Many international students who come to the United States to study are interested in working while they are here. However, the answer to whether you can work in the US with a student visa is not a simple one. There are specific rules and regulations that govern international students’ ability to work in the United States, and it is important to understand these rules before seeking employment.
The type of student visa you have will determine the types of employment opportunities that are available to you. There are two types of student visas that are commonly used by international students:
- F-1 Visa: The F-1 visa is the most common type of student visa in the United States. It is issued to students who are enrolled in a full-time academic program at a US institution. F-1 visa holders are generally allowed to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during scheduled breaks.
- J-1 Visa: The J-1 visa is issued to students who are participating in an exchange program in the United States. J-1 visa holders are generally allowed to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during scheduled breaks.
In addition to on-campus employment, F-1 and J-1 visa holders may also be eligible for off-campus employment under certain circumstances:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): CPT is a type of off-campus employment that is directly related to a student’s academic program. Students must receive authorization from their academic institution and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before engaging in CPT.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): OPT is a type of off-campus employment that allows students to work in a field related to their academic program for up to 12 months (or up to 36 months for STEM majors). Students must apply for and receive authorization from USCIS before engaging in OPT.
It is important to note that working off-campus without proper authorization is a violation of your student visa status and can result in serious consequences, including deportation.
In conclusion, international students in the United States can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during scheduled breaks. They may also be eligible for off-campus employment through CPT or OPT under certain circumstances. It is important to understand the rules and regulations governing student employment in the United States and to obtain proper authorization before seeking off-campus employment.
