Douglas Olsen
International students with an F-1 visa are subject to strict rules and regulations regarding employment in the United States. While they may be tempted to work extra hours or take on off-campus jobs without authorization, doing so can result in severe consequences, including losing their F-1 student status and being forced to leave the country. To avoid any violations, international students must understand the limitations of their visa and seek proper authorization before engaging in any form of employment. This includes obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN), which is required for both on-campus and off-campus jobs, and adhering to the weekly hour restrictions for on-campus employment, typically limited to 20 hours per week during classes and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session.
Characteristics and Values of International Students Working Overtime
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work hours | International students can work up to 20 hours per week on-campus when classes are in session and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. |
| Off-campus work | Students with F-1 status cannot be employed off-campus without meeting eligibility requirements and obtaining official authorization. |
| Documentation | International students need a Social Security Number (SSN) to get a job. They must apply for an SSN with a job offer and other required documents, including a letter from the employer, passport, F-1 visa, and Form I-20. |
| Eligibility | Students must prove their financial ability to pay tuition and living expenses before entering the country. They must also maintain their F-1 status and follow specific processes for employment authorization, including obtaining a Form I-20 and submitting Form I-765 to USCIS. |
| Curricular Practical Training (CPT) | CPT provides employment related to the student's field of study, which can be paid or unpaid internships, cooperative education jobs, or other practical experiences. |
| Optional Practical Training (OPT) | OPT allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year before or after graduation. Students must have been enrolled for at least one academic year and have active F-1 status to be eligible. |
| Severe economic hardship | USCIS will authorize off-campus employment for F-1 students in cases of severe economic hardship after enrollment and maintaining F-1 status for at least one academic year. |
| Grace period | There is a 60-day grace period after the permitted stay as an F-1 student, during which no work is allowed. |
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What You'll Learn
On-campus work rules for F-1 students
International students with F-1 visas are eligible to work on their school campuses while studying in the US. However, they must adhere to specific rules and regulations regarding on-campus employment.
Firstly, F-1 students can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during annual vacations or when school is not in session. It is important to note that on-campus employment must not exceed 20 hours per week during the regular school year.
Secondly, F-1 students can only work in qualifying on-campus jobs that do not displace US citizens or lawful permanent residents. The work must take place either at the school or at an educationally affiliated off-campus location. For example, work for an on-campus commercial business, like a bookstore or cafeteria, is allowed as long as it directly provides services for students. Employment with on-site commercial firms that do not provide direct student services, such as construction, is not considered on-campus employment.
Thirdly, F-1 students must report their on-campus work to the Designated School Official (DSO) and receive a certification letter to present to the Social Security Administration to obtain a Social Security number. This is a crucial step to ensure they maintain their student status and comply with federal laws and regulations.
Additionally, F-1 students can begin working up to 30 days before the start of their program of study. They can also continue working on-campus during the summer vacation, provided they intend to register for the next academic semester.
It is important for F-1 students to understand and follow these on-campus work rules to maintain their student status and avoid any violations that could result in their having to leave the United States.
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Off-campus work rules for F-1 students
F-1 students are allowed to work on campus, but there are stricter rules regarding off-campus work. F-1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year. After the first year, they may engage in off-campus work under certain conditions.
To qualify for off-campus employment, students must demonstrate why on-campus employment is unavailable or insufficient to meet their financial needs. They must be able to prove that their financial hardship is due to unforeseen changes in circumstances, such as the loss of financial aid, substantial fluctuations in the value of currency or exchange rate, unexpected changes in the financial condition of the student's source of support, medical bills, or other substantial and unexpected expenses.
In special global circumstances, such as famine, war, or economic downturn, the US government may allow students from affected countries temporary benefits, including the ability to apply for off-campus employment. This is called Special Student Relief (SSR). Off-campus employment recommendations under SSR cannot exceed one year.
To engage in off-campus work, F-1 students must file a Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). They must also include a copy of a properly endorsed Form I-20, which is a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, with the filing. The student must also have a valid F-1 status and have been enrolled full-time for one academic year.
