Ibrahim Gardner
International students in the USA on an F-1 visa are allowed to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the school term time and up to 40 hours per week during holidays. Students can also work off-campus, but only after completing their first academic year and if they have an economic hardship that qualifies for the Department of Homeland Security's emergent circumstances. Students must apply for an employment authorization document (EAD) and can work off-campus for up to 1 year or until their program ends, whichever comes first.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | F-1, M-1 |
| Work type | On-campus, off-campus |
| On-campus work hours | 20 hours per week when classes are in session, 40 hours per week when not |
| Off-campus work eligibility | After the first academic year |
| Off-campus work type | Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT) |
| CPT work hours | No limit |
| OPT work hours | 20 hours per week during school, full-time and part-time after graduation |
| OPT duration | Up to 12 months full-time in total |
| OPT eligibility | Enrollment for at least one academic year, active F-1 student status |
| OPT application deadline | Recommended 45 days before graduation |
| OPT unemployment allowance | 90 days |
| Post-OPT options | Employer sponsorship, F-1 to green card lottery |
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What You'll Learn
- On-campus work: 20 hours per week, 40 hours during breaks
- Off-campus work: requires eligibility and official authorization
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): paid/unpaid internships, cooperative education, practicums
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): work authorization for up to 12 months
- F-1 visa: full-time student status, employment eligibility
On-campus work: 20 hours per week, 40 hours during breaks
International students in the US with an F-1 visa are permitted to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week when school is in session, and up to 40 hours per week during breaks. This is the most freely available category of employment for F-1 visa students, and it does not require USCIS approval. However, on-campus employment opportunities are limited at most schools, and students may need to obtain permission from the International Student Office before starting work.
Students with an F-1 visa are advised to seek permission from their Designated School Official (DSO) to discuss their options. Students must also be enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate, and their school must be authorized by the US government to accept international students.
After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in off-campus employment, but this is subject to strict eligibility requirements and authorization processes. Off-campus employment is only permitted in cases of severe economic hardship, emergent circumstances, or through specific programs like Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT provides training in the student's field of study, while OPT allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year before or after graduation.
It is important to note that working illegally can lead to serious consequences, including the loss of F-1 student status and visa revocation. Therefore, international students must carefully follow the rules and requirements of their visas and seek proper authorization before engaging in any employment.
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Off-campus work: requires eligibility and official authorization
Off-campus work for international students in the United States is subject to strict rules and regulations. To be eligible for off-campus work, international students must hold an F1 visa, the US non-immigrant student visa. F1 visa holders are allowed to work in the United States, but only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
One of the key requirements for off-campus work eligibility is completing at least one full academic year of their program of study. This requirement ensures that students have established their academic standing and are in good standing with their educational institution. Additionally, students must demonstrate an economic hardship that qualifies for the Department of Homeland Security's emergent circumstances. Emergent circumstances are typically unforeseen world events, such as natural disasters, wars, financial crises, or other situations beyond the student's control, which cause severe economic hardship.
To apply for off-campus employment under these circumstances, students must first explain their economic hardship situation and receive approval from their Designated School Official (DSO). The DSO will assess the situation and, if applicable, recommend the student for off-campus work authorization. The student will then be provided with an updated Form I-20, also known as the "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status."
Following this, students must promptly file a Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," with USCIS within 30 days of receiving their recommendation. USCIS will review the application and, if approved, will issue a Form I-766, "Employment Authorization Document" (EAD). This document outlines the specific dates during which off-campus work is authorized, typically for a period of up to one year or until the completion of the student's program, whichever comes first.
It is important to note that off-campus employment authorization for international students on an F1 visa is intended to address severe economic hardships. Students who engage in unauthorized employment or work beyond the authorized hours may have their F1 visa status revoked and may be required to leave the United States immediately. Therefore, it is crucial for international students to carefully adhere to the eligibility requirements and official authorization processes when seeking off-campus employment opportunities in the United States.
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Curricular Practical Training (CPT): paid/unpaid internships, cooperative education, practicums
International students in the United States on an F1 visa have several options for working during their studies. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is one such option, allowing students to participate in paid and unpaid off-campus internships, cooperative education, and practicums. CPT is a type of work authorization that serves an academic purpose, with the internship or practicum being considered an integral part of the student's degree program.
