Ibrahim Gardner
International students often need to work part-time to finance their education and living expenses while studying in the US. While working while studying can be helpful, it is important to remember that the US government takes working illegally very seriously. Students with F1 visas are generally allowed to work on their university campus for up to 20 hours a week and full-time during school breaks. Off-campus employment is only available to F-1 students who have completed at least one full academic year of their program of study and who have an economic hardship that qualifies for the Department of Homeland Security's emergent circumstances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Student visa type | F-1 Visa (Academic Student) or M-1 Visa (Vocational Student) |
| Work eligibility | International students can work while studying in the US with some restrictions |
| On-campus work | Allowed for up to 20 hours per week during school terms and up to 40 hours per week during breaks |
| Off-campus work | F-1 students can work off-campus after the first academic year under specific conditions, such as economic hardship or emergent circumstances |
| Employment assistance | Universities can help international students find on-campus and off-campus employment |
| Work authorization | Required for off-campus work; obtained through Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS approval |
| Social Security Number | Required for all students working in the US |
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What You'll Learn
- On-campus work: Students with F1 visas can work on-campus for up to 20 hours a week
- Off-campus work: F1 students can work off-campus after their first academic year
- Social Security Number: Students who wish to work must apply for a Social Security Number
- Visa requirements: To study in the US, international students need an F1 or M1 visa
- Restrictions: Students with visas should check work rules to avoid working illegally
On-campus work: Students with F1 visas can work on-campus for up to 20 hours a week
International students with F1 visas can work on-campus for up to 20 hours a week while school is in session. This is a privilege included in the F1 status, and it does not require USCIS approval. However, on-campus jobs are limited, and students may not rely on them to prove financial resources for the year. Many schools require students to obtain permission from the International Student Office before accepting on-campus employment, and some do not permit such employment in a student's first semester or year.
To apply for on-campus employment, students must talk to their Designated School Official (DSO) to ensure the position qualifies as on-campus employment and that the DSO has the correct employment information in the student's SEVIS record. If approved, the DSO will provide a letter of approval, which, along with a letter of approval from the employer, students must take to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). Students should also receive a certification letter to present to the Social Security Administration.
During breaks and annual vacations, F1 students may work on-campus for more than 20 hours a week. However, the total work hours across all jobs cannot exceed 20 hours during the school term.
F1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year. After the first year, they may engage in off-campus employment if they have an economic hardship that qualifies for the Department of Homeland Security's emergent circumstances.
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Off-campus work: F1 students can work off-campus after their first academic year
International students with an F-1 visa are allowed to work in the US while studying, but there are some restrictions. F-1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year, but they may accept on-campus employment. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment.
Firstly, off-campus work is only available to F-1 students who have completed at least one full academic year of their program of study and who are facing economic hardship. This is defined as a financial condition caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond the student's control that make it difficult for a student to continue their education. To apply for off-campus employment, students must explain their economic hardship situation and receive approval from their Designated School Official (DSO). If approved, the student will receive an updated Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status". The student must then file a Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization", with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within 30 days of receiving their recommendation. If the USCIS approves the application, the student will receive a Form I-766, "Employment Authorization Document" (EAD), which will allow them to work off-campus.
Secondly, F-1 students may be eligible for an internship with an international organization, which falls within the International Organization Immunities Act. This must take place in the United States.
Thirdly, F-1 students may be eligible for off-campus work through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. This includes the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT extension.
It is important to note that F-1 students must maintain their status and be in good academic standing to remain eligible for off-campus employment. Working more hours than authorized is considered a violation of status and can result in the termination of employment authorization.
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Social Security Number: Students who wish to work must apply for a Social Security Number
International students with an F-1 or M-1 visa are allowed to work in the US during their studies, but there are some restrictions. Students with an F-1 visa are not permitted to work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment. After the first year, they may engage in off-campus employment, but it must be related to their area of study and be authorised by the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS. Students with an M-1 visa can only work off-campus if they are enrolled in vocational or non-academic programs (excluding language training) and meet the same requirements as F-1 students for off-campus employment.
