Lori Meadows
International students in the US on an F1 visa are permitted 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). Students in valid F-1 status can generally work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the school year and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. Off-campus employment is more restricted and requires authorization. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) are two programs that allow international students to gain work experience in their field of study. CPT is a required part of a school's curriculum and can be completed as an internship, while OPT can be done before or after graduation and does not have to be for academic credit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | F-1, M-1 |
| Visa requirements | Enrolled as a full-time student, proficiency in English, sufficient funds, residence abroad |
| Work eligibility | On-campus work up to 20 hours/week during classes, up to 40 hours/week when classes are out; Off-campus work eligibility depends on visa type and requires authorization |
| Off-campus work authorization | F-1 students: eligible on a case-by-case basis due to severe economic hardship or special circumstances; M-1 students: only after completing studies |
| Curricular Practical Training (CPT) | Paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to the field of study; F-1 students eligible after the first academic year |
| Optional Practical Training (OPT) | Temporary employment related to the area of study, can be done before or after graduation; F-1 students eligible after the first academic year |
| Work visa options | OPT extension, STEM OPT extension, H-1B visa, Green Card Lottery |
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What You'll Learn
- International students with F-1 visas can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during university terms
- Off-campus employment for F-1 students is restricted to cases of economic hardship or emergent circumstances
- Students on an F-1 visa can work off-campus through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- Students must maintain their F-1 status and adhere to visa requirements to avoid jeopardising their ability to work
- To work in the US after graduation, international students can pursue a work visa, H-1B visa, or green card
International students with F-1 visas can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during university terms
International students in the US on F-1 visas 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). F-1 students have three main employment-related guidelines. Firstly, they may work at any qualifying on-campus job that does not displace a US citizen or LPR. Secondly, they may work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session (or full-time during those periods when school is not in session or during the annual vacation). Finally, they should report their work and receive a certification letter to present to the Social Security Administration in order to receive a Social Security number.
Failing to comply with these guidelines may result in the F-1 student having to leave the United States. F-1 students are also 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. Students must provide evidence of economic hardship based on unforeseen circumstances beyond their control, and show that on-campus employment is neither available nor sufficient.
There are also other ways for international students to work in the US. Students in valid F-1 status can work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status both during and after the completion of their degree. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is another option, which is employment that trains the student in their field of study and for which they fulfill academic credit or part of their degree requirement. CPT may be a paid or unpaid internship, a cooperative education job, a practicum, or another experience related to their field of study.
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Off-campus employment for F-1 students is restricted to cases of economic hardship or emergent circumstances
International students in the US on an F1 visa are allowed to work but only under certain conditions. F-1 students can work in any qualifying on-campus job, provided that it does not displace a US citizen or LPR. They can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and can work full-time during annual vacations or when school is not in session.
F-1 students can apply for off-campus employment authorization in cases of severe economic hardship. The student must demonstrate that on-campus employment is unavailable or insufficient to meet their financial needs due to unexpected circumstances. The Designated School Official (DSO) must verify that the student qualifies for off-campus employment by entering the information into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The DSO must also endorse the student's Form I-20, indicating the emergency exception, and the student must file Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization." USCIS will then make a case-by-case decision, granting authorization for up to 1-year intervals, provided the student remains in good academic standing.
International students in F-1 status are also permitted to work off-campus in Optional Practical Training (OPT) status during and after the completion of their degree. However, students who engage in 12 months or more of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) are not eligible for OPT.
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Students on an F-1 visa can work off-campus through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT)
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are permitted to work off-campus in Optional Practical Training (OPT) status both during and after the completion of their degree. However, this is subject to certain conditions and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
Firstly, the employment must be "'directly related" to the student's major or course of study. It must be an integral part of the student's educational program. Secondly, the student must seek clearance from their International Student Office prior to applying for or accepting any employment. The DSO will provide a Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status", which certifies that the applicant is a bona fide F-1 student. The DSO will also enter their recommendation into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is another option for F-1 students to work off-campus. CPT is integral to the student's major and must be a part of their program of study. CPT can be authorized 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 authorized during the first semester of graduate school if the program requires this type of experience. Students can only be approved for part-time CPT while in school. There is no limit to how long a student can work with CPT authorization, but if a student works full-time for 12 months or more, they become ineligible for OPT.
