Many international high school students who wish to study in the United States have queried about their employment rights. This paper aims at discussing the restrictions and possibilities of international students to work in the United States of America with concentration on such issues as the types of the visa, legal employment and immigration compliance.
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International students typically enter the U. S. on one of two main visa types: for example, an F-1 student visa or a J-1 exchange visitor visa.
F-1 Visa
The F-1 visa is for international students who are going to study at a recognised academic institution, which comprises of high school. This visa allows students to study full-time and provides certain employment opportunities under specific conditions:This visa allows students to study full-time and provides certain employment opportunities under specific conditions:
On-Campus Employment: Also, F-1 students are allowed to engage in any on-campus employment up to 20 hours a week during the term and full-time during the period of Christmas/New Year vacations. Any work and this cannot be more than 20 hours a week, must be directly connected to the school, for example, working as a librarian, in the canteen or in the offices.
Off-Campus Employment: F-1 students can seek off campus employment in Curricular Practical Training (CPT) after one academic year and in Optional Practical Training (OPT) after one year of study. CPT lets students to engage in internships or work which is highly relevant to their curriculum when studying, while OPT provides for up to 12 months of employment in fields relevant to the student’s curriculum either before or after completion of their degree.
J-1 Visa
The J-1 visa is intended for applicants who are students under exchange programme. This visa usually does not permit for working during the time of learning. Students under J-1 visa are mainly in the United States for cultural exchange and educational purposes and get little opportunities and permissions to work in comparison to F-1 students.
Many F-1 visa holders are provided with work permits by their employers’ companies and organizations, but there are certain regulations concerning the engagement of F-1 visa holder’s in employment that prospective employees and employers should take note of.
While F-1 visa holders have more flexibility regarding employment, they must adhere strictly to the regulations set forth by the U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):While F-1 visa holders have more flexibility regarding employment, they must adhere strictly to the regulations set forth by the U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):
On-Campus Employment
Eligibility: For F-1 status holders, students have to preserve their status and work, but are allowed only on campus.
Hours: While studying at schools, students can be employed at most of 20 hours a week during the academic year. They may also work full time during the school holidays.
Off-Campus Employment
Unlike other categories of international students, F-1 can only take part in off-campus employment after the completion of the first year. The following options are available:The following options are available:
Curricular Practical Training (CPT): This is employment which is in a way provided by the college or university in which the student is studying. It has to be in writing and be approved by the DSO and can be remunerated or non-remunerated.
Optional Practical Training (OPT): A student can apply for OPT after one academic year; OPT enables a student to work in their field of study for up to one year. Before seeking for a job, students are required to apply for an Employment Authorization Document, EAD to the USCIS. What is important to know that only the students who have kept F-1 status and were studying for no less than nine months can apply for OPT.
Severe Economic Hardship: Sometimes, students need to apply for the work permission, because of the financial troubles happen in their lives suddenly. To prove this, one is supposed to explain that the hardship began after acquiring F-1 status and that on-campus employment is not adequate.
Legal procedures that must be followed for the achievement of working legally In the U. S.
International students must follow specific steps to work legally in the U. S. International students must follow specific steps to work legally in the U. S.Â
Maintain Valid Visa Status: Students are to make certain that they are in compliance with the rules and regulations of visas and the most important one being that the student must be in the process of studying full time and must have a residence in a foreign country.
Consult the International Student Office: Most schools, especially those that admit international students have a section called International Student Office that students should consult before taking any employment. Depending on the particulars of your situation, this office can tell you whether or not you are eligible in order to put together the proper paperwork.
Also read: Can International students be at ease with public schools for free in USA
Obtain Necessary Authorizations: Concerning off-campus employment, students are required to obtain the authorization of USCIS and their designated DSO. It exposes an unauthorized worker to risks of losing his/her visa and be detained by the Immigration department.
Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN): For the students to be legally employed in the U. S. an SSN is required. This number is used for taxation purposes and is demanded by employers. An SSN can be applied for by a student as soon as he or she gets a job offer.
Conclusion
Overseas high school students in the U. S. can seek employment but they face quite a number of restrictions that are associated with their visa type. Compared to the J-1 visa, the F-1 visa is comparatively liberal on employment opportunities as it permits on-campus and after one year of enrollment, CPT and OPT off-campus working.
Compliance with the rules and regulations of the immigration service is highly important for international students who want to work while studying in the U. S. International students who are interested in work-study should follow the above highlighted steps and should seek assistance from the International Student Office of the school.
