Lori Meadows
International students in the United States are allowed to work but only under certain conditions. Most international students hold an F1 visa, which is a non-immigrant visa. F1 students can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during holidays and vacation periods. Off-campus employment is more restricted and is only permitted in certain circumstances, such as economic hardship or curricular practical training (CPT). Students must obtain authorization from their Designated School Official (DSO) and may need to apply for an Employment Authorization Document with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | F-1 Visa (Academic Student) or M-1 Visa (Vocational Student) |
| Work eligibility | F-1 students may accept on-campus employment in their first year, subject to certain conditions. After the first year, they may engage in off-campus employment, but only if it is related to their area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official and USCIS. |
| On-campus employment | Students can work up to 20 hours per week during classes and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. |
| Off-campus employment | Off-campus employment is generally restricted to three categories: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and Severe Economic Hardship Employment. |
| Social Security Number | Only aliens with permission from DHS to work can apply for a Social Security Number. |
| Change of status | Students who finish a program and start another one on the same campus can continue on-campus employment if they plan to enroll in the new program for the next term. |
| Internships | Students must first obtain an internship offer and then work with the DSO to apply for an Employment Authorization Document with USCIS. |
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What You'll Learn
On-campus employment
International students in the United States on an F-1 visa are permitted to work on-campus, but only under certain conditions. F-1 visa holders are required to show proof of their ability to afford school and living expenses before entering the country, and are not expected to work off-campus. However, on-campus employment is the most freely available and permitted category of work for F-1 students, and does not require approval from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
There are several types of on-campus employment. This includes work performed directly for the school, including grant- or assistantship-affiliated work. It can also include work for on-location commercial firms that provide services for students on campus, such as the school bookstore or cafeteria.
After their first academic year, F-1 students can also engage in Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is a required part of their school's curriculum and relates to their major. CPT can include internships, cooperative education jobs, practicums, and other experiences related to their field of study. Students can work full-time with no hourly limit each week during CPT.
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Off-campus employment
International students in the US with an F-1 visa are generally not permitted to work off-campus during their first academic year. However, after the first year, they may engage in off-campus employment under certain conditions.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT is a type of off-campus employment that trains students in their field of study and can be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to their major. To be eligible for CPT, students must have their CPT authorization, which specifies whether they are approved for part-time or full-time employment. While in school, CPT can only be approved for part-time work. CPT authorization also specifies the employer and the dates authorized for work.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT is a program that allows international students to work temporarily for up to 12 months either before or after they graduate. Students can accumulate a maximum of 90 days of unemployment while seeking employment during OPT. To be eligible for OPT, students must have completed at least one academic year and be in valid F-1 status.
Severe Economic Hardship Employment
This option is available to students who have completed at least one academic year, can demonstrate a severe economic hardship beyond their control, and can show that on-campus employment opportunities are insufficient or unavailable.
Other Off-Campus Employment
F-1 students can also work off-campus at an off-campus location that is educationally affiliated with their school. The educational affiliation must be associated with the school's curriculum or related to contractually funded research projects at the postgraduate level. The employment must be an integral part of the student's educational program, and prior authorization is required.
It is important to note that off-campus employment for F-1 students is subject to strict regulations, and unauthorized employment can result in the loss of F-1 status and the need to leave the country.
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F-1 visa requirements
The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for academic students who want to study full-time in the United States. To be eligible for an F-1 visa, you must meet the following requirements:
Enrolment in an accredited academic institution
You must be enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited academic institution in the United States. This includes colleges, universities, seminaries, conservatories, academic high schools, elementary schools, and language training programs. Your school must be authorized by the U.S. government to accept foreign students.
Valid passport
You must have a valid passport from your country of citizenship. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States.
Financial support
You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover the costs of your tuition and living expenses during your stay in the United States. This can be done by providing bank statements or other financial documents.
English language proficiency
You must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses that will lead to English proficiency. This requirement may vary depending on the specific academic institution's requirements.
