How can international students legally work while studying in the U.S.?

As an international student on an F-1 visa in the United States, I’m eager to gain valuable work experience to help support myself financially and build my resume, but I’m completely overwhelmed by the complex rules surrounding employment. Could you please clearly outline the only authorized pathways for me to legally work while studying? Specifically, I need to understand: 1) What exactly defines "on-campus employment," what jobs are permitted, are there hour limits, and how do I secure the necessary authorization? 2) What is Curricular Practical Training (CPT), how does it differ from internships for credit, what are the strict requirements my program must meet, how do I apply through my Designated School Official (DSO), and are there restrictions on the type of employer or job duties? 3) What is Optional Practical Training (OPT), including the pre-completion option, the 12-month post-completion standard OPT, what are the deadlines and application processes, and crucially, what are the limitations regarding unemployment periods? 4) Are there any other, less common types of work authorization available for F-1 students? I’m particularly concerned about common scenarios like working off-campus without authorization, interning for pay, or working multiple jobs – could you clarify the specific legal boundaries and consequences for violations? Finally, what practical steps must I take before starting any work, such as obtaining a Social Security Number and ensuring my employer verifies my work authorization via I-9?

International students in the U.S. on an F-1 visa can legally work under specific conditions authorized by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and managed by their university’s Designated School Official (DSO) through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The primary legal pathways are:

1. On-Campus Employment:

   • Eligibility: Available for the first academic year (9 months). Students must maintain F-1 status and be enrolled full-time.
   • Work Limit: Up to 20 hours per week during the academic year. Full-time (40+ hours) is allowed during official school breaks (e.g., summer, winter break).
   • Location: Must be physically on campus or at an off-campus location that is educationally affiliated with the school (e.g., a university research institute, cooperative education center). The job must be directly related to the school’s educational offerings.
   • Authorization: Requires prior approval from the DSO. No specific USCIS form needed, but the DSO must update the SEVIS record authorizing the employment.

2. Curricular Practical Training (CPT):

   • Purpose: For internships, co-ops, or other practical training that is an integral part of the established curriculum (e.g., "required" or "for credit" internship, thesis research).
   • Eligibility: Must be enrolled full-time (unless the program allows part-time enrollment) and have maintained F-1 status for at least one academic year (exceptions exist for graduate students). Requires prior authorization from the DSO by issuing a new I-20 with CPT endorsement.
   • Work Limit: Can be part-time (20 hours/week max) or full-time (40+ hours/week), depending on the program requirements. Part-time CPT does not count against the one-year limit of post-completion OPT eligibility. Full-time CPT for over 12 months generally makes students ineligible for standard post-completion OPT.
   • Location: Can be off-campus at an employer’s site directly related to the student’s major field of study.
   • Authorization: DSO endorsement required on the I-20. CPT must be directly related to the student’s major.
3. Optional Practical Training (OPT):
   • Purpose: Allows temporary employment directly related to the student’s major field of study. There are three types:
     • Pre-completion OPT: Can be used while still enrolled in studies. Requires prior DSO authorization. Employment hours count towards the total OPT time allowed (12 months total).
     • Post-completion OPT: The most common type. Begins after the student completes their program of study. Provides up to 12 months of full-time employment authorization directly related to the major. Requires DSO recommendation and filing Form I-765 with USCIS.
     • 24-Month STEM OPT Extension: Available for F-1 students with degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) fields listed by USCIS. Requires prior DSO recommendation and Form I-765 filing. Can extend post-completion OPT by an additional 24 months, provided the employer participates in E-Verify and the student follows specific training plan requirements.
   • Eligibility: Must be in valid F-1 status, enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year before applying (pre-completion OPT), and have completed the program of study (post-completion OPT). STEM OPT requires a qualifying U.S. STEM degree.
   • Work Limit: Generally up to 40 hours per week. Pre-completion OPT reduces remaining post-completion time used.
   • Authorization: Requires filing Form I-756, Application for Employment Authorization, with USCIS. DSO must recommend OPT and issue a new SEVP-generated I-20 before the student applies to USCIS. EAD (Employment Authorization Document) card is issued by USCIS. Work cannot begin until the student has the actual EAD card in hand.

Critical Requirements for All Employment Types:

• DSO Authorization is Mandatory: Students must consult their DSO before starting any work. The DSO is the primary source of guidance and authorization.
• Maintain F-1 Status: All employment must be incidental to maintaining valid F-1 student status. Falling out of status invalidates work authorization.
• Form I-9: Employers must complete Form I-9 for all employees, including international students, verifying identity and work authorization (using the Employment Authorization Document – EAD card for OPT/CPT, or passport, I-94, and I-20 for on-campus/CPT before EAD arrives).
• Taxes: Students must pay U.S. federal, state, and local income taxes on wages earned. Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA) may be required depending on visa status and job type (generally not required for on-campus or CPT/OPT related to the student’s primary occupation).
• Prohibition on Unauthorized Work: Working without authorization (e.g., off-campus job without CPT, working more than 20 hours/week during school without a CPT exception, working on EAD before receiving it, or working for an unapproved employer under OPT) is a serious violation of F-1 status and can lead to deportation, denial of future visas, and/or being barred from re-entering the U.S.

M-1 Visa Students:

• Generally prohibited from on-campus employment during their first academic year.
• Limited off-campus practical training (CPT analog) available only if it is an integral part of the program, the training period does not exceed 6 months, and it is authorized by the DSO and USCIS. Voluntary work or employment not related to the program is not allowed.