What kind of Work is available to Students in the USA?

Employment in the USA on F-1 Practical Training variations

The article will examine in chronological order, the primary forms of on- and off-campus employment permitted on an F-1 Visa.
Below is a comprehensive guide on the levels of employment available to F-1 students, including precise timelines for applying, time restrictions, salary ranges and FAQ’s.

Introduction

Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to understand the key employment types for F-1 Students: Internships, Apprenticeships, Co-Ops.
While these roles have different criteria and logistics, they all provide valuable work experience that can enhance your professional profile.

An Internship is generally a short-term work experience, often taken during or between academic terms.
Most internship listings specify that the student must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, although some companies offer post-graduate Internships. F-1 Graduates, pursuing a Graduate Role can be more beneficial since they typically lead to full-time employment after a 1 – 2 year contract.

A Graduate Scheme is a short term entry-level employment role designed for recent graduates and often culminate in full-time positions.
This can be a great alternative if securing a permanent entry-level is challenging.
Since Internships are generally shorter, returning interns may not be guaranteed a full-time role at the same company.
However, having a Graduate Scheme on your resume can increase your chances of being hired as a returning employee: your profile exists already in a company’s database, reducing the need for extensive candidate screening, such as behavioral and technical interview rounds.

What is an Internship?
Internships are short-term work experiences meant to help students or recent graduates gain exposure to a specific industry or job role.
They typically last a few weeks to a few months, offering students a chance to develop hands-on skills in their field of study.
What is an Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are long-term, structured programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
They are usually linked to trades or technical careers (such as electricians, plumbers, or software engineers) and emphasize deep skill development. Apprenticeships often lead to a certification or qualification upon completion.
What is a Co-Op?
Co-Ops are structured partnerships between educational institutions and employers that allow students to alternate between periods of academic study and paid work.
Co-Ops provide longer-term work experience than internships and are tied to the student’s academic curriculum, usually offering academic credit.

It’s important to recognize how these opportunities fit into the overall employment landscape for F-1 Visa holders, as they are only part of the broader range of options available to students, both on- and off-campus.
F-1 Visa holders have access to several employment pathways that cater to different stages of their academic journey.
These opportunities are designed not only to provide extra income, they also lead to long-term roles; each option comes with its own set of requirements, restrictions and benefits.

Let’s explore the 4 key types of employment available to F-1 holders, and how you can make the most of your time in the U.S.

1. Non-Professional Employment (On-Campus)

On-Campus Jobs offer F-1 students a valuable opportunity to earn extra allowance while studying.
These positions can be worked during the school year and breaks, allowing students to balance work with their classes.
For freshmen, on-campus jobs are an excellent option since they can’t take on internships until they’ve completed a year of study.
Pay typically ranges from $12 – $20 per hour depending on state laws, and students can work up to 20 hours a week during classes and 40 hours during breaks. This flexibility makes on-campus jobs a convenient choice for students looking to support themselves financially while in school.

CPT authorization NOT REQUIRED

Eligibility:
Enrolled F-1 student.
Approval Process/Criteria:
F-1 Student with On-Campus Employment Offer Letter
ISO does not need to authorize this, but they need to confirm your jobs fits work hour regulations below.
Duration of Work Authorization:
An F-1 student can work on-campus for no more than:20 hours /week while school is in session.
40 hours /week while on semester breaks or public holidays.
When to Apply:
CPT
Immediately upon acquiring On-Campus Employment Offer Letter.
Common Positions:
Teaching Assistant, Research Assistant, Library Assistant, IT Help Desk Assistant, Resident Advisor, International Student Office Advisor.

2(a). Underclassmen Internship

Underclassmen Internships offer first- and second-year students the chance to gain early exposure to professional environments without the extensive prerequisites often required for upper-level internships.
These positions typically have fewer requirements, allowing students to apply even without 2 Years of Coursework in their field.
Common criteria include having completed 1 Academic Year in their relevant fields and less rigorous requirements like an expression of interest.
Pay for underclassmen internships usually ranges from $20 – $60 per hour, depending on the field and company.
Like regular internships they last 10 – 12 weeks during the summer months – often from late May to August.
They provide an opportunity to build foundational skills and explore potential career paths, giving students a solid introduction to professional environment.

CPT authorization REQUIRED

Eligibility:
F-1 Freshmen may not qualify because CPT authorization is only granted upon completing 1 Year of Academic Studies.
CPT Approval Process/Criteria:
ISO will process the application and issue an updated I-20 with CPT Authorization within 5 – 10 business days.
F-1 Freshmen or Sophomore with Internship Offer Letter & Academic Advisor Approval.
The internship must be directly related to the student’s field of study.
CPT Duration of Work Authorization:
12 Months Full Time Employment allowed, if Internship exceeds 12 Months, it will consume part of the student’s 12 month OPT Eligibility.
When to Apply:
Underclassmen Internship
For competitive companies, openings for summer positions are often posted as early as the previous Fall, with most applications closing between October and December of the prior year.
While some opportunities will still be available in the spring, students should plan ahead, as internships in fields like tech often have a rigorous and lengthy vetting process. Starting your search early ensures you don’t miss out on key opportunities.
CPT
Immediately upon acquiring Internship Employment Offer Letter.
Common Positions:
Google STEP, Meta University, Microsoft Explore, Amazon Propel, EA Pathfinder, Citadel Launch, UberSTAR, Nvidia Ignite, Duolingo Thrive

2(b). Upperclassmen Internship

Upperclassmen Internships are designed for third- and fourth-year students looking to gain hands-on experience in their chosen field, typically lasting 10 – 12 weeks during the summer months — usually from late May to August.
Unlike underclassmen internships, these positions may have slightly more technical requirements, often seeking candidates who have completed specific coursework relevant to the role, and an extensive extra-curricular resume.
Pay for summer upperclassmen internships generally ranges from $20 – $70 per hour, depending on the company and industry.
These internships are not only a valuable way to enhance resumes but also serve as a stepping stone to full-time employment after graduation.

