Douglas Olsen
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are permitted to work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status during and after their degree. However, this requires prior authorization from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the student's International Student Office. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is another option for F-1 students, allowing them to participate in paid and unpaid internships during their degree for academic credit. To qualify, the internship must be relevant to the student's field of study. Remote work for international companies is also an option for F-1 students, but they must ensure they have proper work authorization to maintain their legal student visa status in the US.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Student visa type | F-1, M-1, J-1 |
| Work location | On-campus, off-campus |
| Work type | CPT, OPT, internships, employment |
| Work hours | 20 hours per week during classes, 40 hours per week when classes are not in session |
| Work authorization | Required for off-campus work, OPT, CPT, and remote work; not required for on-campus work |
| Work eligibility | Must be enrolled for at least 9 months, have active F-1 status, and obtain authorization from the Designated School Official and USCIS |
| Work restrictions | Cannot work for a company contracting with the school for non-student services |
| Social Security Number (SSN) | Required for employment; apply with a letter from employer, passport, visa, and other documents |
| STEM OPT | Requires I-983 training plan, completed OPT application, and supporting documentation |
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What You'll Learn
On-campus jobs
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are permitted to work on campus without additional work authorization. However, they must ensure that their employment does not exceed 20 hours per week during the academic year and 40 hours per week during academic breaks.
There are several on-campus jobs that international students can consider. These include:
- Libraries: International students can work in libraries, helping with tasks such as shelving books, assisting patrons, and maintaining the library facilities.
- Labs: Students can find work opportunities in science labs, providing support to researchers or professors.
- Food Service: Working in cafeterias or dining halls is a common option for international students. Serving food, preparing meals, and maintaining cleanliness in these areas are some of the responsibilities.
- Residence Halls: International students can work as night desk attendants in residence halls, responsible for signing residents' guests in and out and ensuring the security of the premises.
- Bookstores: On-campus bookstores often employ international students to assist with sales, inventory management, and customer service.
- Tutoring: Students with strong academic knowledge in certain subjects can apply to become tutors and help their peers improve their understanding of various courses.
- Research Positions: Professors may offer research positions to international students, which can be a great way to gain experience in a specific field of study.
To find on-campus job opportunities, international students can utilize online job portals, university-specific platforms, career centers, networking, job fairs, and word-of-mouth recommendations. It is important to note that competition for on-campus jobs can be high, so starting the search process early and having a well-prepared resume are advantageous. Additionally, international students should be mindful of the specific rules and regulations regarding their visa status and on-campus employment.
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Off-campus employment
To be eligible for off-campus employment, international students must meet specific requirements and obtain official authorization. Failure to do so can result in serious consequences, including the loss of their F-1 student status and visa revocation. One key requirement is that off-campus employment must be related to the student's field of study or academic program. This is known as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and includes internships, cooperative education, and other practical experiences that are an integral part of the student's curriculum. CPT employment can be paid or unpaid, but prior authorization from the school's International Student Office and notification to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) are necessary.
Another option for off-campus employment is Optional Practical Training (OPT), which is a type of temporary work authorization related to the student's major. OPT allows students to work in areas related to their field of study for up to one year, either before or after graduation. To be eligible for OPT, students must have a Form I-20 and apply through USCIS. There are three categories of OPT: pre-completion OPT, post-completion OPT, and the special extension of the OPT program, which is available only to students employed by companies enrolled in the E-Verify program and studying specific subjects.
It is important to note that the off-campus employment authorization for F-1 students ends one year after issuance or upon completion of the program, whichever comes first. Additionally, F-1 students are expected to demonstrate their ability to afford school and living expenses before entering the US and should not plan on working off-campus. Off-campus employment is only authorized in cases of severe economic hardship occurring after enrollment or emergent circumstances, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
In summary, while off-campus employment is possible for international students in the US, it is subject to strict regulations and requires proper authorization to avoid legal repercussions. Students must ensure they understand the eligibility requirements and seek guidance from their International Student Office before applying for or accepting any off-campus employment.
