Working in the US as a student: On-campus jobs, OPT, CPT, and visa rules explained

Working in the United States as a student can be both financially beneficial and an opportunity to develop practical skills. However, navigating the complex regulations and visa restrictions is crucial for securing a work opportunity in the US as a student.

International students in the United States usually possess an F1 visa, which permits work under certain conditions outlined by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). It's crucial to understand these requirements to ensure compliance and maintain visa status while working in the US.

On-Campus Employment

On-campus employment is the easiest form of work for F1 students and does not need prior approval from USCIS. This type of job usually involves working directly for the university in roles like research or teaching assistantships, or for on-campus commercial entities that serve students, such as the bookstore or cafeteria. It also covers work at off-campus locations that are educationally connected to the school, as long as it is essential to the student's academic program.

Students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during holidays and vacation periods, provided they intend to register for the next semester. However, on-campus employment opportunities can be limited and may not always be related to a student’s field of study.

Additionally, many schools require students to obtain permission from the International Student Office before accepting any on-campus job. This is crucial as the employment must not displace a U.S. resident and should align with visa regulations.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a program enabling F1 students to work off-campus in a job related to their major, both during and after their degree program. To apply for OPT, students must have been enrolled for at least nine months and completed at least one year of study. They can only start working once they receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS.

Students do not need a job offer to apply for OPT, and the employment can occur anywhere in the US. It is important to apply early, as USCIS processing can take up to 90 days. The employment must be directly related to the student’s major and must comply with the terms of their F1 status. For those still completing their degree, OPT can be part-time (20 hours per week) while school is in session and full-time during breaks. After degree completion, OPT employment must be full-time (40 hours per week) and completed within 14 months. Applications for post-completion OPT must be received by USCIS before the degree is officially completed.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is designed for F1 students whose work experience is an integral part of their academic curriculum. This includes alternative work/study, internships, or cooperative education that is required for academic credit or directly related to their degree program. CPT employment requires prior authorization from the school’s International Student Office and notification to USCIS.

To qualify for CPT, students must have been enrolled full-time for at least one year, except in cases where immediate CPT is required for graduate programs. The work must be an essential part of the degree program, and students must have a job offer before applying for CPT authorization. The CPT can be part-time (20 hours per week or less) or full-time (more than 20 hours per week), though students are typically limited to part-time CPT while school is in session. It’s important to note that working full-time on CPT for 12 months or more will make students ineligible for OPT.

How is ‘Economic Hardship’ defined
Students facing "severe economic hardship" due to unexpected situations beyond their control may be eligible for off-campus employment. This allows them to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during breaks.

To qualify, students need to have held valid F1 status for at least one academic year, maintain good academic standing, and provide proof of economic hardship. Additionally, they must show that on-campus employment is inadequate and that they have made a genuine effort to secure on-campus work before applying.

Examples of severe economic hardship can include the loss of financial aid or on-campus employment, significant fluctuations in currency exchange rates, or unexpected increases in tuition and living costs.

Employment with international organisations
The final employment option for F1 students involves working with recognised international organisations, such as the Red Cross or the World Health Organization. To be eligible, students must have an internship or job offer from one of these organisations, and the work must be related to their field of study and the organisation's mission. This category of employment, while less commonly utilised, offers valuable opportunities for those who qualify.

Safety tips for Indian students studying in the US

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(With TOI inputs)