Working In The Usa: A Guide For International Students

International students in the US can work on or off campus depending on their visa type and the rules of their exchange program. Students with an F-1 visa can work on campus without prior authorisation and off campus with specific authorisations such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is a type of temporary employment that must be an integral part of the student's curriculum or educational program, while OPT is a 12-month period of employment post-completion of studies. Students with a J-1 visa must have a written job offer to apply for work authorisation.

On-campus jobs

International students in the US with an F-1 visa are permitted to work on-campus without prior authorisation from their designated school official (DSO). However, they must be enrolled as full-time students and can work a maximum of 20 hours per week while school is in session. During breaks, holidays, and the summer, they can work full-time.

On-campus employment is specific to work that takes place on campus or at an off-campus location that is educationally affiliated with the school. Examples of on-campus employment include working at a university bookstore or cafeteria, or in a research lab affiliated with the school.

To apply for a job, you will need to talk to your DSO, who will provide you with a letter of approval. You will then need to take this letter and a letter of approval from your employer to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).

It is important to note that on-campus employment opportunities are limited at most schools, and students may not rely on them to prove financial resources for the year. Students must also maintain their F-1 status and should be aware that working illegally could result in their visa being revoked.

Off-campus jobs

International students in the US with an F1 visa are permitted to work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status both during and after the completion of their degree. However, off-campus employment is only available to F-1 students who have completed at least one full academic year of their program of study and who are facing economic hardship. This could be due to emergent circumstances, such as natural disasters, wars, or financial crises, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

To apply for off-campus employment, you must first explain your economic hardship situation and receive approval from your designated school official (DSO). If approved, you will be given an updated Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status." Following this, you must file a Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within 30 days of receiving your recommendation. If USCIS approves your application, they will send you a Form I-766, "Employment Authorization Document" (EAD), which will specify the dates that you are permitted to work off-campus.

It is important to note that off-campus employment authorization ends one year after issuance or upon the completion of your program, whichever comes first. Additionally, students found working illegally risk losing their F-1 student status and may have their F-1 visa revoked. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that you meet all eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization before commencing any off-campus employment.

Work visas

International students in the US on F1 visas have several options for working while they study. The first step to working in the US as an international student is to talk to your designated school official (DSO).

On-campus employment

On-campus employment is the most freely available option for international students in the US. It does not require USCIS approval, but many schools require that students obtain permission from the International Student Office before accepting any on-campus employment. Students may work up to 20 hours per week when school is in session and up to 40 hours per week when it is not.

Off-campus employment

Off-campus employment is only available to F1 students who have completed at least one full academic year of their program of study and who have experienced an economic hardship that qualifies for the Department of Homeland Security's emergent circumstances. There are four categories of off-campus employment:

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT): CPT is an off-campus employment option for F1 students when the practical training is an integral part of the established curriculum or academic program. CPT employment may be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to the student's field of study. To qualify, the work experience must be required for the student's degree, or academic credit must be awarded.
• Severe Economic Hardship Employment: This benefit is available to students who have completed at least one academic year and have proven a severe economic hardship caused by circumstances beyond their control that arose after obtaining F1 status, and that on-campus employment opportunities are not available or are otherwise insufficient.
• Emergent Circumstances: Emergent circumstances are world events that affect a specific group of F1 students and cause them to suffer severe economic hardship. Examples include natural disasters, wars and military conflicts, and national or international financial crises. USCIS makes case-by-case decisions for off-campus employment for students who can show that new, unexpected circumstances beyond their control have created severe economic hardship.
• Optional Practical Training (OPT): 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. Students can extend their OPT so they still have the opportunity to apply for an H1B visa. The special extension of the OPT program is only available to those who are employed by companies enrolled in the E-Verify program and who are studying specific subjects. Students can also apply for a post-completion OPT extension, which allows recent graduates to work in the US for up to 12 months.

Employment with a recognized international organization

The final category of employment for international students in the US on F1 visas is employment with a "recognized international organization." To qualify, an organization must be on the official State Department list, and listed organizations include the Red Cross, African and Asian Development Banks, the World Health Organization, and the World Trade Organization.

H1B visa

The H1B status is a great option for a postgraduate work visa, as it is granted for an initial period of three years and can be extended for an additional three years. To qualify for this work visa, your employer is required to initiate the visa process.

Green card

Acquiring a green card is the final goal for many international students who want to work in the US after graduation. A green card permits the holder to work anywhere in the US, receive financial benefits, and live in the US indefinitely. However, because green cards are in high demand, they may take many years to obtain.

Work authorisations

International students in the US must have work authorization before they begin employment. The type of work authorization depends on the student's visa status and the type of employment.

F-1 Visa

F-1 visa holders are eligible to work on campus without authorization, but they must have authorization to work off-campus. F-1 visa holders can apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization. CPT is a type of employment that is an integral part of the curriculum or educational program, such as an internship or work experience. OPT is a 12-month period of post-completion employment related to the student's area of study. Students who have completed a degree in a STEM field are eligible for an additional 24 months of OPT. The application for OPT can take up to 90 days to process, so students should apply well in advance.

J-1 Visa

J-1 students must have a written job offer to apply for work authorization. They receive work authorization in the form of a letter issued by the RO or ARO at their institution. J-1 students may work on "academic training".

H-1B Visa

With some planning, an employer can hire international students to work for them for up to six years under the H-1B visa category. The H-1B is a temporary working visa for workers in a "specialty occupation". The job must meet certain requirements, such as paying the prevailing wage as defined by the Department of Labor and requiring a bachelor's degree.

Practical training

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT): This type of practical training is available for F-1 students and is considered an integral part of their curriculum or educational program. CPT can be completed during the school year or in the summer, but before graduation. It must be related to the student's major area of study and can be part-time or full-time. CPT work must not exceed 20 hours per week during the academic year but can be full-time during breaks and summer vacations. Students must find a position that aligns with their studies and then apply for CPT authorization from their school. CPT is employer-specific, and students cannot work more than 364 days in total. It is important to note that if students engage in 12 months or more of full-time CPT, they will not be eligible for OPT benefits when they graduate.
• Optional Practical Training (OPT): OPT is available for F-1 students and can be completed before or after graduation, or a combination of both. It allows students to work off-campus in jobs related to their field of study. OPT can be full-time or part-time, and there are different categories, including pre-completion OPT and post-completion OPT. Students must apply for OPT through USCIS and receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before starting employment. The application process can take up to 90 days, so it is important to plan ahead. Students who have completed a degree in a STEM field may be eligible for a 24-month OPT extension.
• On-Campus Employment: International students with F-1 visas can work on campus without authorization from their designated school official. On-campus employment is permitted for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks and summer vacations. However, on-campus jobs may not be related to the student's studies, and schools may require permission from the International Student Office before accepting on-campus employment.
• Off-Campus Employment: F-1 students can work off-campus with specific authorizations, such as CPT or OPT. To work off-campus, F-1 students must complete their first academic year and obtain written authorization before engaging in off-campus work.

Frequently asked questions