Janice Lozano
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are only permitted to work on-campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week during the school term and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. Students on an F-1 visa are not allowed to work off-campus without prior authorization. Working off-campus without authorization is considered illegal and can result in severe consequences such as losing one's F-1 status and even deportation. However, there are certain circumstances under which F-1 students can be granted off-campus employment authorization, such as in cases of severe economic hardship or through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). While it may be tempting for international students to seek off-campus employment due to the competitive nature of on-campus jobs and the high cost of living in the US, it is important to understand the risks and legal obligations associated with any employment decision.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| F-1 student status | Must be maintained |
| On-campus work | Allowed for up to 20 hours per week during classes, and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session |
| Off-campus work | Allowed only after completing one full academic year, and with prior authorization from DSO and USCIS |
| Off-campus work eligibility | Must demonstrate economic hardship or emergent circumstances as defined by DHS |
| 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 in areas related to the student's major, either before or after graduation |
| Social Security Number (SSN) | Required for both on-campus and off-campus employment |
| Form I-20 | "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," must be signed within the last 30 days by DSO |
| Form I-765 | "Application for Employment Authorization," must be filed within 30 days of receiving DSO recommendation |
| Form I-766 | "Employment Authorization Document" (EAD) received from USCIS upon approval, states the dates for off-campus work |
| Grace period after F-1 visa completion | No working or studying allowed during the 60-day grace period |
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What You'll Learn
Working off-campus without permission
International students with an F-1 visa are generally prohibited from working off-campus without prior authorization. Students who decide that they want to work must first consult their designated school official (DSO). The DSO will advise on eligibility and the steps to take to obtain permission.
To be eligible for off-campus employment, F-1 students must have completed at least one full academic year of their program of study and be experiencing economic hardship or emergent circumstances, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Emergent circumstances include world events such as natural disasters, wars, and international financial crises, which cause severe economic hardship for a specific group of F-1 students.
If the DSO determines that the student meets the eligibility criteria, they will recommend them and provide an updated Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status." The student must then file a Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within 30 days of receiving the recommendation. USCIS will issue a Form I-766, "Employment Authorization Document" (EAD), with the dates the student is authorized to work off-campus if the application is approved.
Students found working off-campus without authorization are considered to be in violation of their visa status. This can result in severe consequences, including termination of the student's SEVIS record, immediate departure from the United States, and possible restrictions on returning.
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Working more than 20 hours per week during the school term
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during the school term. This limit applies to on-campus employment, which is defined as any qualifying job that does not displace a US citizen or LPR. To ensure they do not accidentally exceed the limit, students should keep a close eye on their total hours, as going even 15 minutes over the limit constitutes a violation of their visa status.
In the event that a student does work more than 20 hours in a week, the payroll office at their school will notify the Designated Student Officer (DSO), who will decide whether to take any action. Some DSOs may let minor infringements slide, particularly if the student averages out at 20 hours per week over multiple weeks. However, if the DSO does consider the violation significant, the student will be required to apply for reinstatement to lawful F-1 status and must discontinue all work until this has been achieved.
To avoid accidentally working more than 20 hours per week, students should keep their DSO informed of their employment situation and ensure that their manager is aware of their visa limitations. It is also important to remember that the 20-hour limit only applies during the school term; during holiday breaks and vacations, F-1 students are permitted to work up to 40 hours per week.
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Working without a Social Security Number
International students in the United States with an F-1 visa have limited work opportunities and strict rules to abide by. Students with an F-1 visa cannot be employed off-campus without meeting eligibility requirements and obtaining official authorization. Students found working illegally risk losing their F-1 status and may have to leave the country.
On-campus employment is available to F-1 students who are Active in SEVIS and can prove their eligibility to work. Students can work up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session and up to 40 hours per week when they are not. To get an on-campus job, students need to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). An SSN is a 9-digit number used to track individuals for taxation purposes. While it is not a work permit, it is required for both on-campus and off-campus jobs.
Students can apply for an SSN in person at a local Social Security Administration office. They must bring their passport, F-1 visa, I-94 number, Form I-20, and a letter from their International Student Services Office confirming their eligibility to work. They must also have an employment offer letter from their department or hiring office. The Social Security Administration will mail the SSN and card once the student's immigration information has been verified, which can take 2-4 weeks or more.
Students can begin working without an SSN as long as they have authorization, but they must apply for an SSN as soon as they get a job offer. If a student is not working on campus but receives a taxable scholarship, they should apply for an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) instead.
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Working during the 60-day grace period after graduation
F-1 visa holders have a 60-day grace period after their program end date to leave the United States. During this period, students can remain in the country and are allowed to work. However, it is important to note that this grace period is not a substitute for a work visa. If you wish to continue working in the United States after the 60-day grace period, you must obtain a work visa or change your visa status.
There are several options for extending your stay and obtaining work authorization after graduation. One option is to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows F-1 students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months, with a possible extension of up to 24 months for STEM fields. To be eligible for OPT, your employment must be directly related to your major, and you must work a minimum of 20 hours per week. The application process for OPT can take up to 90 days, so it is recommended to apply early.
Another option is to apply for a work visa, such as the H-1B visa, which is a popular choice for those seeking to stay and work in the United States after graduation. The H-1B visa is for individuals with an advanced education degree and requires a job offer in a related field. This visa is initially granted for three years and can be extended and used as a pathway to permanent residency.
If you are unable to obtain a work visa or extend your stay through other means, you must depart the United States within the 60-day grace period. Failing to do so could negatively impact your ability to re-enter the country in the future.
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Working in a job unrelated to your major
International students in the US on an F-1 visa have three main employment-related guidelines:
- They may work at any qualifying on-campus job, provided it does not displace a US citizen or LPR.
- They may work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session (full-time during those periods when school is not in session or during the annual vacation).
- They should report their work and receive a certification letter to present to the Social Security Administration to receive a Social Security number.
Failing to comply with these guidelines may result in a violation of status, which could lead to the student having to leave the United States.
On-campus employment is the most freely available option for F-1 students, but opportunities are limited, and permission from the International Student Office is often required. Off-campus employment is also an option, but only in cases of severe economic hardship or emergent circumstances, such as natural disasters, wars, or international financial crises. In these cases, students must apply for work authorization and can only work for a specific employer and within specific dates.
Post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a form of work authorization that allows F-1 students to gain practical work experience related to their major field of study. To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled for at least nine months and have completed at least one year of their program. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is another option, but it is only available to students who have been enrolled for at least one year and have not yet engaged in 12 months or more of full-time CPT.
While it may be tempting for international students to pick up additional work "under the table," doing so without authorization is considered illegal employment and can result in trouble with immigration regulations.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is always to talk with your designated school official (DSO).
CPT stands for Curricular Practical Training. It is employment that trains you in your field of study and for which you fulfill academic credit or part of your degree requirement.
OPT stands for Optional Practical Training. It is work authorization that will allow you to work in areas related to your major for up to one year either before or after you graduate.
Students found working illegally are failing to maintain their F-1 student status and risk losing their F-1 visa.
You must explain your economic hardship situation and receive approval to work from your DSO. If your situation is applicable, they will recommend you and give you an updated Form I-20. You must then file a Form I-765 with USCIS within 30 days of receiving your recommendation.
