Work authorisation for international students in the US

As an F-1 visa holder, you will not be allowed to take up any off-campus jobs during the first year of your studies. You can however take up part-time jobs on your study campus during this time period. These jobs do not have to be related to your chosen study field. On-campus employment may include:

• On-campus research jobs

• Part-time jobs at the college library, laboratories, residential blocks, or administrative blocks 

• Part-time opportunities with on-campus commercial businesses like eateries

Working on campus can help you in multiple ways. Not only does it help you cover your study abroad expenses, but it also helps you settle into the new environment as you spend all your time on campus. 

Once you have completed the first year of your education abroad, you have a little more flexibility and can take up off-campus jobs. Broadly, there are three areas in which you are allowed to seek employment outside the campus. These include:

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT)/ internships

• Optional Practical Training (OPT) (pre-completion or post-completion)

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT)

F-1 students may also be eligible to work off-campus on a case-by-case basis as a result of special situations such as severe economic hardship or special student relief. M-1 students may engage in practical training only after they have completed their studies.
For both F-1 and M-1 students, any off-campus training employment must be related to their area of study and must be authorised prior to starting any work by the Designated School Official (the person authorized to maintain the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and USCIS.

As an international student, you will not be permitted to work for any more than 20 hours a week. You may, however, work up to 40 hours a week during holidays, breaks, and summer sessions.

• Working for more than 20 hours can get you into trouble and may even lead to deportation

• You must not take up off-campus jobs in establishments like as hotels, motels, petrol stations, and liquor stores. This too could create unnecessary problems for you.

Understanding when and how overseas students can begin working off campus is critical. You need to know your rights and duties because not all U.S. firms are experienced in employing overseas individuals. As an international student, you must be able to justify any employment opportunities that you take up to the concerned authorities. Just remember to follow the rules and make the most of the opportunities you get. These could do wonders to your personality and you may even make some new friends. Once you complete your selected course, you can apply for a post-study work visa and explore a whole new world of career opportunities.

Sources: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/students-and-exchange-visitors/students-and-employment

https://www.ice.gov/sevis/employment

https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/