Janice Lozano
Whether international students can stay on campus during breaks depends on the policies of the specific institution. Some universities allow students to stay on campus during breaks, while others close their dorms and force students to leave. For international students, the decision to stay on campus during breaks may be influenced by factors such as the cost of travel, visa requirements, and the need to maintain student status. Institutions that allow students to stay on campus during breaks may charge a fee to cover operational costs and may offer activities to keep students engaged.
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What You'll Learn
- International students' campus accommodation during breaks depends on the university
- F-1 students can work 20 hours/week on campus and 40 hours during breaks
- F-1 students must be enrolled full-time during fall and spring semesters
- F-1 students must maintain status for nine months to be eligible for practical training
- International students have been advised against travelling during breaks due to visa issues
International students' campus accommodation during breaks depends on the university
Whether international students can stay in campus accommodation during breaks depends entirely on the university in question. While some universities close their dorms during longer breaks, others allow students to stay on campus all year round, excluding the summer break.
Some universities require students to pay a fee to stay on campus during breaks, while others do not. For example, one university student reports that their campus can be stayed on during all breaks without charge, except for summer. However, they note that there are no meals or food options available during breaks, except for fall break, when students can order meals in advance. Another student reports that their university provides alternative housing options for students who need to stay on campus during longer breaks.
International students may face particular challenges when it comes to returning home during breaks, due to time and expense constraints. Universities have a duty to supervise their international students during holiday breaks, and this can be achieved through proper planning and good communication. For example, universities can survey their international students and their parents before the school year to determine their needs for student supervision during breaks, and follow up with families during the year to confirm plans. Universities can also provide international students with information about opportunities available over breaks, such as trips or activities, and consider providing a 24-hour phone number where students can reach a staff member in case of emergency.
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F-1 students can work 20 hours/week on campus and 40 hours during breaks
International students with an F-1 visa are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the school term. This limit applies to the student's total work hours across all jobs. However, during breaks when school is not in session or during the student's annual vacation, F-1 students may work full-time, which is typically considered to be 40 hours per week. This increase in work hours during breaks provides international students with greater flexibility in earning an income while studying in the United States.
It is important to note that F-1 students must not displace a US citizen or lawful permanent resident in their on-campus employment. Additionally, they must continue to meet the requirements of their visa, including maintaining full-time enrolment and making satisfactory academic progress.
On-campus employment opportunities for F-1 students can include roles in the library, dining spaces, university offices, or associated off-campus locations that are educationally affiliated, such as contractually funded research projects. These jobs can provide valuable work experience and help international students cover some of their living expenses.
While F-1 students can generally work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the school term, there may be exceptions or special circumstances. For example, in cases of severe economic hardship, F-1 students may seek authorization to work beyond 20 hours, provided they have completed at least one academic year and can demonstrate their financial need.
Overall, the ability for F-1 students to work 20 hours per week on campus during the school term and 40 hours during breaks offers a balance between their academic commitments and the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and support their stay in the United States.
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F-1 students must be enrolled full-time during fall and spring semesters
International students with F-1 status are required to be enrolled full-time during the fall and spring semesters to maintain their visa status. This is a requirement of immigration law. Summer and winter session enrollment is optional and not required, unless you plan to complete your academic program during a summer term, in which case you must follow all full-time enrollment rules.
F-1 students must provide proof that they have reimbursed the local educational agency that administers their public high school for the full, unsubsidized per capita cost of providing education at the school for the period of their attendance.
Full-time enrollment means enrolling in a minimum of 12 credits per semester. Undergraduate students can take one online course for 3 credits, and 3 regular courses for 9 credits, which would meet the required 12 credits. Graduate students are required to enroll in a minimum of 9 credits per semester. Students with a full-time graduate assistantship will have their position count as 5 credits, so they would only need to take a minimum of 4 additional credits.
F-1 students can take up to half of their credits at another school during the fall or spring semester, but they must provide a copy of their course schedule to their school's International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office. Students can take as many credits as they like at another school during the summer or winter sessions without enrolling at their primary school.
Students can apply for authorization to take a reduced course load (RCL) in certain circumstances, such as for medical reasons. However, they must not drop below full-time enrollment before receiving approval from ISSS, or they will lose their valid status in the US.
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F-1 students must maintain status for nine months to be eligible for practical training
F-1 students are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) during their studies. OPT is a type of temporary employment authorisation that allows F-1 students to gain practical work experience in their field of study. CPT, on the other hand, is training that is considered an integral part of the curriculum.
To be eligible for OPT, F-1 students must maintain their student status for nine months. This means that they must not work on a terminated Employment Authorisation Document (EAD), as this would result in unauthorised work in the United States, leading to serious consequences such as removal from the country. F-1 students with a timely filed H-1B petition and a change of status request may be eligible for a cap-gap extension if their status and employment authorisation expire before the change to H-1B occurs. Additionally, students who have earned degrees in certain STEM fields may apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT employment authorisation.
To maintain F-1 student status, it is important to follow the regulations set by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). During winter breaks, F-1 students can usually remain on campus, but they must maintain their student status and ensure they have work authorisation if they intend to work off-campus. Before leaving for the break, students should consult their Designated School Official (DSO) to ensure compliance with SEVP rules and regulations.
CPT authorisation is only required when the training takes place within the United States. DSOs must authorise CPT on a part-time or full-time basis, adhering to school policies. Students must continue taking a full course load even when CPT is authorised during the school session. The training must be directly related to the student's major area of study, and the DSO must endorse the Form I-20, Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.
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International students have been advised against travelling during breaks due to visa issues
International students on F-1 visas are typically allowed to remain on campus during breaks, except during the summer when the campus may close for maintenance. However, it is advised that international students do not travel during breaks due to visa issues. Before leaving campus for any break, international students should consult their designated school official (DSO) to ensure they remain compliant with SEVP rules and regulations. The DSO can verify their Active status and advise on the necessary documentation for re-entry to the US.
International students should be regularly contacted and provided with information about opportunities available over breaks. Schools should survey their international students and their parents to determine their needs for supervision during breaks and follow up with families to confirm plans. Schools have a duty to supervise international students during breaks, and this can be achieved through proper planning and good communication. Some schools may need programming for every break, including the summer, while others may only need options for shorter holidays.
Students with extraordinary family or personal circumstances may be permitted to remain on campus during breaks. International students may be among those with such circumstances, particularly if they are unable to return home due to time or financial constraints. Remaining on campus during breaks can also help international students maintain their student status, which may be affected by travelling and time spent off-campus.
Colleges and universities may charge a fee for students to remain on campus during breaks, which can help offset operational costs. However, this may pose a financial burden for international students, who may already be facing financial constraints. To support these students, colleges and universities can consider offering financial assistance or subsidies to those with demonstrated need.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the university and the type of housing you have. Some universities allow students to stay during the summer if they are taking classes. F-1 international students from a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school are eligible to take an annual vacation after completing a school year.
This also depends on the university and the type of housing. Some universities allow students to stay during the winter break if they are taking classes.
F-1 students may work no more than 20 hours per week on campus when classes are in session and 40 hours per week during official college breaks. They cannot work off-campus without prior authorization from the college and U.S. Immigration.
The student must depart the United States no more than 60 days after their program's end date listed on their Form I-20. However, they may remain in F-1 status if they begin a new program of study during the next available term or within five months.
