Ibrahim Gardner
International students in the United States on F-1 visas can stay in the country during the summer, regardless of whether they are taking classes or not. However, they must intend to enroll for the fall semester. International students with F-1 visas can also work in on-campus positions full-time during the summer. Those with permanent resident status, or green cards, can live and work in the US without limitations during the summer. However, certain jobs, such as federal government agencies, require US citizenship.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can international students stay in the USA during the summer? | Yes, F-1 students are allowed to stay in the USA during the summer as long as they intend to enroll as a student for the fall semester. |
| Requirements | Students must ensure their Form I-20 "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status" is signed by their DSO and does not expire before the end of the year. |
| Work | Students may work in on-campus positions full-time during the summer. Students with permanent resident status may live and work in the US without limitations. |
| Housing | Students living off-campus should be aware of the terms of their lease and may need to extend their rental period. |
| Health insurance | Students must ensure their US health insurance coverage is extended for the summer. |
| Travel | Students who normally travel home for the summer may face difficulties due to travel restrictions or mandatory quarantine periods. |
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What You'll Learn
F-1 visa holders can stay during summer
International students with an F-1 visa can stay in the USA during the summer, provided they maintain their student status. The F-1 Visa is for academic students who wish to enter the United States as full-time students at an accredited college, university, school, or other academic institution. To obtain an F-1 visa, students must be enrolled in an academic educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program. They must also be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses to achieve English proficiency, and they must have sufficient funds to support themselves during their studies.
F-1 visa holders are eligible to work for a limited time, as their visa is a student visa, not a work visa. They can work part-time on campus during the school year and full-time during the summer vacation. However, during their first academic year, F-1 visa holders are not permitted to work off-campus. On-campus jobs are typically geared towards students, such as those in the library, cafeteria, or student center. After graduating, F-1 visa holders can stay in the US and work for up to 12 months with an Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension.
It is important to note that F-1 visa holders must maintain their student status to remain in the US. If their visa expires while they are outside the US, they must apply for a renewal at a US Consulate or Embassy Office before re-entering. Renewal applications can be made in the student's home country or a third country, but if denied, the student must return to their home country.
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$12.95
Working during summer
International students in the US on an F1 visa are allowed to work, but only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
International students enrolled full-time and in valid F-1 status can generally work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during the summer break. On-campus employment is the most freely available option and does not require USCIS approval. However, although F1 status includes an on-campus employment privilege, on-campus employment opportunities at most schools are limited.
There are several categories of off-campus employment, which are more restricted. Off-campus employment is only allowed under the following circumstances:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): CPT is a full-time or part-time training opportunity available during the school year or annual summer vacation. CPT can be authorized by your DSO but must be part of your academic program and be integral to your major field of study. CPT may be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to your field of study. Students interested in CPT must make an appointment with International Student Services to see if they are eligible.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): OPT is work authorization that will allow you to work in areas related to your major for up to one year either before or after you graduate. OPT employment can occur anywhere in the US, but all OPT employment requires prior authorization from USCIS and from your school's International Student Office. You can apply for OPT after being enrolled for at least 9 months, but you cannot begin employment until you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Students who have engaged in 12 months or more of full-time CPT are not eligible for OPT. For post-completion OPT, you can apply up to 90 days before your graduation, but it is recommended that you apply at least 45 days before graduation to ensure timely processing. Once on post-completion OPT, students are allowed to accumulate a maximum of 90 days of unemployment while they are seeking employment.
- Severe Economic Hardship Employment: This benefit is available to students who have completed at least one academic year and have proven a severe economic hardship caused by circumstances beyond their control that arose after obtaining F-1 status, and that on-campus employment opportunities are insufficient.
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Housing options for summer
International students in the US have a variety of housing options available to them during the summer. The most common options are on-campus and off-campus housing.
On-campus housing
On-campus housing is a convenient option for international students, as it provides easy access to classes, dining and recreational facilities. It also offers more opportunities for socialising with other students. On-campus housing typically includes utilities and basic furnishings as part of the housing fee, and residence halls are often staffed with resident advisors or assistants who can help students get to know each other and serve as mentors. Some colleges and universities have buildings or floors dedicated to international students, while others may allow international students to request to live with another international student. However, on-campus housing is often in high demand, and some colleges may not provide on-campus accommodations for international students. Additionally, students may need to bring their own linens, towels, and other household items.