Maintenance of foreign residence
You must demonstrate that you have a residence outside of the United States that you have no intention of giving up. This is to ensure that you do not intend to immigrate permanently to the United States.
On-campus employment restrictions
F-1 students are allowed to work on-campus, but there are restrictions. You can only work up to 20 hours per week when school is in session and only for your school or a company that contracts with your school to serve students directly. You can work full-time during holidays and vacation periods if you intend to register for the next academic semester.
Off-campus employment restrictions
F-1 students are generally not allowed to work off-campus during their first academic year. After the first year, there are three types of off-campus employment options:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): This is training that is an integral part of your educational program. You must obtain authorization from your International Student Office and can only work for a specific employer and during specific dates.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): This is off-campus employment that is directly related to your area of study. You must obtain authorization from the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS.
- Severe Economic Hardship: In cases of severe economic hardship, USCIS may authorize off-campus employment after you have completed one full academic year and if you can demonstrate the ability to afford living expenses.
It is important to note that the regulations and restrictions surrounding F-1 visa employment are complex, and any unauthorized employment or violation of the terms of your visa can result in termination of your visa status and immediate departure from the United States. Always consult with your DSO and the USCIS for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding your specific situation.
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CPT and OPT
CPT, or Curricular Practical Training, is a provision that allows international students on an F1 non-immigrant visa status to participate in internships, co-ops, projects, etc. offered by employers with a cooperative agreement with the respective school. CPT must be completed before graduating from your program and must be integral to your program of study. CPT does not require additional fees outside of your student visa requirements and tuition.
To be eligible for CPT, you must be an international student on an F1 visa, and the work opportunity must be required by your academic program. Your employer will have an agreement with your school and may offer part-time or full-time work. If you choose to work full-time for 12 months on CPT, you will lose your eligibility for OPT. CPT authorization is only required when the training is inside the United States.
To apply for CPT, you should first contact your student advisor to learn about the CPT programs available at your institution, eligibility requirements, and sponsoring employers. Next, acquire an employment offer letter from your employer with all the required details, such as workplace address. Finally, apply to the CPT program through your college or university.
OPT, or Optional Practical Training, is a program that allows international students to seek employment before or after completing their degrees. OPT must relate to your major or course of study and can be authorized for up to 12 months at each education level for non-STEM graduates. STEM graduates may be eligible for a 24-month extension. To be eligible for OPT, you must have been a full-time student for a minimum of one year.
The OPT application process can be lengthy, so it is recommended to apply as soon as possible. To apply for OPT, you should first speak to your student advisor or DSO at your university and request information about applying. Your DSO will update the SEVIS and I-20 form with the OPT recommendation. Next, complete Form I-765 and send it to USCIS, along with the required documents and fee. Once your form is approved, obtain your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and start your OPT program on the start date mentioned on your EAD.
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Social Security numbers
International students in the United States 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). F1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment, subject to specific conditions and restrictions. After the first academic year, F1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and severe economic hardship employment.
To work in the United States, international students must obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). The Social Security Administration (SSA) will mail your number and card as soon as all of your immigration information has been verified, which can take 2-4 weeks or more. You can apply for a Social Security number in person at a local Social Security Administration office or by completing the social security application online and then visiting your local SSA office to show them your documents in person.
It is recommended that you do not apply for a Social Security Number more than 30 days before starting your employment, as applications submitted earlier may be rejected as too early. When submitting your application, your documents will be reviewed by an SSA examiner. Once your application is accepted, ask for an application receipt to show your employer that you have applied for an SSN.
To apply for a Social Security Number, you will need to bring the following documents:
- ISS On-Campus Employment Authorization/SSN Eligibility Letter
- I-94 card, or a copy of your J-1 admission stamp in your passport, and a printout of your electronic I-94 information
- Employment offer letter from your department/hiring office
- Documentation for employment authorization from your ISS adviser or your sponsoring agency
It is important to note that simply having a Social Security Number does not grant legal authorization to work in the United States. If you have been granted legal authorization to work and are employed, you are required to apply for and obtain an SSN.
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