Janice Lozano
International students often take up part-time jobs while studying, and on-campus jobs are a popular choice due to their ease of availability and the lack of additional work authorization required. In the US, international students on F-1 visas can work on campus without needing USCIS approval, but they must adhere to certain conditions and restrictions. For instance, they can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and must ensure their job does not displace a US resident. To work off-campus, international students must meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization, which is only granted in specific circumstances. Similar rules apply for international students in Canada, who can work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit, but must ensure they meet other requirements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Student visa type | F-1 or M-1 |
| Enrollment status | Enrolled full-time in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program |
| English proficiency | Proficient in English or enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency |
| Financial status | Sufficient funds available for self-support during the entire proposed course of study |
| Employment type | On-campus or off-campus |
| On-campus employment | No additional work authorization required; valid I-20 document is needed to confirm eligibility; can work up to 20 hours per week when school is in session and more during breaks |
| Off-campus employment | Requires authorization and eligibility; limited to 12 months; must be related to the student's field of study |
| Social Security Number | Required for both on-campus and off-campus employment |
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What You'll Learn
F-1 visa requirements
International students in the United States with an F-1 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). F-1 students must show an ability to afford the costs of school and living expenses before entering the US and should not plan to work off-campus.
On-campus employment is the most freely available option for F-1 visa holders, and it does not require USCIS approval. However, on-campus employment opportunities are often limited. To be considered for on-campus employment, F-1 students must be enrolled full-time and in valid F-1 status. They can generally 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. F-1 students can work full-time on campus during holidays and vacation periods if they intend to register for the next academic semester.
Off-campus employment is only available to F-1 students who have completed at least one full academic year of their program and who are experiencing economic hardship or emergent circumstances as defined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Emergent circumstances include world events such as natural disasters, wars, and international financial crises. To apply for off-campus employment under these circumstances, students must explain their situation and receive approval from their Designated School Official (DSO). If approved, the student must then file a Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," with USCIS. If USCIS approves, they will send a Form I-766, "Employment Authorization Document" (EAD), with the dates the student may work off-campus.
There are four categories of off-campus employment for F-1 visa holders: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), Severe Economic Hardship Employment, and STEM OPT Extension. CPT is employment that trains students in their field of study and for which they fulfil academic credit or a degree requirement. It may be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to their field of study. OPT is work authorization that allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year before or after graduation. Severe Economic Hardship Employment is available to students who have completed at least one academic year and can prove a severe economic hardship beyond their control, and for whom on-campus employment opportunities are insufficient. The STEM OPT Extension is for F-1 students who may be eligible to work off-campus in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics fields on a case-by-case basis due to special situations.
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On-campus job search
International students in the United States, particularly those holding an F-1 visa, are allowed to work but only under certain conditions. On-campus jobs are the most freely available and do not require additional work authorization or USCIS approval. However, on-campus employment opportunities are limited, and international students should be eligible for all on-campus jobs unless stated otherwise.
To start working on campus, an F-1 student needs to work with a Designated School Official (DSO) to ensure the job qualifies as on-campus employment. They will need certification letters from the DSO and the employer, which must be presented to officials at the local Social Security Administration office to obtain a Social Security number.
The best place to look for on-campus jobs is your college's online job board, if they have one. Many US schools use online platforms to post all types of jobs open to students. International students can use the "On-Campus" filter to find openings they are eligible for. Some schools may also have a physical job board in a central location on campus, such as the student center or quad.
There are many different types of on-campus jobs available to undergraduate and graduate students, and international students are welcome to apply for the same jobs as domestic students. Common examples of on-campus jobs for students include:
- Night desk attendant
- Learning center tutor
- Research assistant
- Graduate assistant
International students can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and up to 40 hours per week when school is not in session.
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Work hours and conditions
International students on an F1 visa are allowed to work in the United States, but only under certain conditions and restrictions. On-campus employment is the most freely available option for F1 visa holders, and it does not require USCIS approval.
International students enrolled full-time and in valid F-1 status can generally 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. Students can work multiple jobs, as long as the total does not exceed 20 hours per week. They can also work full-time during holidays and vacation periods if they intend to register for the next academic semester. However, the job should not displace a U.S. resident.
