Douglas Olsen
International students in the US on an F1 visa are permitted to work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status during and after completion of their degree. However, this requires prior authorization from the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and the student's school's International Student Office. 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. Another option for off-campus employment is Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is defined as alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school. CPT employment must be an integral part of the student's degree program or a requirement for a course for which they receive academic credit. Prior authorization by the school's International Student Office and notification to USCIS are required for CPT.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | F-1 (Academic Student) or M-1 (Vocational Student) |
| Work type | On-campus or off-campus |
| On-campus work | F-1 students may apply for on-campus employment up to 30 days before the start of classes. On-campus work is limited to 20 hours per week when school is in session. |
| Off-campus work | F-1 students may not work off-campus during the 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 severe economic hardship employment |
| CPT eligibility | The work experience must be required for the degree or the student must receive academic credit. The student must be enrolled full-time for one year on valid F-1 status (except for graduate programs requiring immediate CPT). |
| OPT eligibility | F-1 students may apply for up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before or after completing their academic studies. Students with STEM degrees may apply for a 24-month extension. |
| Severe economic hardship employment | USCIS will authorize off-campus employment in cases of severe economic hardship occurring after enrollment, after the student has been in F-1 status for at least one year, or in emergent circumstances as defined by the DHS. |
| Social Security Number | All students who wish to work must apply for a Social Security Number. |
| Employment Authorization Document | F-1 students must obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS before starting off-campus employment. |
| DSO | The Designated School Official (DSO) is the person authorized to maintain the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Students must speak with their DSO before seeking employment and obtain a letter of approval from them. |
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What You'll Learn
F-1 Visa and M-1 Visa requirements
The F-1 Visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to enter the US and study at institutions certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). To be eligible for an F-1 Visa, you must:
- Be enrolled as a full-time student at an SEVP-certified college or university.
- Be enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Meet the required English language proficiency score of the institution or be enrolled in courses that will help improve your English proficiency.
- Have sufficient funds available to finance your studies and living expenses while in the US.
- Have a valid passport for US travel for at least six months after your program completion date.
- Maintain a residence in your home country that you plan to return to following the completion of your degree.
The M-1 Visa is a non-immigrant visa for vocational students. This visa is for students enrolled in vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training. To be eligible for an M-1 Visa, you must:
- Be enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program.
- Have your school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement.
- Fill out Form DS-160 and upload a photograph satisfying the State Department's regulations.
- Pay a $160 application fee and gather the required documents, including Form I-20, signed by both you and an official from your study program.
- Attend an interview at a US Embassy or consulate, where a consular officer will determine your eligibility for the M-1 Visa.
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On-campus employment
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are permitted to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. 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, cafeteria, dining hall, food court, cafe, or as a night desk attendant, tutor, or research assistant.
To be eligible for on-campus employment, F-1 students must be enrolled full-time and have an Active SEVIS status. Students must also apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) to work on-campus. Before coming to the US, F-1 students must also prove they have the financial ability to pay for tuition and living expenses, and on-campus employment opportunities are often limited. Therefore, students should first consult with their Designated School Official (DSO) to determine their eligibility and ensure they follow the proper procedures. If approved, the DSO will provide a letter of approval, which, along with a letter of approval from the employer, can be used to apply for an SSN.
While on-campus employment is a more accessible option for international students, off-campus employment is also possible under certain circumstances. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an off-campus employment option for F-1 students when the practical training is an integral part of the established curriculum or academic program. To qualify, the work experience must be required for the degree, or academic credit must be awarded. CPT employment may be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to the student's field of study. Prior authorization by the school's International Student Office and notification to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) is required. Students must have been enrolled full-time for one year on valid F-1 status and CPT employment will be authorized for a specific employer and for specific dates. While in school, students can only be approved for part-time CPT (20 hours per week or less).
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is another form of off-campus work authorization, allowing students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year either before or after graduation. OPT employment can occur anywhere in the US and does not require a job offer to apply. However, prior authorization from USCIS and the school's International Student Office is necessary. Students with F-1 status may also be eligible for off-campus employment in cases of severe economic hardship occurring after enrollment in an academic program and after being in F-1 status for at least one full academic year.
