Ibrahim Gardner
International students in the United States are limited in their ability to work due to their visa conditions. F-1 and F-2 visa holders are restricted to a 20-hour work week at an on-campus job and are not permitted to work off-campus. This limitation is intended to encourage academic completion of a degree, however, it has been criticized as not making sense, especially for spouses of international students who are completely prohibited from working. The restriction on off-campus work is detrimental to both international students who want to work and local businesses struggling to find workers. Additionally, it may deter international students from choosing to study in the US, impacting the country's ability to attract and retain highly skilled workers.
Characteristics of why international students can't work
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Immigration laws | International students face restrictions on their work visas, such as F-1 and F-2 visas, which limit their ability to work off-campus or for more than a specified number of hours. |
| Academic completion | The rationale behind limiting work for students with certain visas is to encourage them to complete their degrees without the distraction of employment. |
| Financial burden | International students may face financial stress as they are not allowed to work to support themselves and pay off personal expenses and school tuition. |
| Competition for jobs | Allowing international students to work may create competition for minimum-wage roles, leading to wage suppression and reduced worker rights. |
| Impact on the economy | Not retaining international students as workers or entrepreneurs after graduation could potentially impact the US economy negatively. |
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What You'll Learn
- International students in the US can't work off-campus jobs
- On-campus jobs are limited to 20 hours per week
- Immigration laws make it harder for students to stay and work in the US
- Students on F-1 visas must have off-campus work authorised by a Designated School Official
- Spouses of international students are prohibited from working
International students in the US can't work off-campus jobs
International students in the US on an F-1 visa have several restrictions on their ability to work. While on-campus employment is the most freely available, F-1 students cannot be employed off-campus without meeting eligibility requirements and obtaining official authorization.
There are four categories of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), emergent circumstances, and severe economic hardship. CPT is a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to the student's field of study, for which they receive academic credit or which is a requirement for their degree. OPT is a type of temporary work authorization related to the student's field of study, allowing them to work in areas related to their major for up to one year either before or after they graduate. Emergent circumstances are 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. In cases of severe economic hardship, F-1 students can work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during breaks.
To be eligible for CPT, students must have been enrolled full-time for one year on valid F-1 status (unless the program requires immediate CPT), and they must have received a job offer that qualifies before submitting their CPT authorization request. The CPT employment must be an integral part of their degree program or a requirement for a course for which they receive academic credit, and it must be in their major or field of study. Once a student receives CPT authorization, they can only work for the specific employer and for the specific dates authorized. To apply for OPT, students must have been enrolled for at least 9 months, and they cannot begin employment until they receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and have been enrolled for at least a year. OPT employment can occur anywhere in the US and does not require a job offer to apply.
Students found working illegally are failing to maintain their F-1 student status and risk losing their F-1 student status or having their F-1 visa revoked.
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On-campus jobs are limited to 20 hours per week
International students enrolled full-time and in valid F-1 status can generally work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session. This limit is in place to ensure that international students do not displace US citizens or lawful permanent residents (LPRs) in the job market. Working on-campus can include roles such as a night desk attendant or a learning centre tutor.
During school breaks, the limit is typically removed, and F-1 students can work more than 20 hours per week on-campus, often up to 40 hours per week. However, the number of hours worked during breaks depends on factors such as supervisor approval and university HR policies.
It is important for international students to carefully track their working hours and not exceed the 20-hour limit during the school term. Working more than 20 hours a week without authorisation can result in severe consequences, including losing their F-1 student status and having to leave the country.
In some cases, international students facing severe economic hardship may be eligible for an exception to this rule. They would need to demonstrate that they have completed at least one academic year and that their financial hardship was caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond their control.
Additionally, in Canada, international students were temporarily allowed to work off-campus for more than 20 hours per week during the COVID-19 pandemic due to economic and labour challenges. This policy has since expired, and international students in Canada are once again restricted to working a maximum of 20 hours per week off-campus during the academic school year.
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Immigration laws make it harder for students to stay and work in the US
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are allowed to work in certain circumstances, but immigration laws place several restrictions on this. Students must be enrolled full-time and can generally work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the school term and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. However, on-campus employment opportunities are often limited, and students usually need permission from the International Student Office before accepting any such work.
