Lana Oconnell
International students often seek part-time or full-time employment to gain experience, build their resumes, and earn extra money. However, working without proper authorization or exceeding allowed work hours can jeopardize their visa status. The rules and requirements for international students to work full-time vary depending on the country and visa type. In the United States, for example, F-1 students can generally work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during the school year and are allowed to work full-time during university breaks. In Australia, international students have the same workplace rights as other workers, but they should be aware of employment scams and understand their rights and obligations.
Characteristics and Values of International Students Working Full-Time
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work availability | International students can work full-time during university holidays, including winter and summer breaks |
| Work authorization | Students with F-1/J-1 visas must verify eligibility with the ISSO before working on or off-campus |
| Work hours | Students with F-1/J-1 visas can work up to 20 hours per week during the school year and full-time (21+ hours) during breaks with supervisor approval |
| Work type | On-campus jobs are preferred for building resumes; internships and practical training must be related to the student's field of study |
| Work rights | International students have the same workplace rights as other workers, including sick and annual leave |
| Work scams | International students should be aware of employment scams that mislead about job availability, nature, and terms; research and caution are advised |
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What You'll Learn
- International students in the US can work full-time during university holidays
- Students with F-1 visas can work on campus for up to 20 hours per week
- Students with J-1 visas can work up to 20 hours per week
- Students with F-1 visas can work full-time during breaks with supervisor approval
- International students in Australia have the same workplace rights as other workers
International students in the US can work full-time during university holidays
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are permitted to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during term time, provided they are enrolled full-time and meet eligibility requirements. They may work full-time during university holidays, including winter and summer breaks, provided they intend to register for the next academic semester.
To work on-campus, F-1 students must keep their Designated School Official (DSO) informed of any changes in employer and hours. They must also obtain a Social Security Number (SSN), which requires a letter of employment from a future employer, and various other documents. The process can take up to four weeks.
Off-campus work is more restricted for F-1 students. They must meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization, or risk losing their visa. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is one way for international students to gain off-campus work authorization. It must be related to their field of study and can be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience that fulfills academic credit. CPT can be full-time or part-time, and students must prove that working will not adversely affect their ability to attend school full-time.
Another option for off-campus work is Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to 12 months, either before or after graduation. Students with STEM majors can apply for a 24-month extension. However, working full-time for a year under CPT will make students ineligible for OPT.
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Students with F-1 visas can work on campus for up to 20 hours per week
International students with F-1 visas are allowed to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week. This rule applies to students enrolled full-time and in valid F-1 status. Students with F-1 visas can work on campus during the fall and spring semesters, and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. It is important to note that off-campus work is not permitted during the first academic year for F-1 visa holders. However, after the first year, there are three types of off-campus employment options available, including Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT).
To work on campus, F-1 visa students must maintain their full-time student status when school is in session and provide valid documentation. Additionally, they must keep their Designated School Official (DSO) informed of any changes in employment and hours. Obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN) is also necessary for on-campus employment, and students can apply for this once they have a job offer.
F-1 visa students interested in off-campus employment must meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization. They can apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is a type of employment related to their field of study that provides academic credit. CPT can be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience complementary to their curriculum. To be eligible for CPT, students must have completed a full academic year and have active F-1 student status.
International students with F-1 visas have specific rules and regulations regarding employment, and it is crucial to adhere to these guidelines to maintain their visa status. Working without proper authorization or exceeding allowed work hours can put their F-1 visa status at risk.
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Students with J-1 visas can work up to 20 hours per week
International students with F-1 visas can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session, and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. However, F-1 students are limited in their eligibility to accept employment off-campus. They must meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization before working off-campus, and their total work hours for all jobs cannot exceed 20 hours during the school term.
The J-1 visa is another option for international students wishing to work in the US. The J-1 visa is an exchange visitor visa open to high school, undergraduate, masters, and doctoral students. J-1 visa holders are generally required to work only for their program sponsors, but they may work for non-sponsor employers if they meet certain eligibility requirements. The requirements vary depending on the program.
J-1 students are eligible for on-campus employment if it is pursuant to a scholarship, fellowship, or assistantship, or off-campus employment if it is a summer work/travel exchange program. They may be authorized to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during the summer and official university holiday breaks for on-campus employment. J-1 students may also be authorized to work off-campus if "serious, urgent, and unforeseen economic circumstances" have arisen since acquiring J-1 status. This type of employment requires approval in writing from the U-M International Center before employment begins.
Overall, while both F-1 and J-1 visas offer international students the opportunity to work in the US, the specific rules and regulations regarding on-campus and off-campus employment differ between the two visa types. It is important for international students to carefully consider their visa requirements and eligibility before seeking employment in the US.
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Students with F-1 visas can work full-time during breaks with supervisor approval
International students with F-1 visas are allowed to work full-time during university holidays, including winter and summer breaks. However, they must adhere to strict regulations and obtain the necessary approvals to maintain their visa status.
F-1 visa holders are generally permitted to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session and up to 40 hours per week during breaks. To work on campus, F-1 students must maintain their status, follow guidelines, and keep their Designated School Official (DSO) informed of any changes in employment or hours.
Off-campus work for F-1 visa holders is subject to eligibility requirements and official authorization. One option for off-campus work is Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which must be related to the student's field of study and can be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience. CPT requires authorization, and students cannot simultaneously hold an on-campus job and a CPT internship.
Another option for off-campus work 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. To be eligible for OPT, students must have completed at least one academic year and have active F-1 status.
To work off-campus, F-1 students must demonstrate that working will not adversely affect their ability to attend school full-time and maintain academic standing. They may also need to show severe economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances. Off-campus work authorization is granted on a case-by-case basis by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and requires proper employment authorization.
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International students in Australia have the same workplace rights as other workers
International students in Australia have the right to receive minimum pay and conditions. They can also seek assistance from the Fair Work Ombudsman if they are experiencing workplace issues, without the risk of their visa being cancelled. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides free advice in multiple languages for anyone working in Australia.
In comparison, the United States has strict rules for international students who want to work during their studies. Students with an F-1 visa cannot be employed off-campus without meeting eligibility requirements and obtaining official authorization. Students found working illegally risk losing their F-1 student status and having their visa revoked. To work off-campus, F-1 students must first complete their first academic year and then may engage in three types of off-campus employment: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT), Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and Optional Practical Training (OPT).
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Frequently asked questions
International students with an F-1/J-1 visa can work full-time during university holidays, including winter and summer breaks. During the school year, they are limited to working on campus for up to 20 hours per week.
To work full-time in the US as an international student, you will need to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). You will also need a letter of employment from your future employer.
International students on F-1 visas can work on campus or off campus with Curricular Practical Training (CPT). CPT requires students to find work related to their field of study or complementary to their curriculum.
International students in Australia have the same workplace rights as other workers. They are entitled to paid sick and annual leave if they work full-time or part-time.
