Ibrahim Gardner
International students in the US can work on or off campus depending on their visa type, the rules of their exchange program, and whether they have received work authorization. Students with F-1 visas can work on campus without authorization, but they need to obtain authorization from their Designated School Official (DSO) to work off campus. F-1 students can also apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization after their first academic year. J-1 students must have a written job offer to apply for work authorization. Students with F-1 and J-1 visas can continue working for up to six years in the H-1B visa category.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | F-1, J-1, H-1B, M-1 |
| Work authorization | Required before employment begins; F-1 and J-1 students can obtain this from their school's international student office |
| On-campus work | Permitted without authorization; limited opportunities; cannot exceed 20 hours a week during the academic year; full-time work permitted during breaks |
| Off-campus work | Requires specific authorizations, such as CPT or OPT |
| CPT | Requires authorization from the school; must be “integral” to the curriculum; can be taken during the school year or summer; requires support from the student's international student services office and academic department |
| OPT | Requires Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS; can be applied for after 9 months of enrolment; can be used both during and after completion of a degree; can be used for up to 12 months full-time in total |
| STEM OPT Extension | Allows students with a degree in a STEM field to apply for a 24-month OPT extension |
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On-campus jobs
International students with an F-1 visa are allowed to work on-campus and in specified training programs. Students are not permitted to work off-campus during their first academic year. On-campus jobs are student-oriented, such as working in the library, bookstore, cafeteria, or student center.
On-campus employment is the most freely available option for international students, and it does not require USCIS approval. However, on-campus employment opportunities are limited at most schools, and students may need permission from the International Student Office before accepting any on-campus employment. Additionally, on-campus employment must not displace a US citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR).
F-1 students can work up to 20 hours per week during the school session and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session or during annual vacations. To work on-campus, students will need a Social Security Number, which is a 9-digit number used for taxation purposes.
Examples of on-campus jobs include:
- Night Desk Attendant: Responsible for signing residents' guests in and out of residence halls.
- Learning Center Tutor: Tutors assist students with various subjects and typically require a recommendation from an advisor to prove academic knowledge.
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Off-campus jobs
International students with an F-1 visa are permitted to work off-campus under certain conditions. Firstly, off-campus employment is only allowed after the first academic year. Secondly, off-campus work must be authorised by the student's Designated School Official (DSO) and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
There are three types of off-campus employment available to international students: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and Severe Economic Hardship Employment. CPT is a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to the student's field of study, for which they receive academic credit or which is a requirement for their degree. OPT is a type of temporary work authorization for up to 12 months, either before or after graduation, in an area related to the student's major. Students can apply for OPT after being enrolled for at least 9 months, but they cannot begin employment until they have been enrolled for at least a year and received their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS. Severe Economic Hardship Employment is available to students who have completed at least one academic year and can demonstrate financial difficulties due to unforeseen circumstances.
It is important to note that working illegally can result in the revocation of an F-1 visa and deportation. Therefore, international students should be aware of the specific regulations and restrictions regarding off-campus employment.
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Visa requirements
International students who want to work in the USA must obtain a visa. There are two types of nonimmigrant visas for students: the F-1 Visa (Academic Student) and the M-1 Visa (Vocational Student). To be eligible for either visa, you must be enrolled full-time in an academic or vocational program at an accredited institution, and your school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program. You must also be proficient in English and have sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies.
F-1 Visa
The F-1 Visa is for international students who are enrolled full-time at an accredited academic institution in the USA. This includes colleges, universities, academic high schools, and elementary schools. To be eligible for an F-1 Visa, you must be enrolled in a program that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate. F-1 students are not allowed to work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment. On-campus employment is the most freely available option for F-1 students and does not require additional authorization from the USCIS. However, on-campus job opportunities may be limited, and many schools require students to obtain permission from the International Student Office before accepting on-campus employment.
After completing their first academic year, F-1 students may engage in off-campus employment through programs such as Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT). OPT allows international students to work temporarily for up to 12 months before or after completing their studies. To be eligible for OPT, students must apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and may need to obtain a Social Security Number. CPT is an off-campus employment option for F-1 students when practical training is an integral part of their academic program. CPT employment may include internships, cooperative education, or other types of required practical training offered by sponsoring employers through agreements with the school.
F-1 students who are completing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) may be eligible for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT. Additionally, in cases of emergent circumstances, such as natural disasters or financial crises, F-1 students may be eligible for off-campus employment authorization through Special Student Relief.
M-1 Visa
The M-1 Visa is for international students enrolled in vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training. Information regarding employment restrictions for M-1 visa holders is limited, but M-1 students are included in the two nonimmigrant visa categories for persons wishing to study in the United States.
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Work authorization
International students in the US must obtain work authorization before beginning employment. The type of work authorization required will depend on the student's visa status and the nature of the employment.
F-1 Visa
F-1 visa holders are eligible for on-campus employment without needing to obtain work authorization from their Designated School Official (DSO). However, they can only work part-time, up to 20 hours a week during the academic year, and full-time during winter and summer breaks.
F-1 visa holders can work off-campus through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is employer-specific and must be authorized by the student's school. It allows students to work in internships, cooperative education programs, or practicums related to their field of study. OPT is authorized by USCIS and allows students to work in jobs related to their major, either before or after completing their studies. Students can apply for OPT through their school's International Student Office and will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS once approved. The processing time for EAD can take up to three months, and students can only begin employment after receiving their EAD.
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 Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) at their institution.
H-1B Visa
With the H-1B visa, international students can work for a total of six years, in two three-year periods. The job must meet specific requirements, including paying the prevailing wage as defined by the Department of Labor and requiring a bachelor's degree as a minimum.
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Practical training
There are a few key differences between CPT and OPT. Firstly, CPT is employer-specific, meaning students must independently find a position that aligns with their studies and then apply for CPT authorisation from their school. OPT, however, can be obtained without a job offer, and employment can occur anywhere in the US. Additionally, CPT must be completed before graduation, whereas OPT can be used both during and after a student's degree. Students who have engaged in 12 months or more of full-time CPT are not eligible for OPT.
It is important to note that practical training opportunities for international students come with certain rules and regulations. For example, on-campus employment is generally permitted without authorisation, but it cannot exceed 20 hours per week while school is in session. Off-campus employment, on the other hand, requires specific authorisations, such as CPT or OPT. Additionally, international students must receive work authorisation before beginning actual employment, and the work must be directly related to their major or field of study.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need an F-1 visa to work on campus or off campus in the USA as an international student.
Students with an F-1 visa can work up to 20 hours a week during the academic year and full-time during winter and summer breaks. On-campus employment does not require USCIS approval, but you may need permission from your International Student Office.
Students with an F-1 visa can apply for CPT or OPT work authorization after completing their first academic year. CPT is for work that supplements learning and is taken during the school year or summer before graduation. OPT is for work after graduation, and you should apply for it before completing your school program.
For CPT authorization, you need approval from your school administration and international student services office. For OPT, you need to apply to USCIS, and they will issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) once approved.
