Lori Meadows
International students in Wisconsin on F-1 or J-1 visas are eligible to work part-time under certain conditions. Students on F-1 status can work up to 20 hours per week on campus while enrolled in a full course of study, whereas students on J-1 status need written program sponsor permission to work the same hours. F-1 students are eligible for curricular practical training (CPT) and can accept internships in their academic field after a year of full-time study. J-1 visa holders are usually eligible to work up to 18 months following graduation and may also be allowed to work part-time during their studies. There is little to no paperwork for employers hiring F-1 or J-1 students, and they may even save money as international students are often exempt from Social Security and Medicare taxes. Students at the University of Wisconsin can find part-time jobs through the Student Jobs Site and CASEConnect, which posts jobs both on and off campus.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | F-1, J-1 |
| Work authorization | Required before employment begins; granted in the form of a letter by the Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) |
| Work duration | F-1 students: up to 12 months of curricular practical training (CPT) and 12 months of optional practical training (OPT); J-1 students: up to 18 months of academic training, with an additional 18 months for postdoctoral students; J-1 students may also work part-time during their studies |
| Work type | On-campus and off-campus; on-campus jobs include work in UW student unions, libraries, recreational centers, and academic and administrative departments |
| Work hours | Up to 20 hours per week during the academic year; may exceed 20 hours during vacation periods if the student maintained full-time status before the break |
| Job opportunities | Part-time and full-time jobs, internships, work-study positions |
| Job sources | UW-Madison's Student Job Center website, CASEConnect (for UW-Stevens Point students), Student Jobs Site, UWSP Academic & Career Advising Center |
| Paperwork and fees | Handled by the students, the school, and USCIS (for OPT); no cost to the employer beyond the time and effort to interview and select candidates |
| Social Security and Medicare taxes | Majority of international students are exempt |
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What You'll Learn
International students' visa types and work eligibility
International students in Wisconsin typically attend school on J1 or F1 visas. The J-1 visa is issued to traditional exchange students who are primarily visiting the US for a cultural exchange. J-1 students are sponsored by organisations and are rarely charged tuition fees. They live with host families and usually come during their junior year in high school. F-1 visas are overseen by the federal Department of Homeland Security under the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP).
Students on F-1 visas are permitted to work part-time jobs on campus for no more than 20 hours per week. After their first academic year, F-1 students may also engage in off-campus employment in three types of roles: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT), severe economic hardship, or special student relief. Off-campus training employment must be related to their area of study and authorised by the Designated School Official.
M-1 visas are for students in vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training. M-1 students may engage in practical training only after they have completed their studies.
To obtain an F-1 or M-1 visa, students must meet the following criteria:
- Enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program
- School must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement
- Enrolled as a full-time student
- Proficient in English or enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency
- Have sufficient funds available for self-support during the entire proposed course of study
- Maintain a residence abroad with no intention of giving up this residence
Additionally, the O-1 nonimmigrant temporary status visa is for individuals with extraordinary abilities in specific fields who have risen to the top of their field. The UW institution must apply for the visa, and it can be granted for up to three years with annual extensions. O-1 visa holders may apply for permanent residence.
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Work authorization and paperwork
Most international students in the US are on non-immigrant student visas (F-1 and J-1) and are eligible to accept employment under certain conditions. Students with F-1 status can work up to 20 hours per week on campus while enrolled in a full course of study (12 credits for undergraduates, eight credits for graduate students, and three credits for dissertators). They do not need permission to work on campus within this timeframe, but they must show their employer documents that establish their identification and employment eligibility, as listed on the I-9 form. This form must be completed by all new employees.
Students with J-1 status can work up to 20 hours per week on campus after securing a written program sponsor permission letter. The program sponsor is listed in item #2 on their DS-2019.
Students with F-1 status can also work off-campus under Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which allows them to accept practical training in their academic field after one year of full-time study. Internship programs are common CPT opportunities. CPT may be authorized by the institution for F-1 students participating in curricular-related employment such as cooperative education, work study, practicum, and internship programs. Students with J-1 visas are usually eligible to work up to 18 months following graduation, or 36 months for postdoctoral fellows, and may be eligible to work part-time during their program of study.
Students who have received OPT permission will be issued an EAD by the USCIS, which will indicate the starting and ending dates of employment. Students who have a pending STEM extension application can continue working for up to 180 days while the application is pending.
There is little paperwork for employers hiring F-1 or J-1 students, as it is handled by the students, the school, and USCIS (for OPT).
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On-campus job opportunities
International students in Wisconsin are mostly on non-immigrant F-1 and J-1 visas, which allow them to accept employment under certain conditions. While off-campus work must be directly related to their major, there are more opportunities for on-campus employment.