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Work visa requirements
International students in the US on F1 visas are permitted to work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status both during and after the completion of their degree. However, this is only possible after they have been enrolled for at least a year and have received their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
F1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment, subject to certain conditions and restrictions. After the first academic year, F1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): This is 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." CPT employment must be an integral part of the established curriculum or academic program, and prior authorization is required from the school's International Student Office and the USCIS.
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT): F1 students may be eligible for this extension if they file their application before the expiration of their initial OPT period.
- Severe Economic Hardship: USCIS may authorize off-campus employment in cases of severe economic hardship occurring after a student's enrollment, provided the student has been in F1 status for at least one full academic year.
For students on M-1 visas, which are for vocational or non-academic programs, off-campus employment must be related to their area of study and must be authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) and the USCIS before starting work.
Additionally, students on J-1 visas can obtain authorization from their program sponsor to work for up to 18 months, while PhD students can work for up to 36 months, provided the academic training period does not exceed the length of their academic program.
It is important to note that work visa requirements and regulations can vary based on the student's visa status, field of study, and other factors. Students should always consult with their International Student Office and refer to official government sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding work visa requirements.
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Work hour limitations
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are subject to strict rules and limitations regarding work, particularly off-campus employment. F-1 students are generally not permitted to work off-campus during their first academic year, and any off-campus employment must be related to their area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
On-campus employment is typically limited to 20 hours per week during academic periods and can increase to up to 40 hours per week during breaks when classes are not in session. F-1 students with on-campus employment can exceed 20 hours of work per week during breaks and annual vacations.
For off-campus employment, F-1 students must meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization. Off-campus work is only allowed in specific circumstances, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is 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." To qualify, the work experience must be required for the student's degree or academic credit must be awarded. OPT, on the other hand, allows F-1 students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year either before or after graduation.
It is important to note that working more hours than authorized is considered a violation of status, which can result in the termination of employment authorization and even the revocation of the F-1 visa. Students must carefully adhere to the work hour limitations and ensure timely submission of their work hours.
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Remote work policies
International students on an F-1 visa in the US are subject to specific regulations regarding remote work for international companies. While remote work offers the advantage of increased job opportunities, it is crucial to understand the legal requirements to maintain valid visa status. Any work performed within the US, including remote work for international companies, necessitates US work authorisation.
After their first year, F-1 international students require proper work authorisation to engage in remote work, whether for US or non-US companies. This includes unpaid internships, volunteer positions, and opportunities through Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT). OPT allows students to work before or after graduation in roles related to their major, with a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic semester and up to 40 hours during school breaks. CPT enables students to participate in internships relevant to their field of study while earning academic credit.
To legally work remotely for a US company while on OPT, international students must possess a current Employment Authorisation Document (EAD) issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Additionally, the work must directly relate to the student's primary subject of study, aligning with their academic objectives and professional development.
When working remotely from their home country, international students must maintain their F-1 student status and abide by F-1 visa rules. Failure to do so can have serious implications on their immigration status. It is important to be aware of potential challenges, such as meeting scheduling and labour law differences. Furthermore, tax implications may arise in both the US and the student's home country, necessitating consultation with a tax expert.
International students on an F-1 visa are advised to explore on-campus employment opportunities, which can include remote or partially remote positions. Additionally, they can consider alternative sources of income, such as rental properties, stock investments, and royalties from publications outside the US.
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Frequently asked questions
International students in the US with an F1 visa can work off-campus in Optional Practical Training (OPT) status during and after their degree. They can also work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during breaks.
Students must apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and get prior authorization from their school's International Student Office. They will also need a Social Security Number, which they can apply for with a letter from their employer and a confirmation of their eligibility to work from their International Student Services Office.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of work authorization that allows F1 international students to participate in paid and unpaid internships during their degree program for academic credit. It can include internships, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum. Optional Practical Training (OPT) is work authorization that allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year either before or after graduation.
International students in the US can work remotely for an international company, but they must have proper work authorization and ensure they maintain their legal student visa status. They can use OPT for remote work, but they can only work up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester and up to 40 hours during breaks.
