Working Abroad: Can International Students Find Jobs?

International students in the US with an F-1 visa are permitted to work in limited capacities. Students must be enrolled full-time and can generally work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during classes and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. Off-campus employment is more restricted and requires prior authorization from the USCIS and the school's International Student Office. Students may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT) programs, which allow for work in areas related to their field of study. To work in the US, international students must obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) and provide it to their employer.

On-campus employment

International students are generally eligible for all on-campus jobs unless the job posting specifically states otherwise. It is worth noting that international students do not qualify for federal financial aid, so they are unable to apply for federal work-study jobs. However, some universities offer institutionally-funded work-study programs for qualifying international students, so it is important to check the qualifications listed on each job posting. Like most jobs in the US, on-campus jobs typically require applicants to submit a resume. Students can visit their college's career centre for help with their resume and to find out about on-campus job opportunities.

On-campus jobs can provide international students with valuable work experience and professional references, and they may even be related to the student's field of study. Examples of on-campus jobs include working in the library, cafeteria, or campus box office. Students can also inquire about positions within their own departments, as many departments prefer to hire internally. Additionally, international students can apply for any on-campus jobs at any time during their academic program, making on-campus employment a convenient and appealing choice.

It is important to be mindful of the working hour restrictions for international students. During the semesters, students cannot work more than 20 hours per week, regardless of whether they have one part-time job or multiple part-time jobs. However, during the summer or when school is not in session, students may be able to work full-time, up to 40 hours per week, as long as their university allows it. Additionally, international students will be required to pay tax on their earnings, but they may qualify for exemptions if their home country has a tax treaty with the United States.

Off-campus employment

To be eligible for OPT, you must have been enrolled for at least nine months and have been granted an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS. You must also have been enrolled for at least a year. You can apply for OPT without a job offer, and your OPT employment can occur anywhere in the US. The USCIS takes up to 90 days to process your application, so make sure you work closely with your school's International Student Office.

Another option for off-campus employment is Curricular Practical Training (CPT). This is when the practical training is an integral part of the established curriculum or academic program. CPT employment can be a paid or unpaid 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 your degree, or academic credit must be awarded. You must have been enrolled in school full-time for one year on valid F1 status (except for graduate students where the program requires immediate CPT). The CPT employment must be an integral part of your degree program or a requirement for a course for which you receive academic credit.

F1 students must show an ability to afford the costs of school and living expenses before entering the United States and should not plan to work off-campus. USCIS will only authorize off-campus employment in cases of severe economic hardship occurring after a student's enrollment in an academic program and after the student has been in F1 status for at least one full academic year, or in emergent circumstances as defined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Emergent circumstances are world events that affect a specific group of F1 students and cause them to suffer severe economic hardship, including natural disasters, wars, and financial crises.

Social Security Number application

International students in the United States can work, but they must obtain work authorization first. The type of work authorization and the steps to obtain it depend on the student's visa status and other factors. For example, F-1 visa holders are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to work for up to 12 months, with a possible 24-month extension for STEM majors. They can also apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which allows them to work part-time (20 hours per week) or full-time (40 hours per week) during the academic year or summer. On the other hand, J-1 visa holders are eligible for up to 18 months of work authorization, including academic training, and may be able to work part-time during their program of study.

Regardless of their visa status, if international students are authorized to work in the US, they are required to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). The Social Security Administration (SSA) assigns these nine-digit numbers to eligible nonimmigrant workers in the US for tax and employment reporting purposes. SSNs are also often used for other matters of convenience, such as opening bank accounts. Here is a general overview of the steps to apply for an SSN:

• Check your eligibility: Before applying for an SSN, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements. F-1 and J-1 students, for example, must have valid immigration documents, including a passport, I-20 or DS-2019 form, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94 with specific notations. F-1 students must also provide evidence of lawful employment, such as an on-campus job or authorization for CPT or OPT.
• Prepare your documents: Gather all the necessary documents, including your original passport, I-20 or DS-2019 form, I-94 card or admission record, and proof of employment or practical training authorization. All immigration and work authorization documents must be valid and unexpired.
• Submit a Social Security Letter Request: If your employment is based on campus, you may need to submit a Social Security Letter Request to your school's international student office, which will issue a letter confirming your on-campus employment and full-time student status. This step may vary depending on your school and employment situation.
• Complete the SSN application: File your application for an SSN card in person at any SSA office. Present your original documents to prove your age, identity, and work-authorized immigration status. You may use the SSA website as a resource to learn more about the specific documents required.
• Wait for processing: After submitting your application, it may take up to four to six weeks to receive your SSN. You can request an application receipt to show your employer that you have applied for an SSN while waiting.

Please note that the SSN application process may vary slightly depending on your specific situation and school policies. It is always a good idea to consult with your school's international student office or a designated school official (DSO) for guidance on your particular case.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

CPT is available to international students holding F-1 visas who have been enrolled full-time in a degree program for one full academic year. CPT can be part-time (up to 20 hours a week) or full-time and is tied to a specific employer and job with a set duration. It is important to note that CPT authorization is required for unpaid internships as well as paid employment. The CPT application process typically begins when a student secures a work offer and then completes their school's CPT application. The application must include the internship's start and end dates, the organization's name and physical address, and the student's job title and description.

Prior approval is required for CPT, and the work experience must be related to the student's academic program. CPT is only available when it is an integral part of an established curriculum within a school. Students must follow their school's processes to submit a practical training request to their Designated School Official (DSO). The DSO will then confirm the student's eligibility and issue a Form I-20, which the student must sign and file with Form I-765 and a fee to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once approved, the USCIS will send an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Students cannot legally work before CPT is authorized.

There are two types of CPT: required and optional. Required CPT is when the academic program mandates practical work experience for all students in order to graduate. Optional CPT is work experience directly related to the student's field of study that is not required.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

The OPT application process can be initiated by filing Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form must be accompanied by the required fee and supporting documentation. Students can file for OPT up to 90 days before their program end date and no later than 60 days after the program end date. The OPT employment must be directly related to the student's major area of study and can be full-time or part-time.

There are two types of OPT: pre-completion and post-completion. Pre-completion OPT allows students to work up to 12 months before they complete their academic studies, while post-completion OPT allows students to work after they have graduated. The total period of OPT employment authorization is usually 12 months, but it can be extended to 24 months for students with degrees in certain Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Students can also accrue up to 150 days of unemployment during their initial 12-month post-completion OPT period.

It is important to note that OPT is not available to all international students. Students must meet the eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization before starting any work. Working without authorization can have serious consequences, including removal from the country. Additionally, transferring to another school or beginning studies at a higher level may result in the termination of OPT employment authorization.

Frequently asked questions