On-campus jobs are a great way for international students to gain valuable work experience and support their educational and lifestyle needs. UW-Madison's Student Job Center website is a good place to start looking for on-campus job opportunities. The website has updated postings for on-campus jobs available at the UW. Students can also use the Student Jobs Site to access part-time employment opportunities at UW-Madison, as well as with businesses and families within the local community.
Students in F-1 status can work up to 20 hours per week on campus while enrolled in a full course of study. They do not need permission to work on-campus up to 20 hours per week, but they will need to show their employer documents that establish their identification and employment eligibility, as listed on the I-9 form. This form is something that all new employees must complete.
Students in J-1 status can also work up to 20 hours per week on campus, but they need to secure a written program sponsor permission letter. This letter is from the program sponsor, who is listed in item #2 on their DS-2019.
There is no exception to the 20-hour maximum during the major Fall and Spring semesters.
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Off-campus job opportunities
Off-campus jobs for international students in Wisconsin come with certain restrictions. Students on an F-1 visa are not permitted to work off-campus during their first academic year. After the first year, they may engage in three types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT. Any off-campus employment must be related to the student's area of study and be authorised by the Designated School Official (DSO) before starting work.
There are various off-campus job opportunities for international students in Wisconsin. These include internships or co-op programs in their field of study, as well as part-time jobs such as retail sales associate or food service worker. The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) offers an online job board, CASEConnect, where students can find off-campus job postings. However, students should note that off-campus jobs may require additional work authorisation or paperwork, unlike on-campus jobs.
To find off-campus job opportunities, international students can utilise platforms like Interstride, which offers job listings for partnered schools. Networking and asking about potential job options can also increase the chances of finding employment. Students can also directly approach potential employers, such as local businesses or organisations in their field of interest.
It is important to note that the availability and eligibility for off-campus jobs may vary based on the student's visa status and academic progress. International students should consult their school's international student services office or the DSO to understand the specific requirements and restrictions for off-campus employment. Additionally, students should be aware of their rights as employees and the minimum wage laws in Wisconsin, which is currently $7.25 per hour at the federal level but may vary across the state.
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Internships and career opportunities
International students in Wisconsin can take up internships and part-time jobs under certain conditions. Most international students in the US are on non-immigrant student visas (F-1 and J-1) and are eligible to accept employment. All off-campus work must be directly related to the student's major.
Internships
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is work authorization that allows F-1 students to accept practical training in their academic field after one year of full-time study. Internship programs are some of the most common types of CPT opportunities for international students. Students can choose from full-time or part-time CPT employment, with the latter not affecting OPT eligibility. Graduate students can accept CPT on Day 1 of their full-time study if it is required by their program.
Part-time jobs
International students in F-1 status can work up to 20 hours per week on campus while enrolled in a full course of study. They do not need permission to work on campus within this limit. Students in J-1 status can also work up to 20 hours per week on campus but need to secure a written program sponsor permission letter. On-campus employment may exceed 20 hours a week during vacation periods for students who have maintained full-time status before the vacation and intend to register for the following semester.
Work authorization
Students with J-1 visas are eligible for up to 18 months of work authorization, including academic training. Post-doctoral students may apply for an additional 18 months. Some J-1 program participants are allowed to work part-time during their academic program. F-1 students are eligible for curricular practical training before completing their studies, as well as an additional 12 months of optional practical training.
Work-study programs
Work-study is a federally funded program for students with demonstrated financial need. Students seeking internships or post-graduation career opportunities should connect with their university's Academic & Career Advising Center. UW-Madison students can use the Student Jobs Site to access part-time employment opportunities, while UW-Stevens Point students can use CASEConnect, an online job board.
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Frequently asked questions
Hiring an international student in Wisconsin is similar to hiring any other student. The international student office handles the paperwork involved in securing the work authorization for F-1 and J-1 students. Students must have work authorization before they begin employment. Employers should confirm an international student's work authorization before the employment start date.
There is no cost to the employer. In fact, a company may save money by hiring international students because most of them are exempt from Social Security and Medicare tax requirements.
F-1 students are eligible for curricular practical training (up to 12 months) before completing their studies, as well as an additional 12 months of optional practical training, either before or after graduation. Students with a J-1 visa are usually eligible to work up to 18 months following graduation, or 36 months for postdoctoral fellows. They may also be eligible to work part-time during their program of study.
Students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison use the Student Jobs Site to access part-time employment opportunities. Students at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point can find part-time jobs through the online job board, CASEConnect.
