Janice Lozano
International students often turn to freelancing to gain valuable work experience and supplement their income. However, they are subject to work authorization requirements and visa restrictions that affect their ability to freelance. The laws governing international students' ability to freelance vary from country to country and depend on the type of visa and academic program they are enrolled in. In the US, for example, international students on F-1 visas are only authorized to work on campus unless they obtain additional work authorization through programs like Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). Other countries, like Canada, may allow international students to work on or off-campus without a work permit as long as they satisfy certain requirements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Freelancing in the US | Considered a type of self-employment |
| Work authorization | Required for freelancing in the US |
| F-1 visa | Only authorized to work on campus unless they get additional work authorization |
| Curricular Practical Training (CPT) | A type of work authorization that allows F-1 international students to participate in internships during their degree program for academic credit |
| CPT duration restrictions | For J-1 students, the total time spent in academic training cannot exceed the length of the program |
| CPT and OPT | CPT cannot be used for freelance work, OPT may be able to be used for freelance work after the first year of school |
| OPT | Allows international students to work either before or after graduation in a job related to their major |
| OPT and F-1 visa | F-1 students who use the full 12 months of CPT are no longer eligible to apply for OPT |
| OPT and STEM | Students with a qualifying STEM major can extend post-completion OPT for up to 24 months, but they cannot freelance on this extension |
| OPT and tax fraud | Students must disclose income earned while in the US, even if it is from an offshore company |
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What You'll Learn
Work authorization requirements
International students in the US are subject to work authorization requirements that affect their ability to freelance. Freelancing is considered self-employment, and international students on F-1 visas are only authorized to work on campus unless they obtain additional work authorization.
There are two work authorization options for international students: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT cannot be used for freelance work as it must be tied to a specific employer. OPT may be used for freelance work, but it must be approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and authorization may take three months or more. OPT can be used for remote work for a non-US company, but students can only work up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester and up to 40 hours per week during school breaks.
To ensure legality while freelancing on OPT, all work must be related to the student's academic major and field of study. Students should keep meticulous records of their assignments, hours worked, and communications. They should also be prepared to prove that their freelance work is full-time, as this is a requirement to maintain their OPT status.
It is important to note that any work performed in the US, including remote work for a non-US company, requires US work authorization. The penalty for working illegally in the US can be severe, including losing one's student visa, facing difficulties in obtaining future visas, and being banned from re-entering the US for a period of time.
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On-campus jobs
International students in the US on F-1 visas are only authorised to work on campus unless they get additional work authorisation. On-campus jobs are a great option for international students looking to earn some money while studying. These jobs can be started in the first year of school and do not need to be related to the student's major.
There are a variety of on-campus jobs available for international students. These include traditional roles such as working in the library, cafeteria, or administrative offices. Additionally, some on-campus jobs may be remote or partially remote, such as working as a social media coordinator for the school's career centre. These remote opportunities can offer a great deal of flexibility for students, allowing them to work from their dorm rooms or other convenient locations.
It is important to note that on-campus jobs for international students are typically limited to 20 hours per week during the academic year when classes are in session. However, during holiday breaks, the work hours may be extended to up to 37.5 hours per week. International students must ensure they do not exceed these work hour limits to maintain compliance with their visa requirements.
While on-campus jobs provide a valuable source of income for international students, they also offer other benefits. Students can gain valuable work experience, develop soft skills, and build their resumes. Additionally, working on campus allows students to develop a stronger connection to their university and foster relationships with peers, faculty, and staff.
In conclusion, on-campus jobs offer international students a fantastic opportunity to earn an income while studying in the US. By understanding the visa requirements and exploring the available options, international students can find suitable on-campus employment that aligns with their interests, skills, and schedule.
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Internships through CPT
International students on F-1 visas are only authorized to work on campus unless they obtain additional work authorization. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of work authorization that allows F-1 international students to participate in paid and unpaid internships during their degree program for academic credit. CPT cannot be used for freelance work because it must be tied to a specific employer. CPT may be authorized for students who enroll in a course that requires employment to earn a grade, or a course where students design their own research project based on the employment. CPT authorization is only required when the training is inside the United States. For example, a summer internship in a student’s home country does not need CPT authorization.
