Working Summer: 40-Hour Weeks For International Students

International students in the United States on an F-1 visa are permitted 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). F-1 students can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters, and up to 40 hours per week during the winter and summer breaks. However, off-campus employment is not permitted except in very limited circumstances, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT may be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, or other experience related to the student's field of study. OPT allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year before or after graduation. To maintain their F-1 status, international students must carefully adhere to the employment regulations and ensure they have the proper authorizations in place before accepting any off-campus work.

F-1 visa status and eligibility

F-1 visa status allows international students to enter the United States as full-time students at accredited academic institutions. To be eligible for an F-1 visa, several criteria must be met. Firstly, individuals must be enrolled in an academic, language-training, or vocational program. The chosen school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Additionally, students must be enrolled full-time and be proficient in English or actively working towards English proficiency. Another key requirement is demonstrating sufficient funds to support oneself during the entire course of study. Lastly, F-1 visa applicants must maintain a residence outside the US with no intention of relinquishing it.

F-1 visa holders can generally work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session and up to 40 hours per week during breaks. However, strict rules govern off-campus employment. F-1 students are typically not permitted to work off-campus during their first academic year. After the first year, they may engage in three types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and employment due to severe economic hardship. CPT involves training in the student's field of study, fulfilling academic credit or degree requirements, and can include internships, cooperative education jobs, or other experiences related to their major. OPT allows F-1 students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year before or after graduation. To be eligible for OPT, students must have completed at least one academic year and be in good academic standing.

To work off-campus, F-1 students must obtain authorization from the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS prior to starting any work. The DSO will determine eligibility and enter the recommendation into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Additionally, F-1 students experiencing economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances may apply for authorization to work full-time during the summer off-campus. This authorization is granted on a case-by-case basis and requires students to demonstrate their financial hardship. It is essential for F-1 visa holders to follow these regulations, as working illegally can result in the loss of their visa and student status.

To apply for a Social Security Number (SSN), which is required for both on-campus and off-campus employment, F-1 students should complete the online application and submit their original documents to the local Social Security Administration Office. Obtaining employment authorization and maintaining valid F-1 status are crucial steps for international students seeking work opportunities in the United States.

On-campus vs off-campus work

International students often seek part-time jobs to support themselves financially. These jobs can be on-campus or off-campus, and each type has its own rules and limitations.

On-campus jobs are typically part-time jobs that support university operations. Examples include working in the library, computer labs, cafeteria, food courts, various university offices, sports stadiums, and teaching, graduate, or research assistantships. On-campus jobs are generally limited to 20 hours per week during regular semesters when classes are in session. However, during breaks when classes are not in session, international students with F-1 status can work on-campus for up to 40 hours per week. On-campus employment is authorised as long as the job is physically located on the school's campus or at an off-campus site of an educationally affiliated organisation.

Off-campus jobs, on the other hand, are jobs that are located outside of the university campus. F-1 students are not authorised to work off-campus by default and must meet strict eligibility requirements to obtain official authorisation. To be eligible for off-campus employment, F-1 students must demonstrate "severe economic hardship" and obtain employment authorisation from the Designated School Official (DSO). Off-campus employment authorisation ends one year after issuance or upon completion of the program, whichever comes first. In Canada, international students are allowed to work off-campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit, but they must still meet other requirements for working while studying. Working more than 24 hours per week in Canada is a violation of the study permit conditions, which can result in losing student status and being asked to leave the country.

CPT (Curricular Practical Training)

International students enrolled full-time and holding a valid F-1 visa can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. However, strict rules and eligibility requirements govern off-campus employment. One such option for off-campus employment is Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

CPT is a type of off-campus employment authorization that allows international students to gain practical experience in their field of study. It can take the form of a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to the student's major. CPT must be authorized by a Designated School Official (DSO) on a part-time or full-time basis, in accordance with the host institution's policies. Students must also be enrolled in a full course of study, even when CPT is authorized during the academic year.

To apply for CPT, students must first make an appointment with their International Student Services office to determine their eligibility. If eligible, they will need to complete Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," which must be signed by the DSO within 30 days of the CPT start date. Students will also need to provide details of the employer, including the company name and address, as well as a description of how the training is an integral part of their academic curriculum. CPT authorization is only required for training inside the United States; internships in a student's home country, for example, do not need CPT authorization.

It is important to note that CPT is just one option for off-campus employment authorization. Another option is Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year before or after graduation.

OPT (Optional Practical Training)

International students enrolled full-time and in valid F-1 status can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during breaks. Off-campus employment is subject to stricter rules and eligibility requirements. One way international students can gain off-campus work authorization is through Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of work authorization that allows international students to work in areas directly related to their major for up to one year before or after graduation. To be eligible, students must have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year and have an active F-1 student status. The OPT application process involves several steps and players, including the Designated School Official (DSO) and the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Students can file for OPT up to 90 days before their program end date and no later than 60 days after.

There are two types of OPT: pre-completion and post-completion. Pre-completion OPT allows students to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time when school is not in session. The time spent working pre-completion will be deducted from the available period of post-completion OPT. Students authorized for post-completion OPT must work a minimum of 20 hours per week, either part-time or full-time. They are allowed to accumulate a maximum of 90 days of unemployment while seeking employment.

Students can extend their OPT by 24 months if they have earned a degree in certain Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields and are employed by an E-Verify employer. Volunteering and unpaid internships can be considered employment for the initial 12-month period of post-completion OPT. It is important to note that OPT employment must be directly related to the student's major area of study, and any unauthorized work can result in serious consequences, including removal from the country.

Social Security Number application

International students enrolled full-time and holding a valid F-1 visa are generally permitted to 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 or other times when classes are not in session. To work off-campus, F-1 students must meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization, which can be granted in the form of an Employment Authorization (EAD) card.

To obtain a Social Security Number (SSN), international students must have been granted legal authorization to work in the US and must be employed or have tax reporting requirements. The SSN is a 9-digit number used for tax and employment reporting purposes, such as reporting an employee's earnings or a student's taxable scholarship benefits. It is also often used for other purposes, such as opening bank accounts or signing up for utilities.

• Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for a Social Security Number. You must have legal authorization to work in the US and be employed or have tax reporting requirements. F-1 and J-1 students must meet additional SSA eligibility requirements, including providing valid immigration documents such as a passport, Form I-20, and an I-94 card or number.
• Complete the Social Security Number application online. You will need to provide your personal information and may be asked to submit additional documentation, such as proof of employment or immigration status.
• Gather your original documents, including your passport, F-1 visa, I-94 number, and Form I-20. You may also need to provide evidence of lawful employment, such as an on-campus job or authorization for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT).
• Visit your local Social Security Administration Office to submit your application and original documents for review. Your documents will be reviewed by a SSA examiner, and you may be asked additional questions.
• Once your application is accepted, request an application receipt. This will serve as proof that you have applied for an SSN and can be shown to your employer while you wait for your SSN to be processed.
• You should receive your SSN within 4-6 weeks, although processing times may vary. Once you have your SSN, you can use it for employment, tax, and other purposes. Keep your SSN card in a safe place, as replacing it can be difficult and costly.

It is important to note that simply having a Social Security Number does not grant you legal authorization to work in the US. Make sure you understand and comply with all immigration regulations and employment eligibility requirements to maintain your legal status as an international student in the US.

Frequently asked questions