CPT authorization REQUIRED

Eligibility:
F-1 Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors who have completed 1 Year of Academic Studies.
CPT Approval Process/Criteria:
ISO will process the application and issue an updated I-20 with CPT Authorization within 5 – 10 business days.
F-1 Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors with Internship Offer Letter & Academic Advisor Approval.
The internship must be directly related to the student’s field of study.
CPT Duration of Work Authorization:
12 Months Full Time Employment allowed, if Internship exceeds 12 Months, it will consume part of the student’s 12 month OPT Eligibility.
When to Apply:
Upperclassmen Internship
*Refer to Underclassmen Internship*
CPT
Immediately upon acquiring Internship Employment Offer Letter.
Common Positions:
Deloitte Inspires, Google BOLD, NASA OSTEM, Palantir Path, Jane Street Immersion Program, IBM Accelerate, Google Summer of Code

3. Graduate Role

Graduate Schemes or Roles, are entry-level full time roles for recent graduates.
They are structured programs designed to help candidates determine their career trajectory in order to transition into long-term contracts.
These positions often follow internships and require more specific qualifications, seeking candidates with completed relevant degrees who have completed internships prior.
Graduate schemes typically last 1 – 2 years, providing extensive training and development within the company, with a strong possibility of securing a permanent role afterward. Pay for candidates range from $40,000 – $70,000 per year, depending on the industry and location.
Participants benefit from mentorship, networking opportunities, training at the company upon successful completion of the program.
They offer a clear path from education to employment, making them a valuable opportunity for graduates to launch their careers.

OPT authorization REQUIRED

Eligibility:
F-1 Graduates with a Degree/Program Completion Certificate and/or Official Transcript.
OPT Approval Process/Criteria:
The Graduate Scheme must be directly related to the student’s field of study.
Employer must complete Form I-765, if employed.
Employment Offer Letter not required, you can apply for OPT authorization before securing employment, however:
– Maximum Duration Allowed for OPT Application: 90 days prior to Graduation Date.
– Maximum Duration Allowed for OPT Approval: 90 days of Unemployment from Graduation Date.
OPT Duration of Work Authorization:
12 Months Full Time Employment allowed, if employment exceeds 12 Months, it will consume part of the graduate’s 24 month STEM OPT Eligibility.
When to Apply:
Graduate Role
Can be both seasonal and available all year round. If seasonal, the vetting process is similar to that of Internships.
Students are encouraged to start searching as early as the year prior.
Graduate openings are often posted in the early months of your final year, and often state an expected graduation date one year from the date of posting as a criteria.
OPT
Immediately after acquiring Employment Offer Letter.
– F-1 Graduates are allowed 90 days before Graduation to apply for OPT while Unemployed.
– F-1 Graduates are allowed 90 days after OPT Approval to find Employment.
– In total, 180 days of Unemployment is allowed pre and post OPT Approval, once time is up F-1 holder must return to country of origin if they do not apply for a STEM OPT Extension.
Common Criteria: .

4. Entry-Level Role

Entry-Level Roles are intended for recent graduates who are ready to start their careers and are certain of their chosen field.
These positions don’t always follow a structured program like graduate schemes but still offer significant opportunities for growth and development. Companies often hire candidates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree with prior internships, not just those coming from graduate schemes, making these roles accessible to a broader range of candidates.
Entry-level positions come with long-term contracts, typically ranging from 1 to 5 years, with opportunities for renewal into permanent positions.
Pay for entry-level roles may vary, ranging from $50,000 – $200,000 annually, depending on industry, organization, location, years of experience. Unlike more rudimentary roles, salary is negotiable depending on the aforementioned factors, skill level and scope of responsibility.
In addition to competitive salaries, entry-level positions often come with compensation packages that may include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, relocation stipends, bonuses, membership for facility uses.

Unlike internships or graduate schemes, which may emphasize training and skill development, entry-level roles involve specific responsibilities and direct contributions to projects and company objectives.
Employees are expected to perform tasks that require a critical understanding of their field, work collaboratively with colleagues with less mentorship, demonstrate some level of managerial skill to assist in training interns or junior staff.
Additionally, they are required to make economic decisions and possess a deeper comprehension of practical applications and execution rather than just theoretical knowledge.

STEM OPT authorization REQUIRED.

Eligibility:
F-1 Graduates with Degree in a STEM field.
STEM OPT Approval Process/Criteria:
The role must be directly related to the student’s field of study.
Employment Offer Letter required.
Employment must be with an E-Verify Employer.
Employer must complete Form I-765 & Form I-983.
– Maximum Duration Allowed for STEM OPT Application: 90 Days prior to OPT Expiration Date.
– Maximum Duration Allowed post STEM OPT Approval: 60 Days of Unemployment from OPT Expiration Date.
STEM OPT Duration of Work Authorization:
24 Months
When to Apply:
Entry Level Role
*Refer to Graduate Roles*
STEM OPT
Immediately upon acquiring Employment Offer Letter.
– F-1 Graduates are allowed 90 days before OPT Expiry to apply for STEM OPT while Employed
– F-1 Graduates are allowed 60 days after STEM OPT approval, to find Employment.
– In total, 150 cumulative days of Unemployment is allowed post STEM OPT Approval, once time is up F-1 holder must return to country of origin if they do not secure employment.
Common Criteria:
.