Finding an F1 Student Part-Time Job

I'm an F1 student and curious about part-time job options that are available for my status. What's allowed and what opportunities should I be looking into, especially regarding on-campus options?

In general, F1 students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during academic terms and full-time during breaks, such as summer break, without any special permission. This is typically referred to as on-campus employment and includes jobs like tutoring, working in the college cafeteria, or being an administrative assistant in an academic department.

Some jobs are considered "affiliated" with the campus. This means they may not be physically located on the school premises but are still connected to it in some way. For example, a bookstore or cafe located on the edge of campus that serves a lot of students might qualify as an affiliated employer.

Another work option for F1 students is Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which consists of internships or training programs related to your area of study. These opportunities might be part-time during the school year and full-time during vacations, but they need to be academically relevant and typically require approval from your school's international student services office.

If you're interested in opportunities outside of these parameters, F1 students can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows you to work in a field directly related to your major area of study. OPT can be performed either before or after graduation, but it's important to note that the total period for OPT is capped at 12 months, though some STEM fields may be eligible for an extension.

Always check with your school's international student services office before pursuing any work opportunity to make sure it's permissible under the terms of your visa and won't affect your status. They can provide the most accurate information based on your specific situation and school policies.