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Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT is only available before the completion of a degree program, and students must have a job offer at the time of application. CPT employment may not delay the completion of the academic program. Students must maintain full-time enrolment during the fall and winter CPT terms. Full-time enrolment is 12 credit hours for undergraduate students, 8 credit hours for graduate students, and 6 credit hours for Graduate Student Instructors and Graduate Student Research Assistants.
Students interested in CPT must make an appointment with International Student Services to see if they are eligible. They must also submit all required documents, including the CPT Certification Course certificate, a detailed training description, and the Academic/Faculty Advisor Recommendation Form. CPT authorization is only required when the training takes place inside the United States. Students must also apply for work authorization by filing a Form I-765 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and paying a filing fee.
It is important to note that 12 months or more of full-time CPT will eliminate a student's eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
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Optional Practical Training (OPT)
International students in the United States on an F-1 visa are permitted to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during breaks. To do so, they must obtain a Social Security Number (SSN).
However, there are strict rules for international students who want to work off-campus. Students with an F-1 visa cannot be employed off-campus without meeting eligibility requirements and obtaining official authorization. One way to do this is through Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT is a type of work authorization that allows eligible students to work in areas directly related to their major for up to one year before or after completing their academic studies. To be eligible, students must have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year and have active F-1 student status. The OPT application process involves several steps and players, and students must submit Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization", and pay the associated fee.
Students can file for OPT up to 90 days before the program end date and no later than 60 days after. The OPT employment must be a minimum of 20 hours per week, and students may change jobs during the OPT period. If a student transfers to another school or begins a new degree program at a higher level, their authorization to engage in OPT employment will automatically terminate.
It is important to note that working in the United States without authorization has serious consequences, including removal from the country and re-entry bars.
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Social Security Number (SSN) application
International students in the United States with an F-1 visa are generally allowed to 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. Off-campus work is not permitted unless certain eligibility requirements are met and official authorization is obtained.
A Social Security Number (SSN) is a 9-digit number issued to citizens and eligible non-citizens in the US. Its primary purpose is to track individuals for taxation and employment reporting purposes. While an SSN is not a requirement for a work permit, it is important as you need it to get a job on or off campus.
- Submit a Social Security Letter Request: If you are a J-1 student under the sponsorship of a J-1 exchange visitor program, you must submit your department letter to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). The OISS will issue a second letter confirming your employment and student status. If your employment is based on practical training, international organization employment, or severe economic hardship employment, you do not need an OISS letter.
- Visit a Social Security Office: Bring the following documents to your local Social Security Administration Office:
- A letter from your employer, on company letterhead, stating the job title, work hours, start date, and rate of pay.
- A letter from your International Student Services Office confirming your eligibility to work.
- Your passport, F-1 visa, and I-94 number.
- Your Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," signed within the last 30 days.
- Complete the Social Security Application Online: You can usually complete the application online and then bring your original documents to the local Social Security Administration Office.
- Timing: Apply no earlier than 30 days before your scheduled employment start date. You must visit the SSA office and show your documentation within 45 calendar days of completing your online application.
- Processing Time: Once your application is accepted, ask for an application receipt to show your employer. You can expect to receive your SSN within 2-6 weeks, although processing times may vary.
- Receive Your SSN: The Social Security Administration will mail your number and card once all of your immigration information has been verified.
- Replacement Cards: If your card is lost or stolen, you can replace it for free if you meet the eligibility requirements.
Please note that the specific process and requirements may vary depending on your location and immigration status, so it is always best to check with the relevant authorities and seek the most up-to-date information.
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Frequently asked questions
International students with an F-1 visa are allowed to 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.
It is up to the school to implement rules concerning the F1 visa. Some schools are strict, but many are relaxed and may overlook minor infractions.
Working without authorization is considered a violation of your visa status and can result in your SEVIS record being terminated. This means you will have to leave the United States immediately and may not be allowed to return.
International students can do Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is paid or unpaid employment that counts for academic credit. OPT allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year before or after graduation.
