Lana Oconnell
International students in the United States on an F-1 visa are permitted to work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status during and after completion of their degree. However, there are complex guidelines and restrictions imposed by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) that students must follow. Students must also maintain their F-1 status, or risk losing their visa. This includes remaining a full-time student when school is in session and only working off-campus after the first academic year.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | F-1 or M-1 |
| Student status | Full-time |
| School type | Must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement |
| Employment type | On-campus, off-campus, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT) |
| Work hours | Up to 20 hours per week for pre-completion OPT, full-time or part-time for post-completion OPT |
| Work duration | OPT can be completed for up to 12 months, including pre-completion and post-completion of the degree |
| Employment conditions | Employment must be related to the student's area of study and must be authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS |
| Social Security Number (SSN) | Required for employment, can be applied for after receiving a job offer |
| OPT application | Must be received by USCIS before the completion of the degree |
| OPT extension | Students with degrees in STEM fields may be eligible for a 24-month extension |
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What You'll Learn
On-campus employment
International students should be eligible for all on-campus jobs unless the job posting specifically states otherwise. Students can work in the university bookstore, cafeteria, library, or even as a campus ambassador. They can also work multiple jobs as long as they do not total more than 20 hours per week when school is in session and up to 40 hours per week during school break periods.
To apply for on-campus employment, students should talk to their Designated School Official (DSO). If approved, the DSO will provide a letter of approval, which is required to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). To apply for an SSN, students will need a letter from their employer, on company letterhead, stating the job title, work hours, start date, and rate of pay.
It's important to note that international students do not qualify for work-study jobs as these are federally funded. However, some universities offer institutionally-funded work-study programs for qualifying international students. Students can visit their college's career centre for help with their resume and to find on-campus jobs that they qualify for.
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Off-campus employment
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are permitted to work off-campus, but only under certain conditions. Off-campus employment is subject to more complex guidelines and restrictions than on-campus work and always requires prior authorization.
To be eligible for off-campus employment, F-1 students must have remained enrolled for at least one academic year and be in good academic standing. They must also demonstrate that they are unable to secure on-campus employment, or that the pay from available on-campus work is insufficient to meet their financial needs. Students must also show that working off-campus will not adversely impact their ability to attend school full-time.
There are several categories of off-campus employment:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): This is paid or unpaid employment that trains students in their field of study and fulfills academic credit or a degree requirement. CPT can include internships, cooperative education jobs, or other experiences related to the student's field of study.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): OPT allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year either before or after graduation. 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 one year and have received their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Severe Economic Hardship Employment: This is available to students who have completed at least one academic year and can demonstrate severe economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances beyond their control. Students must also show that on-campus employment opportunities are insufficient or unavailable.
- Sponsorship by an International Organization: F-1 students may be eligible for off-campus work under the sponsorship of an international organization as defined by the International Organization Immunities Act. Students must submit a written certification from the organization, a Form I-20 ID endorsed for employment, and a completed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
It is important to note that the process of obtaining authorization for off-campus employment can be lengthy and may take up to 120 days. There is also a fee associated with the application process. International students should carefully follow the guidelines and work closely with their school's International Student Office to ensure compliance with all regulations.
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F-1 visa requirements
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are allowed to work, but only under specific conditions and in compliance with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service's (USCIS) complex rules and restrictions. Before entering the United States, F-1 students must demonstrate their financial capacity to pay for tuition and living expenses, implying that they should not intend to work off-campus.
F-1 students can work on-campus without needing USCIS approval. This includes work at an on-site commercial firm that provides services for students, such as the school bookstore or cafeteria. However, on-campus employment opportunities are usually limited at most schools.
Off-campus work authorization requires case-by-case approval from USCIS and is only granted in cases of severe economic hardship or emergent circumstances, such as natural disasters or international financial crises. F-1 students may also be eligible for off-campus work through Optional Practical Training (OPT) after being enrolled for at least nine months and receiving their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS. This can include work at an off-campus location that is educationally affiliated with the school, such as contractually funded research projects at the postgraduate level.