To qualify for CPT, the internship must be relevant to the student's field of study. CPT can be authorized on a part-time or full-time basis, in accordance with school policies. When school is in session, the student must maintain a full course of study even when CPT is authorized. Students seeking CPT authorization must have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year. An exception exists for graduate students whose programs require earlier training. Additionally, CPT cannot be authorized for self-employment.
Students must secure an academically appropriate internship offer directly related to their current degree. The internship must be supervised and cannot be managed by another F-1 or J-1 student. Positions must be appropriate to the student's level of study and major field of study. Retail sales, food service, and other unskilled positions will be denied. Students must also ensure that their designated school official (DSO) understands federal regulations and policy guidance to determine if they qualify for CPT.
Students interested in internships through CPT should start by consulting their university's international student office. They can help navigate school requirements and determine eligibility for CPT authorization. It is important to plan ahead, as CPT requests are commonly delayed due to errors or omissions on the request form or employment letter. Students should submit their CPT application at least two weeks before their internship start date to ensure timely authorization.
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OPT after graduation
International students in the US are subject to work authorization requirements that affect their ability to freelance. There are two work authorization options for international students: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT cannot be used for freelance work because it must be tied to a specific employer. OPT may be used for freelance work, but only after the first year of school.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student's major area of study. Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion). All OPT must be directly related to the student's major area of study.
To qualify for post-completion OPT, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be maintaining a valid F-1 status at the time of your OPT application.
- You must have completed at least three academic quarters (or one full academic year) of full-time study before applying.
- You must be at the end of your academic program. Undergraduate students must be graduating from university. Graduate students may apply if only thesis or dissertation requirements remain.
- You must not have used 12 months or more of full-time CPT at the same degree level.
- You must not have previously used post-completion OPT for the same degree level.
To apply for OPT, you must request that your designated school official (DSO) at your academic institution recommend the OPT. The DSO will make the recommendation by endorsing your Form I-20, Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, and making the appropriate notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). You must then properly file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with USCIS, along with the required fee and supporting documentation.
It is important to note that working in the US without authorization has serious consequences, including removal from the country and re-entry bars. Therefore, if you are an international student considering freelancing, it is crucial to ensure that you have the proper work authorization and take the necessary steps to maintain your student status.
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Work outside of campus
International students in the US are subject to work authorization requirements that affect their ability to freelance. Freelancing is considered a type of self-employment, and international students on F-1 visas are only authorized to work on campus unless they obtain additional work authorization. Those interested in freelancing should first consult with their university's designated school official (DSO) or international student office to understand their school's requirements for obtaining work authorizations.
There are two primary work authorization options for international students in the US: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT allows F-1 students to participate in paid and unpaid internships during their degree program for academic credit. To qualify, the internship must be relevant to the student's field of study, and it must be authorized by the student's university. CPT cannot be used for freelance work because it must be tied to a specific employer.
On the other hand, OPT allows international students to work either before or after graduation in a job related to their major. OPT can be used for freelance work, both before and after graduation, and for companies outside the US. However, students must ensure that their work is related to their academic field of study and that they do not exceed the OPT limit of 20 hours per week during the academic semester and 40 hours per week during school breaks.
It is important to note that any work done on US soil, including remote work for a non-US company, requires US work authorization. International students must carefully navigate the regulations surrounding work authorization to avoid penalties for working illegally in the US, which can include losing their student visa and being banned from re-entry for several years.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can freelance in the US, but they need to obtain work authorization. This includes remote freelance work, working with a non-US company, and one-time projects.
The process of obtaining work authorization for freelancing as an international student in the US can vary depending on the student's visa status and program stage. The most common types of visas are F and J categories. F-1 students can enroll in full-time CPT for up to 12 months, while J-1 scholars can request authorization from their universities for academic training.
Yes, international students on F-1 visas are only authorized to work on campus unless they obtain additional work authorization. They cannot work more than 20 hours per week during the academic semester and all work must be related to their field of study.
Yes, international students can freelance for companies outside the US. However, any work done on US soil requires US work authorization, even if it is for a company in another country.
International students considering freelancing in the US should first speak to the designated school official (DSO) of their university's international student office. They should also keep detailed records of all jobs, contracts, and income earned to avoid any issues with their visa status and future visa applications.
