Savanna Hoffman
International students often face challenges when seeking employment, as eligibility depends on their visa status and other factors such as their academic program and the nature of the work. In the United States, for instance, international students on F-1 visas can work on-campus jobs without additional authorization and may engage in off-campus employment under specific circumstances, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). Similar work authorization options are available in other countries, like the O-1 status in the US, which allows foreign nationals with extraordinary ability in certain fields to obtain temporary work visas. Understanding these regulations is crucial for international students to navigate the job market and secure eligible opportunities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Student visa type | F-1, J-1, M-1 |
| Work authorization | CPT, OPT, O-1, E-3, E-1, E-2, H-1B1 |
| Work location | On-campus, off-campus |
| Work hours | Up to 20 hours per week during classes, up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session |
| Work duration | No limit, but 12 months of full-time CPT eliminates OPT eligibility |
| Work type | Internships, full-time opportunities, part-time |
| Work eligibility | Visa status, sponsorship, Social Security Number |
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What You'll Learn
On-campus jobs
International students can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and more than 20 hours per week during breaks when classes are not in session. This limit includes all employment, including off-campus experiences authorized by Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or J-1 Academic Training (AT). On-campus jobs for international students can include positions such as teaching or research assistants, student hourly jobs in administrative offices, residence halls, libraries, dining facilities, labs, and recreational facilities.
To find on-campus jobs, international students can start by checking their college's online job board or physical job board in central locations like the student center. They can also visit their college's career center for help with their resume and finding suitable job openings. Networking is also important, and students can benefit from talking to upperclassmen and peers about their experiences with on-campus jobs.
It is important for international students to carefully navigate the rules and regulations of on-campus employment. For example, an F-1 student can work for a company that contracts with the school for student services, but not for a company that contracts for something else, even if the work location is on school property. Additionally, F-1 students can begin working up to 30 days before the start of a program, but they should inform the Designated School Official (DSO) beforehand.
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$8.99
Off-campus jobs
International students in the United States on an F-1 visa are permitted to work off-campus, but eligibility requirements and restrictions are in place. Students must be enrolled in an academic program full-time and should not plan to work off-campus without meeting eligibility requirements and obtaining official authorization.
To be eligible for off-campus employment, F-1 students must have completed their first academic year and be in F-1 status for at least one full academic year. They must also demonstrate an ability to afford the costs of school and living expenses before entering the US. 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 severe economic hardship employment. CPT is training in a student's field of study, for which they receive academic credit or fulfil a degree requirement. CPT 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. To qualify for off-campus employment due to severe economic hardship, students must demonstrate that they are experiencing financial difficulties after enrolling in an academic program. Emergent circumstances, such as natural disasters, wars, and financial crises, may also be considered.
To apply for off-campus employment, students must first receive approval from their Designated School Official (DSO), who will provide an updated Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status." Students must then file a Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within 30 days. If approved, USCIS will issue a Form I-766, "Employment Authorization Document" (EAD), specifying the dates for off-campus work. It is important to note that students cannot work while the Form I-765 is pending. Additionally, off-campus employment authorization ends one year after issuance or upon completion of the program, whichever comes first.
In Canada, international students may work off-campus without a work permit for up to 24 hours per week. However, they must ensure they meet other requirements for working while studying. Students must be full-time students at a designated learning institution and comply with the conditions of their study permit. If students work without meeting the requirements, they may have to leave Canada and may face difficulties in obtaining future study or work permits.
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Work visas
International students in the US are allowed to obtain work authorization under specific circumstances, whether during their studies or after graduation. However, the eligibility criteria and types of employment authorization vary depending on the student's visa status. Here is an overview of work visas and their requirements for international students:
F-1 Visa (Academic Student)
The F-1 Visa is the most common non-immigrant visa for international students enrolled full-time in academic programs at accredited US educational institutions. F-1 students are generally eligible for on-campus employment without requiring additional work authorization. They can work up to 20 hours per week during the school term and up to 40 hours per week during vacation periods. On-campus employment can include jobs at the university, as well as school-affiliated off-campus locations, such as research facilities or stadiums. F-1 students must maintain their status and follow certain rules, including obtaining authorization for off-campus employment.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT is a type of employment authorization that allows F-1 students to gain practical training in their academic field. To be eligible, students must have completed one year of full-time study. CPT can be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to their field of study. CPT does not affect eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT is a form of off-campus work authorization for F-1 students, allowing them to work in areas related to their major for up to one year before or after graduation. To be eligible, students must have completed at least one academic year and have active F-1 status. Post-completion OPT allows for a maximum of 90 days of unemployment while seeking employment.