To be eligible for CPT, students must be enrolled full-time in an SEVP-certified college, university, or other eligible institutions. They must also have maintained their F-1 status each semester and be in good academic standing. CPT is available only prior to the completion of the degree program, and students must have a specific job or internship offer at the time of application. The job must be related to the student's major and cannot delay the completion of their academic program.
Students can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) or full-time (over 20 hours per week) on CPT. Those working part-time on CPT can also work part-time on-campus simultaneously, as long as it does not interfere with their academic progress. Students in their final semester can work full-time with department approval and part-time enrollment. CPT authorization is given on a semester-by-semester basis, and students must apply separately for each semester.
It is important to note that CPT authorization is strongly recommended for unpaid internships. This authorization demonstrates that the practical experience is part of the curriculum and helps maintain the student's status. If an unpaid internship changes to a paid one, CPT authorization is required to accept any form of compensation.
Many schools in the United States offer work-study programs that coordinate immediate employment through CPT, allowing international students to gain valuable work experience while pursuing their degrees.
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Optional Practical Training (OPT): work authorization for up to 12 months
International students in the United States on an F1 visa have several options for working during their studies. One such option is Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows eligible students to gain work experience directly related to their major area of study. OPT is available for up to 12 months full-time in total and can be completed either before or after graduation (pre-completion OPT or post-completion OPT).
To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled full-time and in valid F-1 status for at least one academic year. Students can apply for OPT employment authorization before completing their studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their studies (post-completion). However, all periods of pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the available period of post-completion OPT. For example, if a student works part-time for 6 months, they can only work full-time for up to 9 months post-completion.
To apply for OPT, students must first request a recommendation from their Designated School Official (DSO) at their academic institution. The DSO will endorse the student's Form I-20, "Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," and make the appropriate notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Students must then file Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," with the required fee and supporting documentation. The application process can be complex, and students must comply with federal regulations and several key dates.
Once the OPT application is approved, USCIS will issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Students must not begin working until they receive their EAD and must ensure they do not violate any terms and restrictions of their F1 visa. Working without authorization can result in serious consequences, including removal from the country.
It is important to note that OPT is separate from Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is another form of employment authorization for international students. CPT is training that is directly related to a student's field of study and can be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience. Students must work closely with their International Student Office to determine their eligibility for CPT and ensure they follow the necessary steps and regulations.
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F-1 visa: full-time student status, employment eligibility
International students in the United States with an F-1 visa are allowed to work, but they must follow strict guidelines. F-1 visa holders must be enrolled full-time and can generally work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during breaks.
On-campus employment is the most freely available option for F-1 visa holders. It does not require USCIS approval, but students often need permission from their International Student Office before accepting on-campus employment. Students must also report their work to the Social Security Administration to receive a Social Security number.
Off-campus employment is more restricted. F-1 visa holders must meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization. To be eligible, students must have been enrolled for at least one academic year and be unable to find on-campus employment or have insufficient on-campus pay to meet their financial needs. Off-campus employment is authorized for one year and can be extended in cases of severe economic hardship.
There are several options for off-campus employment:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Paid or unpaid internships or jobs related to your field of study, which can be done part-time or full-time for less than 12 months.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): Work authorization for up to one year in areas related to your major, either before or after graduation. Part-time OPT reduces available full-time OPT by half.
- Employment with a Recognized International Organization: Employment with organizations on the official State Department list, such as the Red Cross or World Health Organization.
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Frequently asked questions
International students with an F-1 visa can work a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time. During holidays and school breaks, they may work more than 20 hours per week. Graduate students can work up to 28 hours per week throughout the year.
International students can work on-campus jobs, which is the most freely available option. After their first academic year, they may also be eligible for off-campus employment, including Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to the student's field of study. OPT allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year either before or after graduation.
International students must have a valid F-1 visa and maintain their F-1 status. They will also need a Social Security Number (SSN) to get a job. To obtain an SSN, they must complete an application and submit their original documents, including their passport, F-1 visa, and I-94 number.
