Your Right to Work During Your Studies
For international students in the United States, work rights are more limited compared to the UK, and this can be a key factor when deciding where to study.
During Studies:
On an F-1 visa, students can work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during term time. Off-campus work is generally not allowed unless authorised through programs like Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Crucially, the F-1 visa does not automatically grant the right to work full-time during all university breaks, making the UK system (which generally does allow full-time holiday work) more flexible in this regard.
Post-Graduation:
After graduation, students can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows work for up to 12 months in their field of study.
STEM students can extend this by an additional 24 months, giving them up to 36 months in total. However, unlike in the UK, where students can stay for up to 24 months post-graduation under the Graduate Visa (although this will be reduced to 18 months in 2027), the U.S. does not offer an automatic pathway for long-term work, and staying longer requires securing a highly competitive H-1B visa.
Key Considerations:
The U.S. offers fewer post-graduation work opportunities than the UK, which could be a major consideration for students planning to work long-term after their studies. While the OPT and STEM extensions are beneficial, students in non-STEM fields may find the 12-month window less favourable compared to the 18 months in the UK.
Top Tips
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- Know Your Rights and Restrictions: Off-campus work is generally not allowed unless you’ve received special authorisation (like CPT or OPT), but on-campus work is permitted as long as you remain within the 20-hour per week term-time limit.
-Check Your School’s Career Services: Many universities offer career services that help students find on-campus jobs. These offices often have dedicated listings of jobs for international students and can assist with applications.
- Look for On-Campus Jobs Early: This is key. Popular on-campus positions like library assistants, dining hall staff, and research assistants can fill up quickly. Start your job search as soon as possible to secure a position that fits your schedule.
Why Choose Sorrento Education?
As an independent consultancy, we offer honest, unbiased advice with your child’s best interests at heart. Our goal is to equip your family with the tools and confidence to navigate this important journey successfully.