On-campus jobs do not require additional work authorization or paperwork for students on F-1 visas. A valid I-20 document is required to confirm eligibility to work on campus. F-1 students can start working on campus in their first year, and there is no waiting period, unlike with off-campus work. However, some schools may not permit employment in a student's first semester or year.
It is important to note that the exact policies regarding on-campus work for international students may vary by school. Therefore, it is recommended to contact the school's international student services office for specific information.
In terms of off-campus employment, F-1 students are generally not allowed to work off-campus during their first academic year. After the first year, they may engage in off-campus employment under specific categories and conditions, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and Severe Economic Hardship Employment. Off-campus employment is subject to eligibility requirements and official authorization, and students must carefully follow the guidelines to maintain their F-1 student status.
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Social Security Number application
International students with an F-1 visa are allowed to work in the United States, but only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). On-campus employment is the most freely available option for international students, but opportunities are often limited.
To work on campus, an F-1 student must first obtain certification letters from the Designated School Official (DSO) and the employer. These letters must then be presented to officials at the local Social Security Administration office to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). An SSN is a 9-digit number issued to citizens and eligible non-citizens to track earnings over a worker's lifetime for taxation purposes. While an SSN is not a work permit, it is required by the US government for tax and employment reporting purposes.
- Wait at least 2-3 weeks after your arrival in the US before requesting an SSN.
- Complete the social security application online.
- Visit your local Social Security Administration office to show them your documents in person.
- 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
- An employment offer letter from your department/hiring office (you can use the letter template provided by the Social Security Administration)
- Documentation for employment authorization from your ISS adviser or sponsoring agency
- Submit a Social Security Letter Request via TC-Compass. If you are requesting an SSN based on on-campus employment, you must bring your department letter to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). The OISS will issue a second letter to confirm your employment and full-time student status.
- Receive your SSN and card in the mail as soon as all of your immigration information has been verified. This can take 2-4 weeks or more, and processing times may vary.
Please note that application requirements may differ depending on your immigration status. For example, F-1 students must provide evidence of lawful F-1 employment, such as an on-campus job or authorization for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). If you do not currently have an on-campus job or off-campus training authorization, the Social Security Administration will not issue a replacement card.
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Off-campus employment eligibility
F-1 Visa Holders
F-1 visa holders are permitted to work off-campus in the United States, but only after completing one full academic year and maintaining good academic standing. The off-campus employment authorization is valid for one year or until the completion of the program, whichever comes first.
To apply for off-campus employment authorization, F-1 students must:
- Demonstrate financial need by showing that on-campus employment opportunities are insufficient or unavailable.
- Obtain a Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," from their DSO, certifying their F-1 student status.
- File a Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," along with a fee to the USCIS.
- If approved, students will receive a Form I-766, "Employment Authorization Document" (EAD), allowing them to begin working off-campus.
Special Circumstances:
In certain global circumstances, such as famine, war, or economic crises, the U.S. government may offer temporary benefits, including off-campus employment authorization, to students from affected countries. This is known as Special Student Relief (SSR).
Additionally, F-1 students who experience unforeseen economic hardship may be eligible for off-campus employment. They must provide evidence and receive authorization from their university and the DHS.
International Organization Internships:
F-1 students may also be eligible for off-campus employment if they secure an internship with an international organization that falls within the International Organization Immunities Act. The internship must be based in the United States and require relevant work authorization.
Canada:
In Canada, international students can work off-campus without a work permit, provided they meet specific criteria:
- They are full-time students at a designated learning institution (DLI).
- They are in their last semester and do not need a full course load to complete their program.
- They can work up to 24 hours per week while school is in session.
- They must ensure they continue to meet eligibility requirements to maintain their student status.
In summary, off-campus employment eligibility for international students varies depending on the country and their visa status. F-1 visa holders in the United States must meet specific requirements and apply for authorization, while international students in Canada may work off-campus without a work permit under certain conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
International students in the US typically hold an F1 visa, which is a non-immigrant student visa. Students with this visa are allowed to work on campus without additional work authorization.
International students with an F1 visa can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and up to 40 hours per week during breaks. There is no limit on the number of months you can work on campus as long as you are an enrolled student.
You will need a valid I-20 document to confirm your eligibility to work on campus. If you are an F1 student, you will also need certification letters from your Designated School Official (DSO) and employer, which you must present to officials at the local Social Security Administration office to get a Social Security number.
