Study and Work in the USA: Is it possible?
It's no secret that studying in the United States can be expensive, especially for international students. Tuition fees and living expenses could add up to around $60,000 per year. With this in mind, many international students consider partaking in the employment world to finance their education and living expenses. Working while studying can, of course, be beneficial to any student, as it will help them develop a solid CV and gain valuable experience in their field of interest. So, the million-dollar question is: Can I work and study in the USA?
In short, yes! If you have been admitted to a university in the USA and have fulfilled all of the required steps, you will be able to study in the USA after your F-1 student visa is issued. Students enrolled in US universities, colleges, high schools, language training programs, and other academic institutions are eligible for the F-1 visa category.
Work and Study in the USA with F-1 Visa
As an international student with an F-1 visa, you are allowed to work on-campus and in specified training programs. During your first academic year, however, you can only to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week when school is in session, and work full-time during school breaks for up to 40 hours per week. On-campus employment refers to work that takes place on campus or at a school-affiliated off-campus location. That could mean working in the library, dining area, administrative offices or other facilities where students can help.
After completing at least one full academic year, you can gain employment off-campus as an F-1 student through programs specifically for international students. These include Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT is work authorization for F-1 students to work temporarily up to 12 months in areas that are related to their major for up to one year either before or after they graduate (pre-completion OPT or post-completion OPT). F-1 students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) may apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT).
According to the Office of International Services (OIS), students are eligible for 12 months of OPT for each level of higher education completed. This means students can get the OPT authorization 12 months after completing a bachelor's degree,. Students can also get another 12 months after completing a master's degree.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT is a practical training opportunity where students can get experience in their field of study. CPT comes in a lot of forms: internship, cooperative (co-op) education job, a practicum, or any other experiences related to a student's field of study. Full-time students with an F-1 visa can be authorized for CPT if they fulfill two requirements:
- An offer letter outlining the training opportunity in their field of study.
- Registered for an appropriate course that covers the length of the training.
CPT is only available prior to the completion of a student's degree program. It may not cause a delay to academic program completion.
As you can see, there are countless employment opportunities that you can land as an international student in the USA. Nevertheless, make sure you follow each and every rule. Also, don't forget to always contact your designated school official (DSO) to sort things out. Best of luck!
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