Douglas Olsen
Being an international student in the United States comes with a unique set of opportunities and challenges. One of the primary concerns for international students is often their ability to work during their studies. The US government imposes strict regulations on international student employment, with specific visa requirements and work authorization processes. International students on F-1 visas have limited off-campus work opportunities and must demonstrate financial stability before entering the country. However, they can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during classes and up to 40 hours per week during breaks. Additionally, programs like Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) offer valuable work experience related to their field of study. These programs can help international students cover their education costs and gain practical skills. Overall, while international students face employment restrictions, there are pathways to gaining work experience and financial support during their studies in the United States.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | F-1 or M-1 visa |
| Visa requirements | Proficiency in English, sufficient funds, residence abroad |
| Work opportunities | Limited work opportunities for F-1 students; M-1 students can engage in practical training after studies |
| On-campus employment | F-1 students can work up to 20 hours per week during classes, 40 hours per week when classes are not in session |
| Off-campus employment | F-1 students must meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization; M-1 students must have completed their studies |
| Curricular Practical Training (CPT) | Paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to the field of study |
| Optional Practical Training (OPT) | Work authorization for up to one year before or after graduation; F-1 students may be eligible to work off-campus in cases of severe economic hardship |
| Social Security Number | Required for both on-campus and off-campus employment |
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What You'll Learn
Work experience and education cost coverage
International students in the United States often face constraints imposed by US immigration laws and visa policies, which can limit their access to work experience and financial aid. For instance, federal work-study programs are not open to international students, as they are federally funded. However, some schools have special policies that allow international students to work in jobs that would otherwise be reserved for the federal work-study program. International students with an F-1 visa may be eligible to work off-campus in specific situations, such as severe economic hardship, but any off-campus employment must be related to their area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official and USCIS.
Working while studying can help international students finance their educational expenses, save for other costs, and gain real-world experience in their field. It can also help them expand their network and meet new people. International students can seek guidance from their school's career services or international student office to explore job opportunities available to them.
Regarding education cost coverage, international students in the US often pay higher tuition fees than domestic students, and they may not be eligible for the same financial aid or loan programs. This can create a significant financial burden, and it is important for international students to carefully consider the costs of their education and explore alternative funding sources, such as scholarships or private loans.
Health insurance is another critical consideration for international students in the US. Most universities and visas require international students to have health insurance, and navigating the US healthcare system can be challenging due to its complexity. International students should familiarize themselves with basic healthcare concepts and ensure they have sufficient coverage to avoid unexpected medical bills. The cost of health insurance can be significant, but it is essential for peace of mind and can provide access to quality care in case of illness or injury.
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Visa requirements
To study in the United States as an international student, you must obtain a student visa. The type of visa you need depends on your course of study. The two main nonimmigrant visa categories for international students are F and M visas.
F-1 Visa (Academic Student)
The F-1 visa is for full-time international students pursuing academic studies. To qualify for an F-1 visa, you must:
- Be enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program.
- Attend a school that is approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
- Have sufficient funds available for self-support during your entire course of study.
- Maintain a residence abroad with no intention of giving it up.
- Have a passport valid for travel to the United States, valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay.
- Pay the visa application fee and, if applicable, the visa issuance fee.
- Attend a visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, where you will need to provide evidence of your ability to pay all educational, living, and travel costs, as well as confirm your intention to return home after your studies.
M-1 Visa (Vocational Student)
The M-1 visa is for full-time international students pursuing vocational studies or other non-academic programs (other than language training). The requirements for an M-1 visa are similar to those of an F-1 visa, with the exception of the type of program you must be enrolled in.
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
The J-1 visa is for foreign nationals who have been approved to take part in work-and-study-based exchange programs. Institutions that place participants in J-visa programs must be accredited.
Visitor (B) Visa
For short periods of recreational study, a Visitor (B) visa may be appropriate. This type of visa permits enrollment in a short recreational course of study that is not for credit toward a degree or academic certificate. Study leading to a U.S.-conferred degree or certificate is not permitted on a Visitor (B) visa.
