The F-1 Student Visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreigners to study in the United States. This visa/status is valid for the duration of the student’s study program. F1 holders can transfer between schools in the US and are allowed unrestricted travel within the country.
F-1 visa students have the right to work in the USA under certain conditions: during the academic year students have limits on working hours, and there are no limits during vacations.
There are several employment options for international students in the USA on an F-1 visa:
Pre-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- Allowed after completing the first full year of study
- Employment must be related to the field of study
- Students can work part-time during the academic year and full-time during vacations
- Must apply for Pre-completion OPT at the university
- OPT is valid until completion of the study program
Post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- Work in one’s specialty after obtaining a bachelor’s/master’s degree
- Employment term is up to 12 months, extendable to 24 months for STEM majors
- Must apply for Post-completion OPT within 60 days of graduation
- Allows full-time employment
Employment with international organizations
- Option for internships and employment at international companies, government and educational institutions
- Requires university authorization
- Employment should not interfere with studies
Off-campus employment
- Allowed if lack of on-campus jobs is proven
- Requires special authorization from the university
- Limitations on hours worked per week
In summary, F-1 visa students have several legal options for part-time work in the USA. The key is not to violate the rules of one’s status and terms of employment authorizations.