To work on-campus, F-1 students must be active in SEVIS and apply for a job no later than 30 days before the start of classes. After receiving approval from the DSO and employer, they must apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). This is a requirement for all students who wish to work in the US while studying, regardless of their visa status. The process involves submitting unretouched photos and other relevant documents to USCIS.
For off-campus employment, F-1 students must complete at least one academic year and demonstrate economic hardship that qualifies for emergent circumstances with the Department of Homeland Security. After receiving approval from the DSO and USCIS, they can then apply for an SSN. It is important to note that students cannot work while their application for off-campus employment authorisation is pending with USCIS.
Colleges and universities often assist international students in finding on-campus and off-campus employment. On-campus jobs are typically student-oriented, such as working in the library or cafeteria, while off-campus jobs may include specified training programs like Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT for F-1 students.
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Visa requirements: To study in the US, international students need an F1 or M1 visa
To study in the US, international students need a non-immigrant visa. The two most common types are the F1 visa and the M1 visa.
The F1 visa is for international students who are enrolled as full-time students at an accredited academic institution. This includes colleges, universities, seminaries, conservatories, academic high schools, and elementary schools. To qualify for an F1 visa, students must be enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate. The school must also be authorized by the US government to accept foreign students. F1 visa students may accept on-campus employment, but only after the first academic year can they engage in off-campus employment. Off-campus employment must be related to the student's area of study and must be authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS. Students with an F1 visa are generally allowed to work on-campus for up to 20 hours a week and full-time during school breaks.
The M1 visa, on the other hand, is for international students enrolled in vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training. Students with an M1 visa have a 30-day grace period after completing their program to leave the US.
To obtain either visa, students must first apply to a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved school. Once accepted, the student will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. The SEVP-approved school will then issue a Form I-20, which the student must present during their visa interview at a US Embassy or Consulate.
It is important to note that working without authorization is illegal and can result in deportation and a ban on re-entering the US. Students must consult their DSO and ensure they follow all rules and regulations regarding employment.
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Restrictions: Students with visas should check work rules to avoid working illegally
International students in the US have the opportunity to work part-time while studying, but visa restrictions apply. Most international students in the US hold an F1 visa, which is the US non-immigrant student visa. Students with F1 visas 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 may not work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. On-campus jobs are student-oriented, such as working in the library, bookstore, or cafeteria. After the first academic year, F1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment:
- Off-campus employment: F1 students may work off-campus if they have completed at least one full academic year of their program and have an economic hardship that qualifies for the Department of Homeland Security's emergent circumstances. To apply for off-campus employment, students must explain their economic hardship situation and receive approval from their Designated School Official (DSO). If approved, students must file a Form I-765 ("Application for Employment Authorization") with USCIS and receive a Form I-766 ("Employment Authorization Document") before they can begin working off-campus.
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT): F1 students may be eligible to work off-campus if their field of study is related to STEM.
- Severe economic hardship: In cases of severe economic hardship, F1 students may be eligible for off-campus employment even before completing their first academic year. This is determined on a case-by-case basis and requires authorization from the DSO.
M1 visa holders (for vocational or non-academic programs) may engage in practical training only after they have completed their studies. Any off-campus training employment for both F1 and M1 students must be related to their area of study and must be authorized by the DSO prior to starting work.
It is important for students with visas to be aware of all the requirements and restrictions related to their visa status to avoid working illegally. They can consult their DSO or an immigration attorney for guidance on work rules and eligibility.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can work in the US while studying, but there are some restrictions. Students with F1 visas are generally allowed to work on their university campus for up to 20 hours a week and full-time during school break periods.
Students with F1 visas are not allowed to work off-campus during their first academic year. After their first year, they may be able to work off-campus if they have an economic hardship that qualifies for the Department of Homeland Security’s emergent circumstances.
Students should first talk to their Designated School Official (DSO) about their desire to work. The DSO will then present them with jobs that are available. If approved, the DSO will provide a letter of approval, which is required to get a Social Security Number.
