On-campus employment at an off-campus location is available to all F-1 students except border commuter students. USCIS makes case-by-case decisions for off-campus employment for students who can show that new, unexpected circumstances beyond their control have created severe economic hardship. Regulation that defines off-campus employment for F-1 students is in 8 CFR 214.2 (f)(9)(ii). This will allow the DSO to ensure that the new position qualifies as on-campus employment and to ensure the DSO has the correct employment information in the student’s SEVIS record. DSOs may include on-campus employment information in the SEVIS remarks section even if the student does not intend to list this work as a means of support. An F-1 student automatically has permission to work on campus (unless he or she is a border commuter) but still needs to work with a DSO to ensure the job offered qualifies as on-campus employment.
You can do this through a listed open job or by using three (3) other strategies we will discuss in this article. As your future U.S.-based employer must sponsor you for a work visa, the first step is to find your sponsor employer. So you can focus on building your application for the perfect opportunities. You may now wonder how and where to find the ideal opportunities. Because 25% of 10% is not much, you should find the perfect opportunity before applying.
Now that you know where to find visa job openings, Do I have any chance? We even have more accurate data as some sponsor employers post their jobs directly on our website. Our job openings are at companies currently open for visa sponsorship for the concerned open job. This will prevent you from hearing “Come back to us when you have a work authorization” or “We do not offer visa sponsorship.”
If you fall into one of the four first exceptions above, you do not need visa sponsorship, and our career advice below does not apply to you. Here is a step-by-step guide to getting a job and work visa in the USA. Even if you do not meet every requirement, apply if you have most of the skills. Sometimes, a volunteer position or an internship can lead to a paid job. You can usually talk directly to people who help with hiring for the company. You will not always get a response but you may get helpful information on upcoming opportunities.
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When an F-1 student transfers to a new school, on-campus employment is available to the student only at that school after the record release date. An F-1 student who is enrolled in school, maintains status and follows the guidelines for on-campus employment may continue to work. Employment on-campus has to be for the school or for a company that contracts with the school to serve students directly. Find internship and volunteer opportunities with the National Park Service for high school, college, and graduate school students.
- 90% of sponsor companies use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), which is software that filters the resume and only shows the recruiters the ones that better match the job.
- If you’re applying for a position in San Francisco, review the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance guidelines (opens in a new window) applicable in your area.
- More than 100 million people look for jobs in the USA every year.
- To avoid this situation, an F-1 student should submit new Form I-765 from ninety days to six months before the expiration of the current EAD.
- You may not get paid, but you can get training, new skills, and find professional references.
- A DSO has the option in SEVIS, but only before the student submits the Form I-765 and supporting documentation.
The student must file a Form I-765 with U.S. SEVP recommends that a DSO help the student ensure that the supporting evidence for the Form I-765, “Application for Employment Authorization,” clearly shows eligibility. The DSO should print the supporting Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” sign pages 1 and 3 and give it to the student. According to 8 CFR 214.2(f)(18), a border commuter student may only engage in practical training, specifically CPT and post-completion OPT. An F-1 student does not need USCIS approval.
What are the guidelines for off-campus employment for F-1 students based on emergent circumstances?
If you do not fall under one of the exceptions above, you may need visa sponsorship from a U.S.-based employer. We recommend that you use general job boards such as Indeed, ZipRecruiter, or LinkedIn and their career advice sections to find a job. As a foreigner, you’ll need a U.S. work visa to live and work in the USA. Nothing in this article is intended for legal advice; all information is for educational purposes only. We really appreciate you taking the time to give us your opinions about our website.
A good way to accelerate your network building is to meet people physically at meetups, events, conferences, fairs, etc. Without a doubt, one of the most effective and underutilized methods of obtaining employment is personal networking. They might even be able to help you secure an interview for an open job in the USA for foreigners. So, it’s not only about the people who know you personally; it’s also about the people you know who can refer you to what matters. It happens a lot with my clients when I say “network.” They tell me they don’t have one in the USA each time.
Will off-campus work authorization continue if an F-1 student has a pending application for change of status?
If you still do not see any jobs, you might fall into one of those possibilities below. If there is no job, try with other job title keywords and your skills keywords. It will automatically and instantly calculate the visa(s) you qualify for and for what position(s) / job fields. If you are flexible or open to any jobs, don’t think you can fill all the jobs you see on USponsorMe.
