Working While on an F-1 Visa

Employment Types

Working without authorization while on an F-1 visa is a serious violation of U.S. immigration laws. If you are caught working without authorization, your F-1 status, along with the status of any dependents, will be terminated and reported in the SEVIS database. You will then be required to leave the U.S. immediately. It's essential to always follow the proper procedures before seeking employment.

F-1 students are eligible for the following employment types after being enrolled full-time for one full academic year at their institution. For more information, visit Study in the States. Any changes to your name, address, employer or employment status must be reported to your DSO within 10 days.

 

1. On-Campus Employment

  • F-1 students who are in status are allowed to work on-campus.
  • Contact the International Admissions Coordinator for verification and authorization before seeking on-campus jobs, such as institutional work-study positions.

 

2. Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an employment authorization for F-1 students, integral to their major, and must be a part of the program of study.

Key Points:

  • CPT is integral to your program of study and often required for certain academic programs.
  • Your Designated School Official (DSO) will authorize your CPT and provide a new Form I-20 showing approval for the employment.
  • CPT can be full-time or part-time.
  • A signed cooperative agreement or letter from your employer is required to participate in CPT.
  • If you participate in 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you will be ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT). However, part-time CPT does not affect your OPT eligibility.

 

3. Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional practical training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to a F-1 student’s major area of study. Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion). However, all periods of pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the available period of post-completion OPT.

Key Points:
  • OPT must be related to your major or course of study.
  • You can apply for 12 months of OPT per education level (e.g., bachelor’s and master’s).
  • Your DSO will provide you with a new Form I-20 that includes recommendation for OPT.
  • You must file Form I-765, pay a filing fee, and wait for the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS before starting work.
  • While school is in session, you can work up to 20 hours per week.

 

Types of Optional Practical Training (OPT)

As an F-1 student, you may be eligible for two types of OPT, both of which must be directly related to your major area of study:

You can apply for pre-completion OPT after being lawfully enrolled full-time for one full academic year at a college, university, conservatory or seminary certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

  • This one-year enrollment can be completed while in another non-immigrant status, not necessarily F-1.
  • If approved for pre-completion OPT:
    • You may work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session.
    • You may work full-time when school is not in session (e.g., during summer breaks or winter vacation).

  • You can apply for post-completion OPT after you have completed your degree program.
  • If approved for post-completion OPT, you must work either part-time (at least 20 hours per week) or full-time.

Impact of Pre-completion OPT on Post-completion OPT

  • Part-time Pre-completion OPT (20 hours or less per week):
    • If you complete one year of part-time pre-completion OPT, it will reduce the time available for post-completion OPT by six months (50% of the time used).
    • For example, if you did one year of part-time pre-completion OPT, you would have six months of post-completion OPT available.
  • Full-time Pre-completion OPT (40 hours per week):
    • If you complete one year of full-time pre-completion OPT, it will reduce your available post-completion OPT by one full year (100% of the time used).
    • In this case, you would not be eligible for any post-completion OPT at the same education level.

Each type of OPT allows you to gain practical work experience related to your major, but careful planning is needed to maximize your available OPT time, especially if you are considering pre-completion OPT.

STEM graduates can apply for an additional 24 months of OPT beyond the initial 12 months. Majors in designated science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) degrees must be approved by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). For more information visit Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM students (STEM OPT).

  • Eligibility Criteria:
    • You are currently on regular post-completion OPT.
    • You have a STEM degree from an SEVP-certified school.
    • Your employer must use the E-Verify program.
    • You and your employer must complete and sign Form I-983 (Training Plan for STEM OPT Students).
  • Application Process:
    • Your DSO will issue a new Form I-20 once they verify and keep Form I-983 in your student record.
    • You must file Form I-765 and pay a filing fee for work authorization.

Work Authorization While Pending:

If you meet these conditions, you can continue to work on your expired OPT EAD for up to 180 days while the 24-month extension is pending:

  1. You are currently in post-completion OPT.
  2. You filed your 24-month extension application with USCIS in a timely manner.

For more details on STEM OPT, visit the STEM OPT Hub on Study in the States.