As an international student, you are likely studying here on the F-1 Visa, the visa which allows you to study full time at an accredited program or institution that is authorized by the U.S. government to enroll international students. Like with any other post-secondary student, while coursework is imperative to gaining theoretical knowledge and some rudimentary skills (depending on your major), nothing adds more to the learning experience than actual “on the job” learning to develop those work skills you need after graduation. F-1 students are limited in their non-academic coursework experience, but the U.S. government not only allows students to work on campus but has further established two programs designed to augment classwork (Curricular Practical Training/CPT and Optional Practical Training/OPT). Let’s discuss all three ways for F-1 students to work legally.
On Campus Work
According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), on campus work is permitted when on the school premises or at an “off-campus location which is educationally affiliated with the school”. Not only must the employment be an integral part of the student’s educational program, but it cannot exceed 20 hours a week while school is in session (you can work full time when not in session) and the position they take on must not displace any U.S. resident. These two caveats may make it a bit difficult for a student to easily work on campus given many on campus positions are often first offered to students who have federal work-study (whereby a part of the domestic student’s salary is paid by the government as a means of financial assistance for lower income students) and also, finding a position related to the academic study may be a challenge, particularly for younger students (e.g., freshman). While we are not saying this is impossible, we are also trying to be transparent in the challenges an international student may initially face when trying to find on campus employment.
Curricular Practical Training
F-1 students are allowed to take on work via the CPT program. While most programs do not allow this in the first year, a few schools do offer this option on Day 1 of their program. CPT is to be taken on while an active student (either during the school year or in the summer) and before graduation hence the word ‘curricular’ in its title; the work is to supplement the learning. CPT will require the support of the student’s international student services office along with their academic department. The student will have to independently find a position that aligns with their studies (this is off campus work) and then will apply to their school administration for their CPT authorization because CPT is employer specific. For part time CPT work there is no limitation however, per USCIS, if you have one year of part-time (20 hours/week) pre-completion OPT, the total time of full time OPT will be reduced by six months. Full time CPT work is possible but there is a total limit of 364 days (also, please note that if you use 12 months of full time CPT they are not eligible for OPT). CPT can only be done at an E-Verify company. See below for more information on the best tool to use to help search for CPT work.
Optional Practical Training
Unlike CPT, OPT can be taken during studies (pre-completion OPT) but to a student’s advantage, is most often taken after graduation referred to as post-completion OPT (there is a certain time limit to OPT, so students often will use their CPT first while they are in school). A student should begin seeking OPT work well ahead of completing their school program, as oftentimes, processing time by their home institution can take months (e.g, the University of Washington states it can take up to 5 months; your school’s Designated School Official must work with you to complete the necessary paperwork for OPT applications). OPT is for a 12 month period post-completion of studies for all majors, while those students who studied in STEM designated degree programs are eligible for an additional 24 months after the 12 month initial OPT. All OPT must be directly related to your area of study. Securing a position with an employer who will likely extend your stay in the U.S. after your OPT expires (either through an H1B or Green Card sponsorship) is always ideal. See below for more information on the best tool to use to help search for OPT work.
TLDR:
There are three ways F-1 international students can find practical learning opportunities outside of the classroom via employment (such as internships or externships): On campus work, CPT or OPT. All three require students to independently search for a position and work with their school international student services office to complete the appropriate paperwork. An ideal position is always with an employer who has already undertaken steps to hire non-domestic employees in the past and the quickest way to find such companies is to download the F1hire extension, which will help you filter the companies across the U.S. who actively seek international talent, participate in E-Verify (if you are looking for CPT work) and will offer sponsorship opportunities after your OPT expires.
