Career Opportunities?
Many international students want to work while they are studying in the United States to earn extra money and practice their English. This can sometimes be a difficult and complicated process, but advance preparation can increase your chances of finding a job. Understanding the rules you must follow and knowing where to go for help in your job search are the keys to success.
The United States issues different types of student visas, but most international students receive the F-1, a nonimmigrant visa for full-time academic study. Because the F-1 visa is only for educational purposes, the U.S. government places restrictions on the employment options for F-1 holders. However, this does not mean that you cannot work if you have an F-1 visa. As long as you understand and follow the legal requirements, you can work on a student visa. Here are the most important rules for working in the United States on a student visa:
- You must maintain full-time student status at all times.
- You cannot work off campus during your first academic year of study. During that time, you are permitted to work on campus part-time (no more than 20 hours a week) while classes are in session.
- After one academic year, you can work off campus in a position related to your field of study through the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) options.
These are not the only restrictions, and the office that issued your I-20 immigration document (usually the international student office at your school) is your best resource for understanding all the rules. Most international student orientation programs will provide information about employment options. Violating the laws may result in the loss of your student visa, so you must follow the directions of the international student advising staff at your school!
The Process
Now that you know the basic restrictions on employment for F-1 visa holders, where and how do you actually find a job? Universities in the United States often have a career development office that maintains an online database of jobs and provides services such as career counseling, practice interviews, and resume-writing workshops to prepare you for the job application process. This is a great place to start your search. Many colleges also hold an on-campus job fair at the beginning of the semester, so you may find a part-time, on-campus position there. The campus bookstore, coffee shops, and other school-owned facilities often hire student employees at these events.