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Off-campus employment
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are permitted to work off-campus in Optional Practical Training (OPT) status during and after the completion of their degree. However, this requires prior authorization from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the student's school's International Student Office. 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 have received their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS.
Another off-campus employment option for F-1 students is Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is defined as "alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school". CPT employment must be an integral part of the student's degree program or a requirement for a course for which they receive academic credit. Prior authorization by the school's International Student Office and notification to the USCIS are required. CPT authorization specifies whether the student is approved for part-time (20 hours per week or less) or full-time employment, and students can only be approved for part-time CPT while they are in school.
F-1 students may also be eligible for off-campus employment in cases of severe economic hardship occurring after their enrollment in an academic program and after they have been in F-1 status for at least one full academic year. Severe economic hardship is defined by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) as a financial condition caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond the student's control that makes it difficult for them to continue their education. Students must demonstrate that on-campus employment is unavailable or insufficient to meet their financial needs.
Approval for off-campus employment is valid for one year, after which students must re-apply. Students who are offered an internship with an international organization within the meaning of the International Organization Immunities Act may also be eligible for an employment benefit.
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Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
International students with an F-1 visa can participate in Curricular Practical Training (CPT) while studying in the United States. CPT is defined as employment that is an integral part of an established curriculum, including internships, cooperative education, and other required practical training offered by sponsoring employers through agreements with the school. CPT is only available prior to the completion of a degree program, and students must have a job offer at the time of application.
To apply for CPT, students must first consult with their Designated School Official (DSO) and obtain a job offer or internship opportunity related to their area of study. The DSO will then enter their recommendation into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and provide the student with a Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status." The student must then submit this form, along with other required documents, to apply for CPT authorization. CPT can be authorized on a part-time or full-time basis, and students must maintain full-time enrollment during the fall and winter CPT terms.
It is important to note that CPT authorization is only required for training inside the United States. Additionally, 12 months or more of full-time CPT will eliminate eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Students must carefully consider their CPT plans and ensure they comply with all regulations and requirements to maintain their legal status in the United States.
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Optional Practical Training (OPT)
International students in the United States on an F-1 visa are permitted to work off-campus in certain circumstances. One such circumstance is Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows eligible students to apply for up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before and/or after completing their academic studies. All OPT employment must be directly related to the student's major area of study.
To be eligible for pre-completion OPT, students must have been enrolled full-time for one academic year at a college, university, conservatory, or seminary that has been certified by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enroll F-1 students. Students must also prove that they have the financial ability to pay for tuition and living expenses while studying.
To apply for OPT, students must obtain an internship offer with an international organization and then work with their Designated School Official (DSO) to apply for an Employment Authorization Document with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The DSO will make a recommendation by endorsing the student's Form I-20, "Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," and entering the recommendation into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Students must then file Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," with USCIS, along with the required fee and supporting documentation.
It is important to note that any work undertaken during the OPT period must be full-time (40 hours per week) and will count towards the total time of optional practical training available. If a student has already received one year of full-time pre-completion OPT, they will not be entitled to any period of post-completion OPT employment authorization. Additionally, if a student transfers to another school or begins studies at another educational level, their authorization to engage in OPT employment will automatically terminate.
Certain F-1 students who have earned degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields may be eligible for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT. To qualify, students must meet specific requirements, including having earned their degree from an accredited institution and ensuring that the OPT employment opportunity is directly related to their STEM degree.
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Frequently asked questions
The process for international students to get work authorization in the US depends on their visa status. F-1 visa holders must be enrolled for at least 9 months and receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and their school's Designated School Official (DSO). M-1 visa holders must have their employment authorized by their DSO and USCIS before starting work.
Off-campus employment for international students in the US must be related to their area of study. F-1 students cannot work off-campus during their first academic year, and their off-campus work authorization ends 1 year after issuance or upon completion of their program. M-1 students can only engage in curricular practical training or post-completion optional practical training.
Working without authorization in the US as an international student can result in serious consequences. If a DSO knows that an international student is working without permission, they are required to report it through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). This will result in the termination of the student's SEVIS record, meaning they will have to leave the US immediately and may not be allowed to return.
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