International students who are studying in the USA are allowed to work part-time while they are enrolled in a degree program. However, there are limits on the number of hours that they can work in order to maintain their status as a student. In this article, we will explore how many hours international students can work in the USA.
The Limitations on Work Hours for International Students in the USA
International students who hold an F-1 student visa are eligible to work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during the academic year. During scheduled school breaks (such as summer or winter break), F-1 students are allowed to work full-time on-campus.
Off-campus work is also allowed for F-1 students, but there are stricter limitations on the number of hours that they can work. F-1 students are eligible to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year if they have been enrolled for at least one academic year and are in good academic standing. During scheduled school breaks, F-1 students are allowed to work full-time off-campus.
There are additional restrictions on off-campus work for F-1 students. They must obtain authorization from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before they can begin working off-campus. This authorization is granted through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program or the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) program.
OPT allows F-1 students to work off-campus for up to 12 months after completing their degree program. The work must be directly related to the student’s major area of study. Students must apply for OPT and receive approval from USCIS before they can begin working.
CPT allows F-1 students to work off-campus if the work is an integral part of their academic program. This typically involves internships or other types of practical training. Students must receive approval from their academic advisor and obtain authorization from USCIS before they can begin working.
Conclusion
International students who are studying in the USA are allowed to work part-time while they are enrolled in a degree program. F-1 students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during the academic year and full-time during scheduled school breaks. Off-campus work is also allowed, but there are stricter limitations on the number of hours that students can work. F-1 students must obtain authorization from USCIS before they can begin working off-campus. The OPT and CPT programs are two ways that students can obtain this authorization. It’s important for international students to be aware of these limitations and restrictions in order to maintain their status as a student and comply with US immigration laws.
