As an F-1 student visa holder in the United States, you may take this opportunity very seriously and consider your full-time job as your academics. However, it may be painfully obvious that the cost of living in the U.S. is significantly higher than in your home country. To financially support yourself through school, you may want to pick up a paid part-time job. Well, before taking this step, please follow along to find out whether you can work while on an F-1 student visa and how a proficient Baltimore County, Maryland employment immigration lawyer at the Sheri Hoidra Law Office, LLC can help you maintain legal status in the country.
Can I legally work while on an F-1 student visa?
You cannot earn off-campus employment in your first academic year as an F-1 student visa holder. This is not to say that you cannot look into certain on-campus employment opportunities. This is so long as you do not work more than 20 hours per week while school is in session. During designated vacation periods, though, you may be allowed to work full-time hours. It is always in your best interest to check with your academic institution’s Designated School Official (DSO) before starting this work.
After this first academic year, you may participate in the F-1 curricular practical training (CPT) program. This may be a paid internship or cooperative education program integral to your curriculum and overall area of study. It is worth mentioning that the CPT cannot be backdated. Meaning, if you want to make the most out of your employment opportunities during your time as a student, you should apply for this program as soon as possible.
Can I continue working in the U.S. after graduation?
Similar to your on-campus work, you may engage in the CPT program for 20 hours or less per week without any issue. But once you start working full-time, you may affect your eligibility for the optional practical training (OPT) program post-graduation. Specifically, this program similarly gives you the chance to work in a related field, either during or after completing your studies. Usually, you may participate in this program for a total of 12 months.
It is worth mentioning that if you got your degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), you may qualify for the STEM OPT extension, which may add 24 more months, totaling up to 26 months worth of work opportunities after graduation. If you do not qualify for this extension, you should make plans for an H-1B visa. This is a temporary nonimmigrant work authorization designated for individuals like you with the educational background needed to work in a specialty occupation.
If you desire more clarity before you head into the immigration process, please do not wait any longer to reach out to a talented Baltimore County, Maryland employment immigration lawyer. Retain the services of the Sheri Hoidra Law Office, LLC today.