For International Job Seekers
If you do not have any experience or a few, you should filter on “entry-level” to only get positions that do not require you to know. Unfortunately, this means this job does not match your profile. You find a cook job on USponsorMe, but this job requires you to speak French and know the European cooking method. If you do have this skill, add it to your USponsorMe resume!
If USCIS does not approve or deny the Form I-765 within 90 days of receiving the application, the F-1 student may apply for interim employment authorization. For more information, see the question on When is off-campus employment available? An F-1 student must wait to receive the approval from USCIS before beginning off-campus employment. In addition, the F-1 student’s SEVIS record automatically updates to show the off-campus employment approval. The only reasons for granting work authorization for off-campus employment are economic hardship or emergent circumstances. The process starts when an F-1 student asks the DSO’s permission to seek employment in an off-campus job.
The biggest mistake you can make is to apply for all job openings you see everywhere. Only 10% of U.S. entities offer visa sponsorship, and not in all departments and job categories. If you fall into one of the other exceptions above, you might be able to get a work visa or work authorization without needing any visa sponsorship from a U.S.-based employer.
As per 8 CFR 214.2(f)(9)(iii), the student must first obtain an internship offer with an international organization then work with the DSO and apply for an Employment Authorization Document with USCIS. Where can DSOs and students find recognized international organizations within the meaning of the International Organization Immunities Act (59 Stat. 669)? Commuter students may only engage in curricular practical training or post-completion optional practical training. An F-1 student may be eligible to apply for post-completion optional practical training upon graduation. The DSO must report this action to SEVP in SEVIS by terminating the student’s record for unauthorized employment. The student will have to file a new Form I-765 with supporting documents and fees, but does not have to wait a year before reapplying.
Career Opportunities
- We offer tips on living in America, reminders about regulations, and great information on how to make the most of their American experience.
- It would help if you also filter jobs based on the mandatory skill, “Indian,” which allows you to filter all jobs that require skills you have.
- Because 25% of 10% is not much, you should find the perfect opportunity before applying.
- If you still do not find any, your last option would be to search for jobs that do not require experience, skills, or education on USponsorMe.
- Approval for off-campus employment is good for one year.
- Nonimmigrant students must comply with certain federal laws and regulations when seeking employment in the United States.
- An F-1 student may consider applying for post-completion OPT to continue working after graduation.
It would help if you also filter jobs based on the mandatory skill, “Indian,” which allows you to filter all jobs that require skills you have. If you do not find any jobs, please complete your profile fully to ensure we calculate all your eligible visas. You can see at one glance if there are visa jobs available. Then, for each of those companies, search if they have current job openings that fit your profile (education, certificate, experience, skills, achievements) and that do not state “we do not offer sponsorship.” To get a U.S. work visa, you’ll need to find sparty bet a job at a US-based company willing to sponsor you for a work visa.
Answers to frequently asked questions about on- and off-campus employment are included below (click a button to jump to the content). Nonimmigrant students must comply with certain federal laws and regulations when seeking employment in the United States. Learn about the requirements to apply for an immigrant visa through employment and how to sponsor a permanent worker. We take the time to make sure every student is ready for his or her cultural exchange experience, months ahead of departure. Finding a seasonal job, hiring, obtaining a visa, getting ready for the trip, dealing with taxes and paychecks, complying with regulations – a work and travel experience can be complicated. To be sure you are engaging directly with American Express about job opportunities, always confirm or apply for any open roles directly on the official American Express Career Site.
Our 23rd Workmonitor – drawing on insights from over 26,000 workers, 1,225 employers, and over 3 million job postings – outlines how businesses and talent can adapt together to unlock growth. We help you not just find a job you love, but also build a successful career that offers work-life balance and professional fulfillment. Randstad is the world’s leading talent company and a partner of choice to clients. For 65 years, Randstad has connected people with work and businesses with the talent they need to succeed. Organizations across industries need specialized skills. We are your partner for talent in finding the right work and helping you secure meaningful roles and develop relevant skills.
One of the easiest ways to look for jobs is by searching online. Take time to understand different job titles and job descriptions. Depending on the job you are looking for, it is good to prepare a resume and cover letter. This will help you know what type of job you can apply for in the United States. Before you start your job search, gather all of your information. Our Flock has an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire and unite communities in conservation action.