O-1 Status
The O-1 status is a temporary work visa available to foreign nationals with "extraordinary ability" in fields such as science, arts, business, or athletics. It is interpreted broadly and can include chefs, carpenters, and lecturers. Recent graduates may qualify based on their experience, education, and contributions to their field.
H-1B and H-1B1 Visas
Some nonprofit research organizations and higher education institutions can sponsor H-1B visas, which are cap-exempt. Citizens of Chile and Singapore are eligible for the H-1B1 visa, which is issued in one-year increments and can be renewed indefinitely. The cap-gap extension allows individuals with approved H-1B applications to remain employed during the transition from OPT to H-1B.
E-3 Status
Australians working in professional positions in the US may be eligible for E-3 status, which is valid for 24 months and renewable. The processing fees are substantial, totaling $1,615, with an optional premium processing fee of $2,805.
It is important for international students to be aware of their visa status and work eligibility to ensure compliance with US immigration regulations. They should also take advantage of resources like career centers and networking opportunities to find eligible on-campus and off-campus job positions.
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Social Security Numbers
International students in the United States who are interested in working may need to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). An SSN is a 9-digit identifier issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) to citizens and eligible non-citizens. Its primary purpose is to track individuals for taxation purposes.
International students need an SSN to report income and pay taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) while employed in the U.S. It is also essential for setting up phone, utility, or bank accounts in the U.S. International students are eligible to apply for an SSN only after securing a job or internship in the U.S. and obtaining an employment verification letter from their institution. This can include on-campus employment, CPT (curricular practical training), or OPT (optional practical training). For on-campus employment, students typically need to obtain a letter from their department confirming that they have been offered an on-campus job.
To apply for an SSN, students can start the process online at www.ssa.gov/ssnumber or www.ssa.gov/number-card. They must then present their original proof of ID, age, and lawful resident status, as well as any applicable letters from the DSO (Designated School Official) and employer, within 45 days. The SSN is typically issued within a few weeks, provided all required documents are presented. Alternatively, students can submit an in-person application at their nearest Social Security office.
It is important to note that possessing an SSN alone does not confer work authorization. Students must ensure they meet the eligibility requirements for employment, which can vary based on their visa status and other factors. For example, F-1 students generally cannot work off-campus without meeting specific eligibility requirements and obtaining official authorization. On the other hand, J-1 students are required to show evidence of employment and must be registered for a full course of study.
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Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
To be eligible for CPT, students must have completed one year of full-time study. CPT may be paid or unpaid, and students can choose to work full or part-time during their internships, depending on the institution's CPT policy. Graduate students may be eligible for CPT from the first day of their full-time study if their program requires it. CPT employment cannot delay the completion of the academic program, and students must maintain a full course of study even when CPT is authorized.
Students interested in CPT must meet with their academic advisor to discuss their plans and obtain a recommendation. They must then gather the required documents and submit a complete CPT application. The student's DSO must authorize CPT on a part-time or full-time basis, following school policies. CPT authorization is only required for training inside the United States.
It is important to note that 12 months or more of full-time CPT will eliminate eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is distinct from off-campus employment authorization, which is granted in cases of severe economic hardship or emergent circumstances.
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Frequently asked questions
The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows you to enter the United States as a full-time student at an accredited academic institution. F-1 students can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during classes and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. F-1 students may also be eligible for off-campus employment after their first academic year.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is work authorization that allows F-1 students to gain practical training in their academic field after one year of full-time study. CPT may be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to the student's field of study.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is work authorization that allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year either before or after graduation. F-1 students may be eligible for off-campus employment through the STEM OPT extension.
Other visa options include the M-1 visa for vocational students, the O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary abilities, and the H-1B1 visa for citizens of Chile and Singapore. E-3 status is also available for Australians working in professional positions in the US.