Students can apply for 12 months of OPT at each education level, and OPT can be completed before or after graduation. Students must apply for OPT by mailing a completed Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization", to USCIS and paying a filing fee. USCIS will then send an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) upon approval, and students must wait to start work until they receive this.
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Students must maintain their F-1 status and adhere to visa requirements to avoid jeopardising their ability to work
To study as a full-time student in the United States, you will generally need a student visa. There are two nonimmigrant visa categories: the F-1 Visa (Academic Student) and the M-1 Visa (Vocational Student). The F-1 visa is the most common visa for international students in the United States. To maintain their F-1 status, students must meet several requirements. Firstly, they must be enrolled in an academic educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program. Secondly, they must be enrolled as full-time students at an accredited institution approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program. Thirdly, F-1 students must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency. They must also have sufficient funds for self-support during their studies and maintain a residence abroad with no intention of giving it up.
F-1 students are permitted to work in the United States, but only under certain conditions and guidelines. They may work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the school session and full-time during annual vacations. On-campus employment must not displace a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) and must provide services directly to students. F-1 students must report their on-campus work and obtain a certification letter to present to the Social Security Administration to receive a Social Security number. Non-compliance with these guidelines may result in the student having to leave the country.
After their first academic year, F-1 students may engage in off-campus employment under three categories: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and Special Situations. CPT allows international students to work part-time while studying, helping them cover education costs and gain work experience. OPT is temporary employment directly related to the student's major, permitted for up to 12 months full-time. Students who engage in 12 months or more of full-time CPT are not eligible for OPT. F-1 students may also work off-campus due to special situations, such as severe economic hardship or special student relief in cases of emergent circumstances like natural disasters or financial crises.
To work off-campus, F-1 students must obtain authorization from the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS. The DSO must certify the student's eligibility and enter the recommendation into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Students must also apply for an Employment Authorization Document and ensure their off-campus employment is related to their area of study. By adhering to these visa requirements and employment guidelines, international students on F-1 visas can maintain their status and enjoy the opportunity to work in the United States.
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To work in the US after graduation, international students can pursue a work visa, H-1B visa, or green card
International students play a significant role in the US economy and academia, and there are several ways they can legally work in the country after graduation. The most common ways include pursuing a work visa, an H-1B visa, or attaining lawful permanent residency (a green card).
Work Visa
International students can apply for a work visa to stay and work in the US after graduation. The F-1 visa is a common option, which allows students to work in the US for up to 12 months after graduation through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. Students in STEM fields may be eligible for a STEM OPT extension, allowing them to stay and work for up to 24 months. To be eligible for an F-1 visa, students must meet specific criteria, including being enrolled in an academic or vocational program at a school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program and demonstrating English proficiency.
H-1B Visa
The H-1B visa is another option for international students seeking to work in the US after graduation. This visa is for those wishing to work in a specialty occupation, services requiring exceptional merit and ability, or as a fashion model. There is an annual limit of 65,000 H-1B visas, with an additional 20,000 visas available for those with a master's degree or higher from a US institution. The H-1B visa process involves the student's prospective employer or agent submitting an LCA to the Department of Labor for certification, followed by filing Form I-129. Once approved, the student can apply for the H-1B visa and admission to the US.
Green Card
Green card holders, or Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), have greater freedom to live, study, and work in the US without the restrictions faced by those on temporary visas. They can enrol in US colleges without needing a student visa and benefit from reduced tuition rates, access to scholarships and grants, and federal financial aid. Green card holders can also seek employment without needing OPT and are eligible for internships and government jobs that require US work authorization. However, they must meet certain legal and residency requirements, such as maintaining their permanent residency status by avoiding prolonged absences from the US and paying US taxes on worldwide income.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can work in the USA, but only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
Most international students in the US have an F1 visa, which is the US non-immigrant student visa. F1 students are allowed to work in the US, but only under certain conditions.
Students with an F1 visa can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the school year and up to 40 hours per week during breaks. After the first academic year, F1 students are eligible for off-campus employment through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT).
CPT is training that is a required part of your school's curriculum and relates to your major. CPT can be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience that is related to your field of study.
OPT is temporary employment that is related to your area of study. OPT can be completed before or after graduation, for up to 12 months.
