The United States is one of the most popular destinations for international students who want to study abroad. One of the questions that international students frequently ask is about the number of hours they can work while studying in the United States. In this article, we will discuss the regulations and limitations on how many hours an international student can work in the USA.
On-Campus Employment
International students who hold an F-1 visa are eligible to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during school breaks. On-campus employment includes any work that is done for the school or university, such as working in a library, cafeteria, or bookstore.
Off-Campus Employment
International students can also work off-campus, but there are strict regulations that they must follow. After one year of academic study, international students may apply for off-campus employment authorization under certain circumstances. These circumstances include severe economic hardship, academic internships, and practical training opportunities related to their field of study.
Severe Economic Hardship
If an international student experiences unforeseen economic hardship, they may be eligible to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and up to 40 hours per week during school breaks. To be eligible, the student must be able to demonstrate that the hardship is caused by circumstances beyond their control and that they have tried to find other employment opportunities.
Academic Internships
International students who are pursuing an academic program that requires an internship may be eligible to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and up to 40 hours per week during school breaks. The internship must be directly related to the student’s field of study and must be approved by the school.
Practical Training Opportunities
International students who have completed their academic program may be eligible for practical training opportunities. Practical training provides students with the opportunity to work in their field of study and gain practical experience. There are two types of practical training: Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
OPT allows international students to work off-campus for up to 12 months after completing their academic program. The work must be directly related to the student’s field of study, and they must apply for authorization from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
CPT allows international students to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and up to 40 hours per week during school breaks. The work must be directly related to the student’s field of study and must be approved by the school.
In conclusion, international students in the USA have various options to work on or off-campus, but they are restricted by strict regulations. The number of hours an international student can work depends on their visa status, their program of study, and their financial need. It is essential for international students to follow the regulations carefully and seek guidance from their designated school officials to ensure they remain compliant with the law.
