International students in the United States have the opportunity to work while they study to help offset the cost of living and tuition fees. However, there are restrictions on the number of hours an international student can work in the United States.
According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), international students on an F-1 visa can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session, and full-time during school breaks and vacations. On-campus employment can include jobs such as working at a bookstore, dining hall, or library on campus.
International students can also work off-campus under certain circumstances. For example, students who have completed at least one academic year of study on an F-1 visa may be eligible for off-campus employment authorization through Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT allows international students to work in a field related to their major for up to 12 months after completing their degree. In certain cases, students may be eligible for an additional 24 months of OPT if they are in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field.
Additionally, international students who are facing financial hardship may be eligible for employment authorization through Economic Hardship. This allows students to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during school breaks.
It is important to note that international students are required to maintain their F-1 visa status and adhere to the rules and regulations governing their employment in the United States. Working without proper authorization or exceeding the maximum allowable work hours can result in serious consequences, including the loss of visa status and deportation.
In summary, international students on an F-1 visa can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during school breaks. They may also be eligible for off-campus employment authorization through Optional Practical Training or Economic Hardship. However, it is important to understand and adhere to the rules and regulations governing international student employment in the United States to avoid any negative consequences.
