Lori Meadows
International undergraduate students can work in the USA, but there are several restrictions and requirements that must be considered. Students with F-1 and M-1 visas are allowed to work on-campus and in specified training programs, but they must not work off-campus during their first academic year. Students can gain off-campus employment after their first academic year through programs like Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows international students to work for up to 12 months before or after graduation. To work off-campus, students must obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and meet eligibility requirements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Student visa type | F-1 or M-1 |
| Student status | Full-time |
| Academic program | "Academic", language-training, or vocational |
| School | Approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement |
| English proficiency | Proficient or enrolled in courses leading to proficiency |
| Funds | Sufficient funds for self-support during the proposed course of study |
| Residence | Maintain a residence abroad with no intention of giving up |
| Work type | On-campus or off-campus |
| Work hours | Up to 20 hours per week during classes, up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session |
| Work permission | Required from Designated School Official and USCIS for off-campus work |
| Work eligibility | Must be related to the area of study |
| Social Security Number | Only for aliens with permission from DHS to work |
| Employment Authorization Document (EAD) | Required for off-campus work; processing time up to 3 months |
| Optional Practical Training (OPT) | Allows work up to 12 months before or after degree completion; requires authorization |
| Curricular Practical Training (CPT) | Paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or related experience in the field of study |
| STEM OPT extension | Available for degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics |
| Post-graduation work visa | H-1B visa, Green Card |
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What You'll Learn
On-campus employment
International students in the US with an F-1 visa are allowed to work on campus and in specified training programs. Students are not permitted to work off-campus during their first academic year. On-campus jobs are student-oriented, such as working in the library, cafeteria, or student center. Most colleges and universities can assist international students in finding on-campus employment.
F-1 students may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. They may work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during holidays, vacations, and when school is not in session. Students can work in more than one on-campus job, but the combined hours each week still cannot be more than 20. F-1 students must also report their work and receive a certification letter to present to the Social Security Administration to receive a Social Security number.
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Off-campus employment
International students in the US with an F-1 visa are permitted to work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status both during and after the completion of their degree. However, off-campus employment is subject to several eligibility requirements and restrictions.
Firstly, off-campus employment authorization is only granted after the student has completed their first academic year. Secondly, students must receive work authorization from their DSO before commencing off-campus work. This involves applying for CPT or OPT authorization, which must be included on the student's Form I-20. CPT authorization specifies whether the student is approved for part-time or full-time employment and the specific employer and dates authorized. OPT, on the other hand, allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year before or after graduation. Students with an F-1 visa can apply for OPT through USCIS.
There are two main types of OPT: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Post-completion OPT. CPT is a type of temporary employment that trains students in their field of study and can include internships, cooperative education jobs, or practicums. CPT employment must be an integral part of the student's curriculum and can be paid or unpaid. Post-completion OPT allows students to work off-campus in a job related to their field of study after graduation, provided they work at least 20 hours a week. Students can accumulate a maximum of 90 days of unemployment while seeking employment.
In addition to CPT and OPT, F-1 students may be eligible for off-campus employment in cases of severe economic hardship or special student relief. This benefit is available to students who have completed at least one academic year and can demonstrate a severe economic hardship beyond their control, such as emergent circumstances defined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These include world events like natural disasters, wars, and financial crises.
It is important to note that working in the US as an international student without proper authorization can have serious repercussions, including deportation and the loss of F-1 student status. Therefore, students should closely follow all USCIS regulations and work with their International Student Office to ensure they meet eligibility requirements and obtain necessary approvals.
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Student visa requirements
To study in the U.S. as an international undergraduate student, you must obtain a student visa. The U.S. government offers two types of nonimmigrant visas for students: the F-1 visa and the M-1 visa. The F-1 visa is for full-time international students pursuing academic studies, while the M-1 visa is for full-time international students pursuing vocational studies.
To be eligible for either visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Enrolment in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program.
- Your school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement.
- Enrolment as a full-time student at the institution.
- Proficiency in English or enrolment in courses leading to English proficiency.
- Sufficient funds available for self-support during the entire proposed course of study.
- Maintenance of a residence abroad which you have no intention of giving up.
In addition to the standard F-1 and M-1 visas, there are other visa options for specific situations:
- J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa: This visa is for foreign nationals who have been approved to take part in work-and-study-based exchange programs. Examples include visiting scholars, camp counselors, au pairs, and research assistants.