Off-campus housing
Off-campus housing offers more freedom and independence than on-campus options. It is often more accessible and affordable, but students may need to commute to classes and will miss out on the full-time campus experience. Off-campus housing typically involves signing a lease agreement and paying utilities and monthly rent to a landlord or property management company. Students may also need to furnish their own apartments or houses, which can incur additional upfront costs. However, there are many off-campus housing options available, including apartments, houses subdivided into shared student housing, and separate cottages, flatlets or bungalows on private home properties.
Other options
In addition to on-campus and off-campus housing, international students can also consider the following options:
- Homestays: This option is especially suitable for students under the age of 18 who are nervous about leaving home and living in a new country.
- Living with friends, family or acquaintances: This can be a good option for students who want to save money on rent and utilities.
- Subletting: Students can take over a lease from someone who wants to move out early, which can be a great option for short-term housing during the summer breaks.
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Maintaining visa status
As an international student in the US, you must maintain your student status during the summer break. Here are some essential guidelines to help you maintain your visa status:
Eligibility for Vacation
F-1 students are eligible for an annual vacation after completing a school year at their Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. Before taking your vacation, discuss your plans with your Designated School Official (DSO) to confirm your eligibility. Your DSO will sign your Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," if you intend to travel outside the United States during the summer break.
Enrolling in Summer Courses
If you are not eligible for an annual vacation or choose not to take it during the summer, you must enroll in a full course of study. Speak with your DSO to clarify any questions about what constitutes a full course of study during the summer term. If you are taking your annual vacation in the summer but wish to take classes, you are not required to meet the full course of study requirements.
Completing Your Program of Study
Upon completing your program of study, F-1 students must depart the United States within 60 days of the program end date listed on Form I-20. However, you may remain in the United States and maintain your F-1 status if you meet certain conditions, such as starting a new program of study during the next available term or engaging in post-completion optional practical training.
Reporting Changes
As an international student, remember to report any changes to your designated school official (DSO) within 10 days. These changes include updates to your physical address, mailing address, email address, telephone number, legal name, major, program, degree level, or education level. Additionally, inform your DSO about any plans to take a break from school, travel outside the United States, or request a program extension.
Working During Vacation
During your annual vacation, you may only work when authorized by your DSO or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Working without authorization will result in immediate departure from the United States, and you may face difficulties re-entering the country in the future.
By following these guidelines and maintaining regular communication with your DSO, you can effectively preserve your visa status during the summer break and ensure compliance with the regulations governing international students in the United States.
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Travel restrictions
International students on an F-1 visa are allowed to stay in the US during the summer, provided they intend to enrol in a new program of study during the next academic year. Students must ensure their Form I-20 "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status" is signed by their DSO, and that their program end date does not expire before the start of the new academic year.
Students are not required to take courses over the summer to maintain their visa status, unless their academic program includes a required summer term. However, they may take summer courses for enrichment or to meet degree requirements. Students who wish to work during the summer must arrange to receive academic credit during their employment and remain enrolled for the following semester.
International students may work in on-campus positions full-time during the summer. They may also apply for summer internships, including federal judicial internships, and are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which provides up to 12 months of post-graduate, law-related employment. To remain in the US during OPT, students typically apply for an H-1B visa, which requires sponsorship from a specific employer.
Students should be aware that travel restrictions may be imposed by their home countries or the US, which could delay their travel plans. They must also ensure their US health insurance coverage is extended over the summer and notify their university of any changes to their US address.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can stay in the USA during the summer. However, there may be restrictions depending on the student's immigration status.
All international students must notify ISSS if they are living at a different US address over the summer. You must update ISSS within 10 days of moving. You must also ensure that your US health insurance coverage is extended.
Yes, international students may work in on-campus positions full-time during the summer. F-1 students must arrange to receive academic credit during the employment period.
Yes, international students can take summer courses for enrichment or to get ahead in meeting their program's degree requirements. However, you may need to meet full-course-load requirements if your academic program includes a required summer term.
Yes, but your DSO will need to confirm your eligibility for vacation and sign your Form I-20 before you travel.
