeteria, as long as the work directly provides services for students.
To qualify for on-campus employment, F-1 students must be enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program at an accredited college, university, or other academic institution. Their school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement, and they must be enrolled as full-time students. Additionally, F-1 students must demonstrate proficiency in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency. They must also have sufficient funds to support themselves during their studies and maintain a residence abroad with no intention of giving it up.
While F-1 students can work on-campus without prior approval, they may need to obtain permission from their school's International Student Office before accepting any on-campus employment. Many schools have specific requirements and restrictions regarding on-campus employment, such as prohibiting it during a student's first semester or year.
It is important to note that F-1 students are expected to show an ability to afford school and living expenses before entering the US, and on-campus employment opportunities are often limited. Therefore, students should not rely solely on on-campus employment to meet their financial needs.
If F-1 students wish to work off-campus, different rules and approval processes apply, and employment must generally be related to their area of study. Off-campus work authorization is granted on a case-by-case basis and may be available in cases of severe economic hardship or special student relief.
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Off-campus work for F-1 students is only allowed after the first academic year
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are not permitted to work off-campus during their first academic year. However, they may accept on-campus employment, which does not require approval from the US government, although a letter of permission from the international student office is necessary. On-campus jobs are competitive, so it is recommended that students contact their university as soon as possible to enquire about vacancies.
After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in off-campus employment, but only under certain conditions. Off-campus employment must be related to the student's area of study and must be authorised by the Designated School Official (DSO) and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). There are three types of off-campus employment available to F-1 students:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): This is an off-campus employment option when practical training is an integral part of the established curriculum or academic program. To qualify, the work experience must be required for the degree, or academic credit must be awarded. CPT employment can be part-time or full-time, and there is no limit to how long a student can work. However, students who work full-time on CPT for 12 months or more become ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): This is a program that allows international students to work temporarily in a job related to their field of study. OPT can be pre-completion or post-completion, and students with a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics can request a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT.
- Severe Economic Hardship: In cases of severe economic hardship, F-1 students may be authorised by the USCIS to work off-campus after completing one full academic year.
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Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of off-campus employment for F-1 students
International students in the US on F-1 visas are permitted to work part-time on-campus and off-campus under certain conditions. One such condition is Curricular Practical Training (CPT). CPT is a type of off-campus employment for F-1 students, allowing them to participate in paid and unpaid internships and practicums that are integral to their degree programme.
To qualify for CPT, the work experience must be required for the student's degree, or academic credit must be awarded. The internship or practicum must be considered an integral part of the student's degree programme and must be directly related to their major. Prior authorization is required from the school's International Student Office, and notification must be given to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). CPT authorization will specify whether the student is approved for part-time (20 hours or less per week) or full-time employment. While in school, students can only be approved for part-time CPT.
To apply for CPT, students must first secure an internship offer and enrol in a full course load. They must then register for an internship course or a class that requires an internship. Graduate engineering students, for example, must register for the appropriate ENGR course. Students must also complete the CPT I-20 Request Form and attach an internship offer letter for review by their Academic Advisor or Internship Coordinator.
It is important to note that CPT may affect students' eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation. Students who engage in 12 months or more of full-time CPT become ineligible for OPT. However, part-time CPT does not interfere with OPT eligibility.
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Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows international students to work temporarily in their field of study
International students in the US on an F-1 visa can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week when school is in session. This can be on-campus or off-campus employment. However, off-campus employment must be related to their field of study and must be authorised by the Designated School Official (DSO) and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
One way international students can work part-time off-campus is through Curricular Practical Training (CPT). CPT is an off-campus employment option for F1 students when the practical training is an integral part of the established curriculum or academic program. To qualify, the work experience must be required for your degree, or academic credit must be awarded. CPT employment must be authorised by the DSO and USCIS, and the work must be completed for a specific employer and within specific dates.
Another way international students can work part-time off-campus is through Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT is a type of work permission available for eligible F-1 students, allowing them to gain real-world work experience related to their field of study. OPT is permitted for up to 12 months full-time in total, and part-time OPT reduces the available full-time OPT by half. Students can apply for 12 months of OPT at each education level. OPT must be recommended by the DSO and authorised by the USCIS, and students must not begin working before the start date on their Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
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M-1 students can work full-time in a practical training role related to their studies after graduation
International students in the US on F-1 visas are permitted to work off-campus in three types of employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and economic hardship off-campus employment. CPT is defined as "alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school." To qualify, the work experience must be required for the degree, or academic credit must be awarded. CPT employment can be part-time or full-time, and there is no limit to how long a student can work. However, working full-time for 12 months or more on CPT makes a student ineligible for OPT. OPT is permitted for up to 12 months full-time, and part-time OPT reduces the available full-time OPT by half of the amount of part-time work. Students who have engaged in 12 months or more of full-time CPT are not eligible for OPT. Economic hardship off-campus employment is only authorized in cases of severe economic hardship occurring after enrollment and after the student has been in F-1 status for at least one academic year.
M-1 visas are for vocational students enrolled in vocational or other non-academic programs. M-1 students may engage in practical training only after they have completed their studies, and this training must be authorized by a Designated School Official and USCIS. M-1 students can work full-time in a practical training role related to their studies after graduation.
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Frequently asked questions
International students in the US are allowed to work part-time on specific visa types, such as F1 or M1 visas. However, there are strict rules and conditions that must be followed. Students with F1 visas can only work on campus during their first year and can apply for off-campus employment after the first academic year. M1 visa holders can only work full-time after their vocational studies have finished.
International students must have a valid F1 or M1 visa and can only work part-time on campus. They must also pay federal and state income taxes. To work off-campus, students must have prior authorization from the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS.
Part-time jobs for international students in the US can be found within the university campus environment. Examples include working in the library, cafeteria, campus store, academic department, or as a tutor.
