Work Hours For International Students In The Usa Explained

International students in the USA on F-1 visas are allowed to work, but their employment opportunities are limited. Students must prove they have the financial ability to pay for tuition and living expenses before arriving in the country. F-1 students can only work on-campus during their first academic year, and their on-campus employment is limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session. After the first academic year, F-1 students can engage in off-campus employment, including Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT can be full-time with no hourly limit each week, while OPT allows for up to 20 hours of work per week during school and full-time after graduating.

On-campus employment

Failing to comply with these guidelines may result in a violation of F-1 status, leading to the student having to leave the US. To avoid this, it is crucial to consult the Designated School Official (DSO) and obtain permission before commencing any on-campus employment. Additionally, some schools may require permission from the International Student Office and may restrict such employment during the first semester or year.

It is important to note that on-campus employment opportunities are often limited, and they might not always be related to the student's field of study. These jobs can help cover living expenses, but they should not be relied upon as the sole source of financial support for the year.

After the first academic year, F-1 students can explore off-campus employment options, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT provides training in the student's field of study, while OPT allows work related to their major for up to a year before or after graduation.

Off-campus employment

International students in the US on an F1 visa are allowed to work but only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). On-campus employment is the most freely available option, and off-campus employment is subject to stricter conditions.

To apply for off-campus employment, you must explain your economic hardship situation and receive approval from your Designated School Official (DSO). If your DSO determines that the situation applies, they will recommend you and give you an updated Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status". Once you have the new Form I-20, you must file a Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization", with USCIS within 30 days of receiving your recommendation. If USCIS approves you to work, they will send you a Form I-766, "Employment Authorization Document" (EAD), with the dates that you may work off-campus.

F-1 students may also be eligible to work off-campus on a case-by-case basis as a result of special situations such as severe economic hardship or special student relief. Any off-campus training employment must be related to the student's area of study and must be authorized by the DSO and USCIS before starting any work.

There are two types of off-campus employment:

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT): CPT is a type of employment for F-1 students who have been in status for at least 9 months. It may be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience that is related to the student's field of study. CPT must be part-time (20 hours per week or less) during the academic year but can be full-time (more than 20 hours per week) during breaks and summer vacation. Students can only be approved for part-time CPT while in school. CPT authorization specifies the employer and dates authorized and is valid for one year.
• Optional Practical Training (OPT): OPT is work authorization that allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year before or after graduation. OPT must be part-time during the academic year but can be full-time during breaks and summer vacation. Students can apply for post-completion OPT up to 90 days before graduation, but it is recommended to apply at least 45 days in advance. Once on post-completion OPT, students are allowed to accumulate a maximum of 90 days of unemployment while seeking employment.

F-1 visa regulations

International students on an F-1 visa can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session and up to 40 hours per week during holidays and vacation periods. However, on-campus employment opportunities are often limited, and students may need to obtain permission from their school's International Student Office before accepting such employment. Additionally, on-campus employment cannot be relied upon to prove financial resources for the year, and the jobs are often unrelated to the student's field of study.

Off-campus employment is more restricted for F-1 visa holders. During the first academic year, they are not permitted to work off-campus, except in specific circumstances. After the first year, F-1 students may engage in off-campus employment under four sub-categories: Optional Practical Training (OPT), Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Severe Economic Hardship, and Approved International Organizations.

OPT is work authorization that allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year before or after graduation. To gain OPT employment, students must obtain permission from USCIS and their school's International Student Office. F-1 students may also be eligible for off-campus work on a case-by-case basis due to severe economic hardship or special student relief in emergent circumstances, such as natural disasters or financial crises.

CPT is training that is an essential part of the student's academic program and for which they receive academic credit or fulfil a degree requirement. It can be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to the student's field of study. CPT requires authorization from both USCIS and the school's International Student Office.

Severe Economic Hardship employment is available to students who have completed at least one academic year and can demonstrate financial hardship beyond their control, provided that on-campus employment opportunities are insufficient or unavailable.

Finally, F-1 students may find employment with "recognized international organizations" that are on the official State Department list, such as the Red Cross or the World Health Organization. This type of employment requires a job offer and sponsorship from one of the listed organizations, and the work must be in the student's field of study.

Overall, F-1 visa regulations provide international students with several options for employment in the USA, but students must carefully adhere to the guidelines and obtain the necessary permissions to maintain their visa status.

CPT and OPT

International students in the USA on an F1 visa have several options for employment, including CPT and OPT. CPT stands for Curricular Practical Training, which is an alternative work/study program that includes internships, co-ops, or other types of required practical training. CPT must be integral to the student's program of study and is offered through cooperative agreements between a sponsoring employer and the college or university. CPT can be done on a part-time or full-time basis, but students must maintain a full course of study even when CPT is authorized. CPT can be completed before or after graduation, but it must be completed before receiving your degree.

OPT stands for Optional Practical Training, which is off-campus employment authorization for F-1 students. OPT must relate to the student's major or course of study and can be applied for at each education level, for a total of 12 months per level. OPT can also be completed before or after graduation and can be used to bridge the gap between the end of an F-1 visa and the start of an H-1B visa, which allows for temporary employment of up to six years. The OPT application process can be lengthy (90 days or more), so students are advised to apply as soon as possible.

For both CPT and OPT, students must work with their Designated School Official (DSO) and International Student Office to ensure eligibility and complete the necessary steps for authorization. DSO authorization is required for CPT, and students must apply for an "Employment Authorization Document" (EAD) from USCIS for OPT.

Work visas and sponsorship

To work in the USA as an international student, you will need a student visa. There are two non-immigrant visa categories: the F and M visas. The F-1 visa is for students enrolled in an academic, language-training, or vocational program. The M-1 visa is for students in vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training.

Work Visas

To work during your studies in the USA, you must apply for temporary employment authorization, known as either Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Both OPT and CPT allow you to be employed during and after your course of study. The duration of OPT and CPT depends on your program.

If you find an employer during your OPT who will support a work visa, you can apply for a permanent or temporary work visa. Temporary work visas include the H, L, O, and E visas, which allow you to work in the USA temporarily and include a date of expiration.

Sponsorship

Sponsorship for international students can come from a variety of sources, including individuals, companies, or agencies. Your home country government or local organizations, businesses, foundations, and religious groups may offer scholarships, grants, or loans.

Some private student lenders, such as MPOWER Financing and Prodigy Finance, offer student loans to international students without requiring a co-signer.

Additionally, many schools in the United States offer work-study programs that provide immediate employment through CPT. Organizations like HTIR Work-Study can connect students with schools that offer these programs.

To work off-campus as an F-1 student, you must first complete an academic year and obtain authorization from a Designated School Official.

Frequently asked questions