Working Off-Campus: International Students' Opportunities And Restrictions

International students in the United States who wish to work off-campus must navigate a complex set of rules and visa protocols. The type of visa held by a student is the most important factor in determining their eligibility to work off-campus. F-1 visa holders, for example, may be eligible to work off-campus under the CPT or OPT schemes, but they must first complete an academic year and obtain written authorization. J-1 visa holders may also be eligible for off-campus work, but only under certain circumstances, such as economic hardship.

F-1 visa holders can apply for CPT or OPT work authorization

International students with F-1 visas are eligible to work off-campus, but they must first obtain specific authorizations. F-1 visa holders can apply for CPT (Curricular Practical Training) or OPT (Optional Practical Training) work authorization. CPT is an off-campus employment option for F1 students when the practical training is an integral part of the established curriculum or academic program. To qualify, the work experience must be required for your degree, or academic credit must be awarded. CPT employment can be defined as "alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school". Prior authorization by your school's International Student Office and notification to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) is required. CPT work must be part-time (20 hours per week) during the academic year but can be full-time during breaks and summer vacation.

OPT is a type of temporary work authorization related to your field of study. Under the F-1 visa, you are eligible to apply for OPT through USCIS, which can permit certain kinds of work related to your major. OPT is available for 12 months at each education level. Students who have engaged in 12 months or more of full-time CPT are not eligible for OPT. OPT requests must comply with federal regulations and be directly related" to the student's major. While students are not required to have an employer when OPT is requested, students authorized for post-completion OPT are expected to be employed. A student on post-completion OPT can be unemployed for a total of 90 days.

To apply for OPT, students must file a Form I-765 with USCIS and pay a filing fee. USCIS will then send an EAD (Employment Authorization Document) upon approval. Students cannot begin employment until they receive their EAD from USCIS and have been enrolled for at least a year. OPT applications can take up to 90 days to process, so it is important to start early.

International students can work on campus without authorization

International students in the United States with an F-1 visa can work on campus without prior authorisation from their designated school official (DSO). However, they must meet certain eligibility requirements. Students must be enrolled full-time, have valid F-1 status, and be maintaining their immigration status. They can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during breaks and summer vacation.

To work off-campus, F-1 visa holders must obtain written authorisation and meet certain requirements. This can be done through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is a necessary part of an academic program that trains students in their field of study, and it can be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to their field of study. OPT allows students to gain practical experience in their major field of study, and they can apply for OPT through USCIS. Students can also apply for off-campus work authorisation for Economic Hardship if they are facing financial difficulties.

International students with a J-1 visa may also be eligible for on-campus employment with written approval from their sponsoring agency. They may also qualify for academic training to work on or off-campus, which is authorised employment for up to 18 months before or after the completion of their studies.

It is important to note that working illegally can result in serious consequences for international students, including losing their student status and having their visa revoked. Students should always consult with an international student counsellor or advisor to understand their specific situation and ensure they are following the proper protocols and regulations.

Off-campus work permission is limited and requires valid authorization

International students in the US can work on campus without prior authorisation from their designated school official (DSO). However, off-campus work permission is limited and requires valid authorisation.

To work off campus, international students must obtain written authorisation before engaging in off-campus work. Students in valid F-1 status may work on campus at the school they are authorised to attend. They cannot be employed off-campus without meeting certain requirements and obtaining written authorisation.

F-1 student visa holders can apply for CPT or OPT work authorisation after they complete their first academic year. CPT work must be part-time (20 hours per week) during the academic year but can be full-time during breaks and summer vacation. CPT may be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to your field of study. OPT is a type of temporary work authorisation related to your field of study. OPT must also be part-time during the academic year but can be full-time during summer vacation and breaks.

Students who engage in full-time CPT for 12 months or more will lose their OPT benefit when they graduate. You may receive only one 12-month period of OPT per educational degree level. Students interested in doing OPT must make an appointment with International Student Services to see if they are eligible.

There are different categories of OPT. One of the most popular is Full-Time OPT after completion of studies. Immigration regulations require students who want full-time OPT to apply within 60 days of the completion end date. The authorisation for OPT is from USCIS, so there is an application process and an application fee. It can take 90 days for approval, so students need to plan ahead.