Off-campus employment is more restricted. Students must meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization from the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS. Students can apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is off-campus employment that is an integral part of the curriculum or academic program. CPT may be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to the student's field of study. Students can also apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to work in their major field of study for up to 12 months before or after graduation. Students with STEM degrees can apply for a 24-month OPT extension.
To obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) and work off-campus, students must demonstrate their ability to afford school and living expenses before entering the US and should not plan to work off-campus. USCIS will only authorize off-campus employment in cases of severe economic hardship occurring after a student's enrollment or in emergent circumstances as defined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Students who wish to continue their career in the US after their OPT may apply for an H-1B visa, which must be sponsored by an employer. However, this process is difficult and involves a lottery system with a recent success rate of around 35%
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Students on F-1 visas must have off-campus work authorised by a Designated School Official
International students who are enrolled in an academic educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program in the United States typically require a student visa. The two primary nonimmigrant visa categories for students are the F and M visas. The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows one to enter the US as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, academic high school, elementary school, or another academic institution, or in a language-training program.
Students on F-1 visas must have off-campus work authorized by a Designated School Official (DSO). The DSO is responsible for maintaining the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and ensuring that students comply with federal laws and regulations regarding employment. Off-campus employment must be related to the student's area of study and must be authorized prior to starting work.
There are specific guidelines that F-1 students must follow regarding employment. They may work at any qualifying on-campus job that does not displace a US citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR). During the school session, they can work up to 20 hours per week and full-time during annual vacations or when school is not in session. F-1 students can also engage in off-campus employment under certain conditions, such as internships with international organizations or in cases of economic hardship. Additionally, F-1 students may be eligible for off-campus work on a case-by-case basis due to special situations, such as severe economic hardship or Special Student Relief.
It is important for F-1 students to carefully follow the guidelines for off-campus employment and maintain their student status. They should inform the DSO before starting work and ensure that their employment information is entered into SEVIS. The DSO plays a crucial role in verifying that the student qualifies for off-campus employment and providing the necessary recommendations and documentation.
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Spouses of international students are prohibited from working
In some countries, the spouses of international students are not prohibited from working and can apply for work permits. Here is some country-specific information:
Canada
Canada allows spouses of international students to apply for an open work permit. This permit allows holders to work for any employer in Canada, except those listed as ineligible or those offering certain adult entertainment services. The validity of the work permit is generally the same as that of the student visa. The spouse can apply for the work permit at the same time as the international student applies for their study permit or at a later date. However, it is important to note that the spouse cannot extend their open work permit beyond the expiration date of the student's study permit.
United States of America
In the USA, spouses of international students can submit applications for F-2 or J-2 visas. J-2 dependents are given work rights after proper authorization from the USCIS, which can take up to 4 months to obtain. Once approved, they will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card and can start working.
United Kingdom
In the UK, an international student can bring their spouse or dependents if they meet specific requirements, such as being sponsored by a higher education institution or enrolled in a master's degree program of 12 or more months. The spouse can work in the UK if the international student is enrolled in a program longer than 12 months; otherwise, they do not have the right to work.
Australia
Australia permits international students to bring their spouses and families under the Dependent Visa program. The work rights granted to the spouse depend on the level of study of the international student. For instance, if the student is pursuing an undergraduate degree, the spouse can work up to 20 hours per week.
Germany
International students in Germany are allowed to bring their spouses to live with them during their study period, but both must meet certain requirements that are not specified in the sources.
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Frequently asked questions
International students in the US are not allowed to work off-campus unless they have permits (CPT/OPT) to work in a role relevant to their education. Working without a valid visa or permit can lead to serious consequences, including losing F-1 status.
F-1 status refers to a nonimmigrant visa category for people wishing to study in the US. To enter on an F-1 visa, you must be enrolled in an academic, language-training, or vocational program and be enrolled as a full-time student.
Yes, international students are not granted employment rights in several countries, including Costa Rica, Cyprus, Fiji, and Lebanon.
Working without authorization as an international student in the US can result in losing F-1 status and facing further consequences. According to immigration regulations, "Any unauthorized employment by a nonimmigrant constitutes a failure to maintain status."
Some work opportunities may be available on campus, such as tutoring or translation work. However, international students must ensure they have valid authorization and maintain their visa status.
