Janice Lozano
International students in the United States on an F1 visa are permitted to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the school term and up to 40 hours per week during holidays. Off-campus work is also possible, but only if it is directly related to the student's major and if they have obtained official authorization. Students must also have been enrolled for at least one academic year and have maintained their F1 status. To apply for a Social Security Number, students must bring a letter from their employer, a letter from the International Student Services Office, their passport, F1 visa, and other relevant documents to the Social Security Office.
Can international students work?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Student visa type | F-1, M-1 |
| Work type | On-campus, off-campus |
| Work hours | Up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session, up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session |
| On-campus work requirements | Active F-1 status, permission from the International Student Office, job must be educationally affiliated with the school |
| Off-campus work requirements | Must meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization, employment must be "directly related" to the student's major |
| Social Security Number (SSN) | Required for on-campus and off-campus employment, cannot be applied for until a job offer is received |
| Curricular Practical Training (CPT) | Paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to the field of study, requires appointment with International Student Services to determine eligibility |
| Optional Practical Training (OPT) | Work authorization for up to one year in areas related to the student's major, requires prior enrollment for at least one academic year and active F-1 status, post-completion OPT must be applied for up to 90 days before graduation |
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What You'll Learn
On-campus employment
International students in the US can work on-campus in libraries, labs, food service, residence halls, and administrative offices. On-campus employment is the type of employment most easily available to international students and does not require approval from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). However, F-1 visa students must prove they have the financial ability to pay for tuition and living expenses before entering the US and should not plan to work off-campus.
If you participate in on-campus employment, you may not work more than 20 hours per week when school is in session. You can work full-time during holidays and vacations, but only if you intend to return to school the next academic semester. Your employment must not displace a US resident, and the job does not have to be related to your field of study.
There are different ways international students can prepare to get an on-campus job. Research how student employment works on your campus and know the rules and regulations that apply to international students. Your school's career services office can help with your resume, application, and interview skills. Good preparation is essential before applying because securing on-campus jobs can be competitive.
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Off-campus employment
International students with an F-1 visa can work off-campus, but only after obtaining specific authorisations, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT must be part-time (20 hours per week) during the academic year but can be full-time during breaks and summer vacation. It is a type of temporary work directly related to your major area of study. OPT is a type of temporary work authorisation related to your field of study.
To obtain CPT, you do not need to apply through USCIS; instead, you can apply with your International Student Counselor. However, for OPT, you must apply through USCIS, and it can take up to 90 days for approval. It is important to note that students who engage in full-time CPT for 12 months or more will lose their OPT benefit after graduation.
F-1 students may also be eligible for off-campus work authorisation for internships with international organisations. The employment offer must come from a recognised international organisation, such as the United Nations or the World Bank. Additionally, the student must maintain their F-1 status and carry a full course load.
In cases of unforeseen financial hardship, F-1 students may be authorised to work off-campus to earn income to support their living expenses. This authorisation is granted for one year or the remainder of the course of study.
It is essential to comply with all immigration regulations and work authorisations, as working without proper authorisation is a serious violation of student status. Additionally, all F-1 students must file IRS Form 8843, regardless of whether they have been employed in the United States. To work in the US, a Social Security Number is required, but it does not grant permission to work.
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Social Security Number application
International students on F-1 visas are required to prove their financial ability to pay for tuition and living expenses before entering the United States. They are eligible to work in limited capacities, and any off-campus employment must be related to their area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS.
To work in the US, international students must obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). An SSN is a 9-digit identifier issued by the US Social Security Administration (SSA) to track earnings over a worker's lifetime. It is required for international students to report income and pay taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) while employed in the US. It is also essential for setting up phone, utility, or bank accounts in the country.
International students can apply for an SSN by following these steps:
- Complete the online application form: Visit the official website (www.ssa.gov/number-card) and enter your details. This will allow you to schedule an appointment and eliminate the need for a paper application.
- Gather required documents: Ensure you have the necessary documents, including proof of age, identity, and lawful resident status. You will also need an employment verification letter from your institution, covering your on-campus employment, CPT, or OPT. Additionally, you may need an I-94 card or a copy of your J-1 admission stamp in your passport, along with a printout of your electronic I-94 information.
- Submit documents in person: Visit your local SSA office within 45 days of your online submission to present your documents. Typically, the SSN is issued within a few weeks if all the required documents are provided.
- Receive your SSN: The Social Security Administration will mail your SSN and card once all your immigration information has been verified. This process can take 2-4 weeks or longer.
It is important to note that possessing an SSN does not confer work authorization. You must ensure that you have proper authorization to work in the US before applying for an SSN. Additionally, new students are advised to wait for at least 2-3 weeks after their arrival in the US before initiating the SSN application process.
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Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
To be eligible for CPT, students must have completed one year of full-time study and have a job offer at the time of application. The work experience must be related to the student's academic program and is usually done on a part-time basis (up to 20 hours per week) during the school year. CPT is tied to a specific employer and job with a set duration and cannot be used to delay graduation.
The application process for CPT typically takes between 5 to 10 business days. Students must submit an application to their university's ISSS office, along with an official job offer letter that includes the start and end dates, the hiring organization's name and address, and the student's job title and description. Prior approval is required before beginning work.
During CPT, students must maintain their full-time enrollment status and cannot work before or after the authorized CPT dates. CPT authorization demonstrates that the practical experience is an integral part of the established curriculum and is reported in SEVIS to maintain the student's status. Students are advised to refer to their university's specific guidelines and requirements for CPT, as well as seek guidance from academic advisors.
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Optional Practical Training (OPT)
International students in the US with valid F1 immigration status are permitted to work off-campus in Optional Practical Training (OPT) status. OPT is a period during which undergraduate and graduate students with F-1 status who have completed or have been pursuing their degrees for one academic year are permitted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to work for up to one year on a student visa. This work should be towards getting practical training to complement their education. OPT employment can occur anywhere in the US and must be directly related to the student's major area of study.
Students can apply for OPT after being enrolled for at least nine months, but they cannot begin employment until they receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS and have been enrolled for at least a year. Students do not need a job offer to apply for OPT, but they must have their application approved before starting work. The OPT application process can be lengthy and involves several steps and players, so students are advised to start early and work closely with their school's International Student Office.
There are two types of OPT: pre-completion OPT and post-completion OPT. Students can apply for pre-completion OPT after being lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for one full academic year at a college, university, conservatory, or seminary certified by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enrol F-1 students. Pre-completion OPT allows students to work for up to 12 months before completing their academic studies. However, all periods of pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the available period of post-completion OPT.
Post-completion OPT can be applied for up to 90 days before graduation, but it is recommended to apply at least 45 days before graduation. Post-completion OPT allows students to work for up to 12 months after completing their academic studies. Students who have already received one year of full-time pre-completion OPT will not be eligible for any period of post-completion OPT employment authorization.
It is important to note that OPT is not available to students who have engaged in 12 months or more of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Additionally, transferring to another school or beginning studies at another educational level will result in the automatic termination of OPT employment authorization.
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