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Last Updated on January 28, 2023 by Mani Karthik
For international students studying in the United States, an F1 student visa is often required. This visa allows students to study in the U.S. but it also places restrictions on their ability to work while they are in the country. Understanding the regulations of this type of visa is key to ensuring that foreign students are able to abide by the laws and remain in good standing with immigration authorities.
While an F1 student visa does not allow students to work full-time, there are certain types of employment that students may be allowed to engage in while in the country. These include on-campus jobs such as working in the library, cafeteria, or other campus facilities, as well as off-campus jobs related to a student’s field of study.
Additionally, students may also be eligible for work-study programs, internships, and practicum placements.
It’s important to note that any employment must meet certain criteria in order to be permissible under an F1 visa. On-campus employment is limited to no more than 20 hours per week during the school year and full-time during the summer and breaks.
Off-campus employment related to a student’s field of study is also limited to no more than 20 hours per week during the school year, although full-time employment may be allowed during the summer and breaks. Additionally, students must have prior authorization from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before they can start working.
In addition to work-related activities, students with an F1 student visa may also be eligible for certain types of volunteer work.
This includes unpaid positions in which the student is providing services to a non-profit organization, educational institution, or government agency. As with other forms of employment, students must ensure that they are meeting all the requirements of their visa in order to remain in good standing with USCIS.
For international students who are considering studying in the United States, understanding the rules and regulations of the F1 student visa is essential.
While there are some limited options for employment, it’s important to make sure that any work is within the parameters of the visa in order to remain in compliance with immigration laws.
Can I work in the US after F1 visa?
Yes, you can work in the United States after an F1 visa. However, there are certain restrictions and requirements that must be met in order to do so.
First, you must obtain a job offer from a U.S. employer. This may require submitting a resume, attending interviews, and providing any other necessary documentation.
Once you have a job offer, you must then apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). This is a type of work authorization for international students who have an F1 visa.
To apply for OPT, you must submit an application to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The application must include a copy of your job offer, transcripts, and other relevant documents.
If your application is approved, you will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the USCIS.
This document allows you to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months while on your F1 visa. After the 12 month period has ended, you may apply for an extension of your OPT.
Additionally, if you meet certain criteria, you may also be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT). This is a type of work authorization that allows you to gain practical experience related to your field of study.
To apply for CPT, you must first obtain an offer of employment from a U.S. employer and then submit an application to your school’s international student office.
It is important to note that the rules and regulations regarding working in the U.S. while on an F1 visa can be complicated.
Therefore, it is recommended that you consult with an immigration attorney before making any decisions.
How long can I work in the US on an F1 visa?
As an international student, an F1 visa is the most common type of visa used to enter the United States for study.
An F1 visa allows foreign students to study full-time in an accredited college, university, or other educational institution in the United States.
The duration of stay on an F1 visa is usually limited to the amount of time it takes to complete a program of study, including any authorized practical training following completion of studies.
In general, an F1 visa holder can stay in the United States as long as he or she remains enrolled as a full-time student in an educational institution that is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
Depending on the length of the program, the student may be allowed to stay in the U.S. for up to 12 months before and after completing the program.
Once the program of study is completed, F1 visa holders are typically allowed to remain in the U.S. for an additional 60 days before they must depart the country. During this period, they may travel outside of the U.S., as long as they re-enter with a valid F1 visa.
If an F1 student wishes to extend his or her stay beyond the initial period of stay authorized by the F1 visa, he or she must apply for a new F1 visa or file for a change of status with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
To extend the stay on an F1 visa, the student must prove that he or she is still enrolled in a full-time program of study, and has not violated any immigration laws.
The length of time an F1 student can stay in the United States ultimately depends on the length of the program of study, any authorized practical training, and the USCIS’s decision regarding any requests to extend the stay.
What work options do F-1 visa students have?
F1 visa students have the ability to work in the US while studying, but the type of work and amount of hours they are allowed to work is limited.
F1 visa students may work on-campus up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and can work full-time during breaks, such as winter and summer breaks, or during vacations.
F1 visa students may also be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and STEM OPT extensions.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an off-campus employment opportunity that allows F1 visa students to gain practical experience related to their field of study.
CPT must be an integral part of the student’s academic program and can be done during the academic year or summer terms. CPT must be authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO).
Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F1 visa students to gain practical experience in their field of study for up to 12 months.
Students must have been enrolled in school for at least one full academic year before applying for OPT. Additionally, students must obtain authorization from the DSO.
STEM OPT extension allows F1 visa students with a degree in a STEM field to extend their OPT work authorization for an additional 24 months. This extension must be applied for within 90 days of the end of the student’s initial 12-month OPT period.
F1 visa students also have the option of applying for a J-1 visa, which allows them to participate in an internship or exchange visitor program in the US.
The program must be approved by the US Department of State and the student must be sponsored by a designated program sponsor.
Finally, F1 visa students may also apply for H-1B visas, which allow them to work in the US for up to three years.
The H-1B visa requires employers to prove that the job offered requires specialized knowledge and that the employer has the ability to pay the prevailing wage for the position.
Summary
When considering the working options for students aspiring to study in the USA, it is important to remember that the opportunities available depend on the type of visa a student holds.
International students in the US may be eligible to work on-campus or off-campus, depending on their visa status.
For example, F-1 visa holders may be eligible to work up to 20 hours per week while attending school, and OPT participants may be eligible to work up to 40 hours per week.
Additionally, international students should research the qualifications necessary to obtain an H-1B visa, which allows them to work in the US for three years at a time.
Ultimately, international students should be aware of the different types of visas and their associated work eligibility requirements before making any decisions about studying in the US.