Students must apply for a Social Security Number before starting work

International students with F-1 visas are eligible to work off-campus, but they must first obtain written authorization. One such authorization is the Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization, which is a type of temporary work authorization related to the student's field of study.

To work in the United States, international students must apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) before starting work. This can be done by completing the social security application online and then visiting a local Social Security Administration (SSA) office to show them your documents in person. Students must have an offer of employment before they can apply for an SSN.

For students on campus at Teachers College, Columbia University, there are specific requirements for obtaining an SSN. F-1 and J-1 students under Teachers College sponsorship may apply for SSNs provided they meet SSA eligibility requirements. These include valid immigration documents, including a valid passport, I-20 or DS-2019, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94 notated "F-1 D/S" or "J-1 D/S." F-1 students must also provide evidence of lawful F-1 employment, such as an on-campus job or authorization for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or OPT. J-1 students are required to show evidence of employment and must be in valid J-1 status, registered for a full course of study, and have a Social Security letter from their sponsor.

For students at SUNY Broome, there are different categories of OPT. One popular option is Full Time OPT after completion of studies. Students must contact the International Student Counselor well in advance, as there are many rules and it can take up to 90 days for approval.

It is important to note that simply having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work in the US. However, if you have been granted legal authorization to work, you are required to obtain an SSN.

Severe Economic Hardship – requires authorization from USCIS

International students with an F-1 visa who are facing severe economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances may apply for off-campus work authorization from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This process involves several steps and requirements, and it is important to note that authorization is not guaranteed. Here is a detailed guide to help you understand the process:

Eligibility Requirements:

To be eligible for Economic Hardship employment authorization, you must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a valid F-1 visa and have maintained F-1 status for at least one academic year (two semesters).
• Be enrolled in a full course load and be in good academic standing.
• Demonstrate that you are experiencing economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances that occurred after obtaining F-1 status.
• Show that on-campus employment opportunities are unavailable or insufficient to meet your financial needs.
• Prove that off-campus employment will not interfere with your ability to attend school full-time and maintain your academic standing.

Application Process:

The process of applying for Severe Economic Hardship authorization from USCIS typically includes the following steps:

• Consult your International Student Advisor or an advisor at your institution's International Student Services (ISS) office. They can guide you through the process and recommend you for employment authorization in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
• Prepare the required documentation, which may include:

• A completed Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization." Be sure to follow the USCIS instructions for filling out the form, and do not date it until you are ready to submit your application.
• A personal statement or cover letter explaining your unforeseen hardship situation. Address this letter to USCIS, describing the facts that led to the hardship, and how it could not have been avoided. Include a plan to address your financial and academic situation, and assure USCIS that employment will not impact your ability to maintain a full course load.
• Evidence or documentation of your economic hardship, such as copies of past and present currency exchange charts showing devaluation of your country's currency, news articles, letters from home, or proof of changes in family circumstances.
• A copy of your F-1 visa page or I-797 (approval of change of status to F-1), if applicable.
• A copy of your unofficial transcript.
• Two identical, recent passport-style photographs. The photos must be in natural colour, full-face, and taken within the last 30 days.

• Submit your application to USCIS, along with the required fee. The application fee is typically $410 and can be paid by check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
• Wait for USCIS to process your application. This can take up to 90 days, and you will be notified of their decision in writing.

Authorization and Employment:

If your application is approved by USCIS, they will issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to you. This document authorizes you to work off-campus. It is important to note that:

• Employment authorization is typically granted in one-year intervals and can be renewed if you maintain your status and good academic standing.
• You may work for any employer, including during breaks (e.g., summer, winter, or spring break).
• You must not start working until you have received your EAD and the dates on it are valid.
• Employment authorization will automatically terminate if you fail to maintain your status, transfer to another school, or graduate.

In summary, while the Severe Economic Hardship authorization provides international students with an F-1 visa a valuable opportunity to work off-campus, it is important to carefully follow the application process and understand the requirements and limitations. Remember that USCIS makes case-by-case decisions, and you should always seek guidance from your International Student Advisor or ISS office before initiating the process.

Frequently asked questions