F1 students may not work off campus during their first year of school in the U.S. Â They may work on campus for a limited number of hours. Â The F1 student must be enrolled full time and can only work 20 hours per week.
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After the first year, an F1 student may work off campus, as long as the work is in their general field of study. Â Such work must also be authorized by the school prior to the commencement of work.
One work program for F1 students is Optional Practical Training (OPT). Â OPT allows a student immigrant to obtain training in their field of study. Â A student is allowed 12 months of OPT per degree program. Â The OPT involves obtaining approval both from the international student office at the student's school and from USCIS. Â An actual OPT work authorization card is issued upon approval. Â OPT can serve as a bridge between a student's F1 visa and an employment visa.
Another program that allows F1 students to obtain experience in their field of study is CPT - Curricular Practical Training. Â CPT is off campus employment or an internship for credit. Â CPT may be part time while school is in session and full time during breaks. Â CPT does not count against the OPT 12 month rule unless a student engages in CPT full time.
Work by spouses or children of F1 students is not permitted, under any circumstances. Â An F2 family member may change status to F1 and would then be able to work as described above.
