Janice Lozano
International students in the United States on 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). F-1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. On-campus employment is the most freely available option for international students, and they may be able to work up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session and up to 40 hours per week when they are not. Students must also apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) to work on campus.
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What You'll Learn
F-1 visa holders can work on campus
International students in the US with an F-1 visa are permitted to work on campus, subject to certain conditions and restrictions. F-1 visa holders can work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session.
On-campus employment is the most freely available option for F-1 visa holders, and it does not require approval from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). However, F-1 students must still report their work and obtain a certification letter from their school to present to the Social Security Administration to receive a Social Security number.
F-1 visa holders can work for the school directly or for a company that contracts with the school to serve students directly. For example, an F-1 student can work for a food service company contracted by the school, but only at school facilities, not at any off-campus locations. Additionally, F-1 students can work at on-campus commercial businesses, such as bookstores or cafeterias, as long as the work directly provides services for students.
F-1 students can also continue working on campus between academic programs if they plan to enrol in a new program of study for the next term. Furthermore, F-1 students may be able to work off-campus on a case-by-case basis after their first academic year due to special situations, such as severe economic hardship or special student relief. However, off-campus employment opportunities are generally limited for F-1 visa holders and require authorisation from the Designated School Official and USCIS.
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Off-campus work is restricted
Students found working off-campus illegally risk losing their F-1 student status and may have to leave the country. To avoid this, students must ensure they meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization. For instance, students must be enrolled full-time and in valid F-1 status to 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.
There are three types of off-campus employment that F-1 students may engage in after their first academic year: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and Severe Economic Hardship Employment. CPT is training in the student's field of study for which they receive academic credit, and it may be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other related experience. OPT 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, such as a natural disaster or international financial crisis.
In Canada, international students with a valid study permit and enrolled full-time at an eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI) may be eligible to work off-campus without a work permit, provided they meet all eligibility requirements. Students cannot work before starting their program, and working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of their study permit conditions, which can result in losing student status and future permit approvals, and even expulsion from the country.
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On-campus work is limited
On-campus work opportunities for international students are limited in a number of ways. Firstly, international students with an F-1 visa are generally restricted to on-campus employment and cannot work off-campus without meeting eligibility requirements and obtaining official authorization. This is because F-1 students must prove their financial ability to pay for tuition and living expenses before entering the country, and are therefore not expected to seek off-campus employment.
Even with on-campus employment, international students are limited to working a maximum of 20 hours per week when classes are in session and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not. Additionally, on-campus jobs may not always be related to a student's field of study, and they may need to obtain permission from the International Student Office before accepting such employment. Furthermore, some schools may not permit on-campus employment during a student's first semester or year.
International students must also comply with specific guidelines and restrictions for on-campus employment. For instance, they must report their work and receive a certification letter to present to the Social Security Administration to obtain a Social Security Number. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in a violation of status and the student may have to leave the country.
While off-campus employment is generally more restricted, there are a few options available for international students under specific circumstances. These include Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and Severe Economic Hardship Employment. However, these options often require prior authorization from the school's Designated School Official (DSO) and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
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Students must prove financial ability
International students with an F-1 visa are not permitted to work off-campus during their first academic year. However, they may accept on-campus employment, provided they do not exceed 20 hours per week when classes are in session and no more than 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. To be eligible for on-campus employment, F-1 students must demonstrate their financial ability to cover tuition, books, living expenses, and travel costs for the duration of their studies.
To prove financial ability, prospective international students can provide bank statements, financial aid letters, or evidence of scholarships. Some universities may also accept alternative forms of proof, such as mutual funds, annuities, or proof of property ownership. It is important to note that each university has its own policies and requirements for demonstrating financial ability. Students should contact their school's international student office to verify acceptable forms of financial evidence.
Additionally, prospective students must present evidence of financial ability when applying for their student visa. This can include bank statements from a parent, friend, relative, or sponsor, demonstrating that they have the financial resources to support the student's education and living expenses. It is advisable to have this evidence readily available when entering the United States, as customs officers may request to review it.
While international students are not eligible for U.S. government-funded financial aid, some SEVP-certified schools offer financial aid and scholarships specifically for international students. Students can contact their school's financial aid office to inquire about available assistance and learn about the application process.
It is important to note that working illegally can result in severe consequences, including the loss of F-1 student status and visa revocation. Therefore, international students must carefully navigate the eligibility requirements and obtain proper authorization before engaging in any employment opportunities.
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Social Security Number required
International students with F-1 status are permitted to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session and up to 40 hours per week when they are not. To work on campus, international students must obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). The SSN is a 9-digit number used for citizens and eligible non-citizens in the US for taxation purposes.
To apply for an SSN, students must wait 2-3 weeks after arriving in the US and provide the following documents:
- ISS On-Campus Employment Authorization/SSN Eligibility Letter
- I-94 card, or a copy of the passport with a J-1 admission stamp and a printout of the electronic I-94 information
- Employment offer letter from the department/hiring office
Students must also show that they are eligible to work in the US. For instance, F-1 students must provide evidence of lawful F-1 employment, such as an on-campus job offer letter. J-1 students must be in valid J-1 status, be registered for a full course of study, and provide evidence of employment.
It is important to note that having an SSN does not grant legal authorization to work in the US. Students must first obtain legal authorization to work and then apply for an SSN.
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Frequently asked questions
International students with an F-1 visa can begin working on campus after their first academic year. They can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks and summer vacation.
International students with an F-1 visa can work at any qualifying on-campus job that does not displace a U.S. citizen or LPR. This includes work for an on-campus commercial business, like a bookstore or cafeteria, as long as the work directly provides services for students.
International students with an F-1 visa need to obtain permission from the International Student Office prior to accepting any on-campus employment. They will also need a Social Security Number to work on campus.
