Savanna Hoffman
International students in the US can work part-time during their studies to offset the high costs of tuition and living expenses. Working part-time is allowed on most visas, but there are strict rules around what is permitted by the US government. On-campus jobs are the most accessible for international students, who can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and 40 hours per week during academic breaks. These include roles such as library or teaching assistant, research assistant, or campus ambassador. Off-campus jobs are also an option for international students, but they must be related to their area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). International students can also do internships or co-op programs in their field of study, which can lead to sponsorship after graduation. After graduating, international students on an F-1 visa have 60 days to enroll in another college program or an OPT program to gain employment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | F-1 (Academic Student), M-1 (Vocational Student) |
| Work eligibility | On-campus work is generally permitted for F-1 and M-1 visa holders; off-campus work may be permitted after the first academic year under certain conditions |
| Work hours | Up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during academic breaks |
| Job types | On-campus: dining hall, library, campus offices, research assistant, academic tutor; Off-campus: retail sales associate, food service worker |
| Additional considerations | OPT (Optional Practical Training), CPT (Curricular Practical Training), internships, networking, transferable skills |
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What You'll Learn
On-campus jobs
There are many different types of on-campus jobs available to undergraduate and graduate students, and international students can apply for the same jobs as domestic students unless the job posting specifically states otherwise. Some common examples of on-campus jobs include working in the library, cafeteria, or campus box office. Students can typically work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and may work more during breaks or summer vacation.
The best places to look for on-campus jobs are the college's online job board or a physical job board in a central location on campus. International students can use the "On-Campus" filter on the online job board to find eligible openings. Additionally, students can visit their college's career center for help with their resume and to find out about on-campus job opportunities. Networking is also important, and students can ask upperclassmen and peers how they found their on-campus jobs.
For international students on an F-1 visa, there are specific rules and restrictions for on-campus employment. F-1 students can work for a university employer or an off-campus location affiliated with their school, such as a research facility or sports stadium. They must be enrolled full-time in an academic program and can work up to 20 hours per week during the school year. After graduation, F-1 students can extend their visa status for a year through the OPT program to gain employment, training, or internship in their area of study.
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Off-campus jobs
For US students, off-campus jobs are available to F-1 students, except for border commuter students. To be eligible, the work must be for an employer educationally affiliated with the school, such as a school bookstore or cafeteria, and must be related to the student's area of study. F-1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): This is training that is an integral part of the student's curriculum and is often required for their major or offered for credit.
- Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT): F-1 students can apply for this after graduating, allowing them to work, train, or intern in their area of study for up to one year.
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT Extension: F-1 students in STEM fields may be eligible for a 24-month extension of their OPT, allowing them to gain additional practical training.
To work off-campus, F-1 students must obtain authorization from the Designated School Official (DSO) and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The DSO will determine eligibility and enter the recommendation into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The student will then receive Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status", which must be submitted along with Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization."
It is important to note that 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 must demonstrate their ability to afford living and school expenses before entering the US, and off-campus work authorization is typically only granted in cases of severe economic hardship or emergent circumstances as defined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
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Internships
On-Campus Internships
On-campus internships are a popular choice for international students as they are generally more accessible and provide relevant work experience. These internships can be with departments or organizations affiliated with the university, such as research laboratories, libraries, or administrative offices. International students can typically work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during academic breaks. On-campus internships are a good way to gain experience and build a network within the university community.
Off-Campus Internships
Off-campus internships offer international students the opportunity to gain experience in their field of study with external organizations. These internships may be subject to stricter regulations and typically require prior authorization from the Designated School Official (DSO) or the school's International Student Office, as well as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Off-campus internships must be related to the student's area of study and are usually limited to part-time positions during the academic year.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT internships are defined as "alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum offered by sponsoring employers through agreements with the school." CPT internships must be an integral part of the student's degree program or a requirement for a course to receive academic credit. Prior authorization from the school's International Student Office and notification to USCIS are required. CPT internships can be a great way to gain credit for work experience in a student's field of study.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT internships are available to F-1 students both during and after the completion of their degree. OPT provides an opportunity to gain practical training or work experience in the student's area of study. The OPT program allows students to extend their F-1 visa status for up to a year while they work, train, or intern. Applying for OPT can take several months, so it is recommended to start the process early, and it requires authorization from both USCIS and the school's International Student Office.
To increase their chances of securing an internship, international students should start preparing early, conduct thorough research on potential opportunities, and utilize the resources available through their university's career services office. Building a strong resume with relevant experience and transferable skills is crucial for standing out as a competitive candidate.
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Visa requirements
For international students looking to work in the US during their studies, there are strict rules and visa requirements that must be followed. The type of visa and how far into their university studies they are will determine the kind of work they can undertake.
F-1 Visa
The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows international students to enter the United States as full-time students. F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year but may accept on-campus employment, provided certain conditions are met. On-campus employment is defined as work that takes place on campus or at an off-campus location affiliated with the school. This could include working in a university bookstore, cafeteria, or library. F-1 students can work up to 20 hours per week during school sessions and full-time during annual vacations.
After the first academic year, F-1 students can engage in three types of off-campus employment:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Must be completed while enrolled at a college or university.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): Can be completed before or after graduation, with a total eligibility of 12 months. OPT work must be part-time (minimum 20 hours a week) or full-time (40 hours a week).
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT Extension: Allows students to stay and work in the US for 24 months after graduation.
M-1 Visa
The M-1 visa is for vocational or non-academic programs. M-1 students may engage in practical training only after they have completed their studies, and it must be related to their area of study.
H-1B Visa
The H-1B visa, or Person in Specialty Occupation Visa, is an option for those with an advanced education degree (BA, MA, or PhD) and a correlation between their degree, work experience, and job duties. This visa is initially granted for three years and can be extended for an additional three years.
Employment-Based Immigrant Visa
To obtain this visa, applicants typically need to apply for and obtain labor certification, demonstrating that no qualified US workers are available for the position. However, this process can be challenging and time-consuming, so applicants may prefer to apply under alternative categories that do not require labor certification. These categories include persons of extraordinary ability in specific fields, outstanding professors and researchers, and multinational executives and managers.
L-1B Intracompany Visa
This visa is based on specialized knowledge and requires labor certification.
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Networking
Another way to network is through internships. Internships allow you to build relationships with potential sponsors and gain valuable experience. Organisations that offer internships are more likely to hire international students, so it's worth researching and applying to these companies. Additionally, participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT) can help with networking. OPT allows international students to work off-campus during and after their studies, providing opportunities to connect with professionals in their field.
US students can also network through their college's career services office, which can provide advice on resumes, applications, and interview skills. Furthermore, joining clubs or organisations, hosting events, and teaching or tutoring can help develop valuable connections. Finally, online platforms, including college job boards, social media, and employment portals, can be utilised for networking and job alerts.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can work part-time during their studies in the US. Working part-time is allowed on most visas, but there are strict rules set by the US government.
On-campus jobs include working in the dining hall, library, athletic facilities, campus offices, and departments. Students can also work as paid research assistants, academic tutors, or take on paid student leadership roles.
Off-campus jobs include internships, retail sales associate, or food service worker.
Off-campus employment must be related to the student's area of study and must be authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) and the USCIS. Students must also have a valid US student visa and be in good academic standing.
The OPT program allows international students to extend their F-1 visa status for a year while they work, train, or intern in their area of study. Students can apply for OPT after being enrolled for 9 months, but employment can only begin after receiving an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and completing one year of study.
