Working While on an F-1 Student Visa
A. On-campus employment
1). As soon as an F-1 is admitted to the U.S. in this status, he may work on-campus;
2). During the school year, an F-1 is allowed to work 20 hours per week and 40 hours per week when school is not in session.
3). On campus employment is not permitted if studies have been completed.
B. Off-campus employment
1). A student in good standing, who has completed one academic year of full-time courses, may ask permission from the DSO to work off-campus under certain conditions:
a). Due to severe economic hardship. An F-1 that qualifies for economic hardship can work 20 hours per week and 40 hours per week when school is not in session;
b). Due to an internship with an international organization. In this case, an F-1 must apply for employment authorization. (Please note that there are currently exceptions to the above off-campus rules for students from Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. Please contact our office to learn more.)
C. Practical training
1). An F-1 who has completed one academic year of full-time courses, may apply for practical training as long as it is related to the students' studies, its purpose is for practical training, and training is not for English language training.
a). Curricular practical training (CPT) is work/study, internships, cooperative education, etc. Completing one year of full-time curricular practical training disqualifies one from optional practical training, whereas part-time CPT does not. A job offer and a DSO request are necessary to pursue CPT.
b). Optional practical training (OPT) is limited to 12 months, and must be completed within 14 months of graduation. If used while school is in session, OPT is limited to 20 hours a week. OPT may also be used when school is not in session, and once all course requirements or course study are completed. No job offer is required, however, a recommendation from the DSO and employment authorization are necessary.