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Work eligibility
International students can face strict rules and limitations regarding work eligibility, which can vary depending on the country and visa type. In the United States, international students with an F-1 visa are generally allowed to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during classes and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. However, off-campus employment is highly restricted and usually requires prior authorisation. To work off-campus, F-1 students must meet eligibility requirements, such as demonstrating severe economic hardship after enrolment or facing emergent circumstances as defined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Additionally, F-1 students are not eligible for federally funded work-study programs, although some universities offer institutional work-study programs that are open to international students.
In Canada, international students can work off-campus without a work permit for up to 24 hours per week, provided they meet certain requirements, including being a full-time student at a designated learning institution. However, working beyond the permitted hours or failing to meet the eligibility requirements can result in losing student status and facing deportation.
International students in the UK may face restrictions on claiming welfare benefits. Most international students are not eligible for welfare benefits, and claiming them could breach their immigration conditions if they have "no recourse to public funds" or "no access to public funds" stated in their immigration permission. However, there are exceptions, such as claiming benefits based on National Insurance contributions or maternity-related benefits.
It is important for international students to understand the work eligibility criteria and visa requirements specific to their host country to ensure compliance and avoid any negative consequences.
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Employment types
International students in the US can obtain work authorization under specific circumstances, whether during their studies or after graduation. The most common type of student visa, F-1, allows for an initial 12 months of full-time work authorization, called Optional Practical Training (OPT). During this period, employers do not need to secure work authorization, and there are no extra costs. STEM students can receive extensions of 24 months, thus allowing them to work full-time for 36 months after completing their degrees.
F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. After the first year, they may engage in three types of off-campus employment:
- Off-campus employment due to severe economic hardship
- Off-campus employment due to emergent circumstances
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT)
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is work authorization that allows F-1 students to accept practical training in their academic field after one year of full-time study. Internship programs are some of the most common types of CPT opportunities for international students. Students can choose to work full or part-time during their internships, depending on the institution’s CPT policy. CPT is solely the responsibility of the student and does not require any action from the hiring organization.
International students are valuable to employers because they can offer a wealth of knowledge and bridge gaps between countries and cultures. However, there seems to be a disconnect between what companies know is valuable and how they view international students as a way to fill talent needs. Organizations that hire international students have a competitive advantage.
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Work hours
International students in Canada are allowed to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus without a work permit, provided they are enrolled in a full-time program at a designated learning institution. They can also work unlimited hours during breaks and for an employer based outside Canada, as long as they meet the conditions of their study permit. Prior to November 2024, international students in Canada were restricted to 20 hours of off-campus work per week.
In the United States, international students with an F-1 visa are generally permitted to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during classes and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. To work off-campus, F-1 students must meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization, which is granted in cases of severe economic hardship or emergent circumstances. F-1 students can also engage in Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is paid or unpaid employment directly related to their field of study, for a maximum of 20 hours per week. CPT can be approved for full-time work, but this affects eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year before or after graduation.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need either an F or an M visa. F visas are for academic students, while M visas are for vocational students.
You must be enrolled in an academic, language-training, or vocational program at a school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program. You must also be proficient in English or enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency, have sufficient funds for your studies, and maintain a residence abroad.
Yes, international students can work in the US, but there are strict rules and limitations. Students with an F visa must maintain their status and can only work a maximum of 20 hours per week during school and up to 40 hours per week during breaks.
International students can work on-campus or off-campus. On-campus employment includes work at locations affiliated with the school, such as a university bookstore or cafeteria. Off-campus employment must be related to the student's field of study and is usually in the form of Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT).
To get authorization, you must first consult with your Designated School Official (DSO) and then apply for an "employment authorization document" (EAD). You will need to provide various forms, documents, and fees, and the process can take up to 12 weeks or longer.
