Lana Oconnell
International students are those who study in a country different from the one they are from. Depending on the country, international students may be allowed to work, but they are often restricted by the terms of their visa. For example, in the US, international students with 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). Similarly, in the UK, international students can work, but they must comply with their immigration rights and restrictions and any limits to working that their institution might have.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | F-1, M-1, J-1, O-1 |
| Work authorization | Allowed under specific circumstances, whether during studies or after graduation |
| Work type | On-campus, off-campus, internships, full-time |
| Work hours | Part-time, full-time, casual |
| Work conditions | Must be "directly related" to the student's major, must be related to their area of study, must be authorized by the Designated School Official and USCIS |
| Work authorization validity | 1 year |
| Work permit validity | Up to 3 years, extendable for an additional 2 years |
| Work opportunities | Similar to US workers in duties, hours, and compensation |
| Work rights | Same workplace rights and protections as other workers in the country |
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What You'll Learn
International student workers' visa requirements
International students who wish to work in the United States must obtain a student visa, which is typically either an F or M visa. The F-1 visa is for academic students, while the M-1 visa is for vocational students. To obtain an F-1 visa, students must be enrolled in an academic educational program, language-training program, or vocational program, and the school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program. Additionally, F-1 visa holders must be enrolled full-time, be proficient in English or enrolled in courses to become proficient, have sufficient funds for self-support during their studies, and maintain a residence abroad that they do not intend to give up.
F-1 visa holders are allowed to work in the United States, but only under certain conditions and restrictions. They may accept on-campus employment, but only after obtaining permission from the International Student Office and ensuring that the employment does not displace a US worker. During holidays and vacation periods, they can work full-time on campus if they intend to register for the next academic semester. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and economic hardship off-campus employment. CPT is an off-campus employment option when practical training is an integral part of the curriculum or academic program. OPT is a type of off-campus employment that F-1 students can engage in during and after completing their degrees, but they must first obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS. To be eligible for economic hardship off-campus employment, students must demonstrate that unexpected circumstances beyond their control, such as the loss of financial aid or on-campus employment, have created a severe economic hardship.
M-1 visa holders may engage in practical training only after they have completed their studies, and any off-campus training employment must be related to their area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official and USCIS.
It is important for international students to be aware of the requirements and restrictions associated with their specific visa status and to consult with an immigration attorney if they have any questions.
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On-campus employment
International students in the United States are typically holders of F1 visas—non-immigrant visas for full-time students. F1 visa holders are allowed to work in the US, but only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
F1 visa holders are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session (full-time during holidays and vacation periods if you intend to register for the next academic semester). The work must take place either at your school or at an educationally affiliated off-campus location, such as a research facility or sports stadium. The employment may not displace a US citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR).
To find on-campus jobs, international students can check online job boards on the school's website or network with peers and professors. Students with F-1 visas are eligible to work on their home campuses while studying in the US and can begin working up to 30 days before the start date on their I-20. A valid I-20 document serves as proof of work eligibility for on-campus employment.
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Off-campus employment
International students in the United States typically hold an F1 visa, which is a non-immigrant student visa. F1 visa holders are allowed to work in the US, but only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
F1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year, but they may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. After the first academic year, F1 students may engage in off-campus employment under specific circumstances. USCIS will authorize off-campus employment for F1 students only in cases of severe economic hardship occurring after the student's enrollment in an academic program and after they have been in F1 status for at least one full academic year. Severe economic hardship is defined as a financial condition caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond the student's control that make it difficult for them to continue their education. Examples of such circumstances include the loss of financial aid or on-campus employment, substantial changes in the exchange rate, unexpected increases in tuition or living costs, and international financial crises.
In addition, F1 students can be eligible for off-campus work under the sponsorship of an international organization as defined by the International Organization Immunities Act. In this case, students must submit a written certification from the organization confirming that the proposed employment falls within the scope of the organization's sponsorship, along with other required forms and fees.
It is important to note that any off-campus employment for F1 students must be related to their area of study and must be authorized by the Designated School Official and USCIS prior to starting work. The off-campus employment authorization is valid for one year and may be extended if certain conditions are met.
International students in the US should be aware of the requirements and restrictions concerning their visa and consult with their school's International Student Office and immigration attorneys for guidance on maintaining compliance with their visa status while seeking employment opportunities.
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Work permits and authorisations
International students in the United States can obtain work authorization under specific circumstances, whether during their studies or after graduation. The majority of international students in the US hold 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 and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
On-campus employment is the category most freely permitted by USCIS regulations, and it does not require USCIS approval. However, although F1 status includes an on-campus employment privilege, on-campus employment opportunities at most schools are limited. Even if an international student can obtain a job on campus, they may not rely on it to prove financial resources for the year, and often these jobs are not related to their studies. Many schools do require that students obtain permission from the International Student Office prior to accepting any on-campus employment, and may not permit such employment in a student's first semester or year. For on-campus work, an F1 student is subject to the following rules:
- They can work full-time on campus during holidays and vacation periods if they intend to register for the next academic semester.
- The employment may not displace (take a job away from) a US worker.
- They need to have a Social Security Number in order to work in the US, but they must secure a job first in order to apply for the Social Security Number.
- Students (full-time or part-time) are not permitted to work more than a total of 20 hours per week when classes are in session.
F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year, but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is work authorization that allows F-1 students to accept practical training in their academic field after one year of full-time study. Internship programs are some of the most common types of CPT opportunities for international students. Students can choose to work full or part-time during their internships, depending on the institution’s CPT policy.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT) is available to international students in valid F1 immigration status, permitting them to work off-campus during and after the completion of their degree. OPT employment can occur anywhere in the US, but students cannot begin employment until they receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS and have been enrolled for at least a year.
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT) is available to F-1 students who may be eligible to work off-campus.
USCIS will authorize off-campus employment for F-1 students only in cases of severe economic hardship occurring after a student's enrollment in an academic program and after the student has been in F-1 status for at least one full academic year, or in emergent circumstances as defined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Emergent circumstances include world events that affect a specific group of F-1 students and cause them to suffer severe economic hardship, including natural disasters, wars, and international financial crises.
M-1 students may engage in practical training only after they have completed their studies. For both F-1 and M-1 students, any off-campus training employment must be related to their area of study and must be authorized prior to starting any work by the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS.
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Social Security Number applications
International students are allowed to obtain work authorization in the US under specific circumstances, whether during their studies or after graduation. Most international students in the United States hold an F1 visa, which is the US non-immigrant student visa. F1 visa holders are allowed to work in the US, but only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
If you are an international student with a work authorization permit, you can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) to work in the US. The Social Security Administration (SSA) assigns nine-digit SSNs to US citizens, permanent residents, and eligible nonimmigrant workers in the United States.
To apply for an SSN, you can file your application in person at any SSA office. You will need to provide original documents to prove your age, identity, and work-authorized immigration status. All evidence of immigration status and work authorization must be unexpired. You can also apply online and then go to a local Social Security office to provide your documentation. Once your application is approved, you will receive a Social Security card with your number on it by mail within 14 days.
Please note that a Social Security Number alone is not sufficient proof of work authorization for international students. It is critical that employers confirm an international student’s work authorization before their employment start date to prevent any liability for the student and the employer in the future.
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Frequently asked questions
An international student worker is a non-immigrant student who works part-time while studying in a country of which they are not a resident or citizen.
Most international students in the US hold an F1 visa, which allows students to work in the country under certain conditions. The F1 visa is for academic students enrolled in an accredited college, university, or other academic institution. Students may also enter the US on an M-1 visa, which is for vocational students.
As of November 8, 2024, international students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit.