All students who wish to work in the US must apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). To do so, they need a letter of approval from their Designated School Official (DSO) and employer. Additionally, students must maintain their full-time student status when school is in session and renew their work authorization at least six months before it expires.
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Social Security Number
To work in the US as an international student, you will need to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). An SSN is a unique, nine-digit identification number that is necessary for working and for other important processes in the US. It is issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and is used to track your earnings and eligibility for Social Security benefits.
Obtaining an SSN as an international student can be done by following these steps:
- Ensure you have the necessary documents: To apply for an SSN, you will need to gather certain documents. This includes your passport, I-94 form (which shows your arrival and departure record), and proof of employment or an offer of employment. You will also need documentation that confirms your immigration status, such as your I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status) or DS-2019 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status).
- Complete the SSN application: You can obtain the application form, SS-5, online or from your local SSA office. Fill it out accurately and completely.
- Submit the application: Submit your application and supporting documents to your local SSA office. You can locate the nearest SSA office by searching on the SSA website (www.ssa.gov) or by calling their toll-free number.
- Wait for processing: The processing time for an SSN application can vary, but it typically takes around 2-4 weeks. During this time, the SSA will verify your documents and process your application.
- Receive your SSN: Once your application is approved, you will receive a Social Security card in the mail, which includes your unique SSN. This card serves as proof of your SSN and should be kept in a safe place.
It is important to note that eligibility for an SSN as an international student depends on your specific visa status and the terms of your stay in the US. Most commonly, F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors may be eligible for an SSN if they have a valid offer of employment or are authorized for practical training related to their studies. Always ensure you understand the specific requirements and restrictions of your visa status before applying for an SSN.
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Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
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 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. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of work authorization for international students on F-1 visas, allowing them to gain work experience during their degree program. CPT provides an opportunity to put studies into practice and gain professional experience in the US, adding real-world value to a student's degree. CPT is tied to a specific employer, job, and duration, and can be used to save OPT for after graduation, extending the time an international student can remain in the US on their F-1 visa.
To qualify for CPT, international students must complete one year of full-time study and gain prior approval for the work experience, which must be related to their academic program. CPT is typically available for employment or paid internships off-campus, with a minimum of 40 work hours per week. Graduate students can begin working off-campus in their first year if their university mandates employment as a required component of the curriculum. For other students, CPT can only be used before graduation, and they must wait until after their first year to begin working.
The application process for CPT involves submitting an application to the university's ISSS office with an official job offer letter. The application must include details such as the internship's start and end dates, the organization's name and address, and the student's job title and description. The processing time for CPT approval usually takes between 5-10 business days, and students can only begin working once approved. While on-campus employment is the most freely permitted by USCIS regulations, CPT offers a valuable opportunity for off-campus work experience related to a student's field of study.
It is important to note that CPT and OPT have different requirements and purposes. While CPT is tied to a specific employer and job, OPT can be used to find any job related to the student's field of study. OPT is limited to 12 months of work and can be used before or after graduation. Students who have completed 12 months of full-time CPT or pre-completion OPT will need an employer willing to sponsor a work visa, or they must leave the US within 60 days of graduating.
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Frequently asked questions
Most international students in the US hold an F1 visa, which allows you to work in the country but only under certain conditions. You must be enrolled in an academic, language training, or vocational programme at a school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program.
Students with an F1 visa can only work on-campus during their first academic year. After the first year, students can gain employment off-campus through programmes like Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
OPT is a programme that allows international students to work temporarily for up to 12 months either before or after their studies. CPT is a required part of your school's curriculum that gives you actual experience in your major through internships, co-ops, or practicums.
To apply for a job, you will need a Social Security Number (SSN). You can apply for an SSN by bringing a letter from your employer and your original documents, such as your passport and visa, to the local Social Security Administration Office.