- B-1/B-2 Visa: This visa is a temporary, non-immigrant visa that allows holders to travel to the U.S. for business or tourism. While it does not permit study leading to a U.S.-conferred degree or certificate, it can be used for short-term study or distance learning programs that include a period of time on a U.S. campus.
For students interested in working during their studies, there are several options available:
- On-Campus Employment: On-campus employment is the category most freely permitted by USCIS regulations and does not require prior authorization. However, opportunities may be limited, and many schools require permission from the International Student Office before accepting any on-campus employment.
- Off-Campus Employment with Optional Practical Training (OPT): International students in valid F-1 status are permitted to work off-campus during and after the completion of their degree through OPT. All OPT employment requires prior authorization from USCIS and the school's International Student Office. Students can apply for OPT after being enrolled for at least 9 months and must have received their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS before starting work.
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): CPT is a type of off-campus employment that is directly related to the student's area of study. It must be authorized by the Designated School Official and USCIS before starting work.
- Employment with a Recognized International Organization: F-1 students who have been in valid status for at least one full academic year and are in good academic standing can apply for an EAD to work with a recognized international organization. The employment must be within the scope of the organization's sponsorship and the student's field of study.
It is important to note that the rules and regulations regarding student visas and employment authorization can be complex and subject to change. Students should refer to the U.S. government's official websites and resources for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
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Work visa options
International students in the US on F-1 visas are allowed to work in specified areas, but only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
On-Campus Employment
On-campus employment is available to F-1 students whose status is Active in SEVIS. Students may apply for this up to 30 days before the start of classes and must gain a letter of approval from their DSO and their employer to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). Students may not work more than 20 hours per week when school is in session. On-campus jobs are student-oriented, such as working in the library, cafeteria, or student center.
Off-Campus Employment
Off-campus employment is only available to F-1 students who have completed at least one full academic year of their program of study and who have an economic hardship that qualifies for the Department of Homeland Security's emergent circumstances. Students must have a Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," signed within the last 30 days, certifying that the applicant is a bona fide F-1 student. Off-campus employment ends 1 year after issuance or upon completion of the program (whichever comes first).
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
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 include internships, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT is a program that allows international students in the United States to work temporarily for up to 12 months. OPT can be completed both before or after completing your studies, but it’s important to remember that you are only allowed to work for a total of 12 months, including pre-completion and post-completion of your degree. Students with degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT.
H-1B Visa
The H-1B visa is a great option for a postgraduate work visa, granted for an initial period of three years and can be extended for an additional three years. To qualify for this work visa, your employer is required to initiate the visa process.
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Social Security Numbers
International students in the US on a valid F1 visa are permitted to work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status during and after their degree. Students can apply for OPT after being enrolled for at least nine months, but they cannot begin employment until they receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and have been enrolled for at least a year.
To work in the US, nonimmigrant workers, including international students, need a Social Security Number (SSN). The Social Security Administration (SSA) assigns nine-digit SSNs to US citizens, permanent residents, and eligible nonimmigrant workers. The SSA uses SSNs to report wages to the government, track Social Security benefits, and for other identification purposes.
To apply for an SSN, students must first verify that they are in Active status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Their SEVIS record must be in Active status for at least two days before applying for an SSN. Students should wait at least ten days after arriving in the US before applying to allow enough time for their arrival information to update in all government systems.
To file an application for an SSN card, students can go in person to any SSA office. They must provide original documents to prove their age, identity, and work-authorized immigration status. The OISS recommends that students do not apply for an SSN more than 30 days before starting their on-campus employment, as applications submitted earlier than this have been rejected as too early.
It is important to note that simply having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work in the US. However, if an international student has been granted legal authorization to work and is working, they are required to apply for and obtain an SSN.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can work in the USA while studying, but there are some restrictions. Students with an F-1 or M-1 visa are allowed to work on-campus and in specified training programs. Students are not allowed to work off-campus during their first academic year.
To work off-campus, students must meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization. Students must have been in valid F-1 status for at least one full academic year and be in good academic standing. They must then apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
To obtain an EAD, students must first obtain an internship offer with an international organization recognized by the United States. They must then work with the DSO (Designated School Official) to apply for the EAD with USCIS. The DSO will enter their recommendation into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and provide the student with the supporting Form I-20. The student will also need to submit Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization", and the associated fee to USCIS.
