1. Create Account
  2. Login
StudyUSA
Match Me
  • Create Account
  • Login
  • School Search
  • Resources
    • All Resources
    • Articles
    • Student Voices
    • Videos
    • Magazines
    • Podcasts
  • Services
    • All Services
    • Accommodation
    • Support
    • Career
    • Financial
    • Testing
    • Other
  • Apply
  • Chat

Can I Work in the USA While Studying?

Can I Work in the USA While Studying?

Apr 15, 2016

The cost of studying in the USA can be expensive for international students, and really American students as well. Working while studying can be helpful to reduce the cost of your education and provide you applicable work experience. Many international students wonder, can I work in the USA while studying? The short answer is yes, international students can work in the USA while studying but there are some restrictions.

International students who have an F-1 and M-1 visa are allowed to work on-campus and in specified training programs. Students are not allowed to work off-campus during their first academic year. On-campus jobs are student oriented such as working in the library, cafeteria, or student center.

Students can gain employment off-campus after completing their first academic year through programs specifically for international students seeking employment such as Optional Practical Training (OPT),Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension, andCurricular Practical Training (CPT).

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a program that allows international students in the United States to work temporarily up to 12 months. OPT can be completed both before or after completing your studies, but it’s important to remember that you are only allowed to work 12 months total including pre-completion of degree and post-completion of degree.

International students completing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)are eligible to apply for 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT, beginning May 10th, 2016.

Curricular Practical Training is a program that temporarily allows international students to gain work experience directly related to their major through employment, paid or unpaid internships, or cooperative (co-op) education.

While you are studying in the United States you will be allowed to work with some minimal restrictions. Most colleges and universities can assist international students with finding employment on-campus and off-campus.

Brianna Burrows is a freelance marketing specialist and alumna of Northeastern University. She specializes in event management, social media management, and content branding. She can be reached at briannaburrows@gmail.com. Follow her on Twitter here.

Follow us:
Written by

StudyUSA Blog

Get matched to the best program for you

Let us know what you're looking for so we can find the best school for you.

Get matched
Call to action background image. Decorative.

Useful Articles

Main image for the blog post titled An Open Letter to Lycoming College
An Open Letter to Lycoming College
Main image for the blog post titled Learn to Protect Our Environment for a Living
Learn to Protect Our Environment for a Living
Main image for the blog post titled Learn English at Disney
Learn English at Disney
Main image for the blog post titled Accomplish Your Goals in Community at the University of South Carolina
Accomplish Your Goals in Community at the University of South Carolina
Read more

Check Out These Schools

Otero College

Otero College

$15,000—$20,000 Year

Bachelor Degree English Programs 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs
Contact
Bunker Hill Community College

Bunker Hill Community College

$5,000—$10,000 Semester

2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs Summer English Programs
Contact
University of Florida ELI English Language Institute

University of Florida ELI

$1,000—$5,000 Semester

Masters Online Summer
Contact

Related Stories

5 Tips on Applying to American Universities

Main image for the article titled 5 Tips on Applying to American Universities
5 Tips on Evaluating Your English

Main image for the article titled 5 Tips on Evaluating Your English
5 Tips to Read Faster in English

Main image for the article titled 5 Tips to Read Faster in English
5 tips on how to be fluent in English within 60 days

Main image for the article titled 5 tips on how to be fluent in English within 60 days

Start your U.S. adventure with Study in the USA

What's your dream? We can guide, advise, and connect you with your perfect U.S. school. We can also help you with the application process.
More about us
Partner Services

Learn About U.S. education financing, housing, and more

Partner service logo for Morning Brew

Morning Brew

BECOME SMARTER IN JUST 5 MINUTES. Get the daily email that makes reading the news actually enjoyable. Stay informed and entertained, for free.

Read more
Partner service logo for CORT Furniture Rental Student Packages

CORT Furniture Rental Student Packages

Most U.S. apartments come unfurnished. Make your move easy with a student furniture rental package from CORT. Flexible lease terms. Delivered before you arrive. Starting at $99 per month.* *with a 12-month lease

Read more
Partner service logo for Collegey

Collegey

Develop the portfolio and skills you need for your future! Embrace meaningful projects while collaborating with expert mentors and expanding your professional network.

Read more

Testimonials

Quotation mark.

Everything is going great. My classes will start in February 2020. Everyone at Glendale Community College is helping a lot. Thank you!

Alexandre Cabrera Brazil

Study in the USA helped me by providing information regarding fees and courses of the various universities I was interested in.

Sai Madhav Raju Goriparthi India

Study in the USA provided me with more information and gave me an overall knowledge of the process of applying to schools in the U.S to actually getting accepted and moving over.

Oluwadamilola Ameobi Nigeria

Resources

Learn about American culture and education direct from our experts at Study in the USA. Read more

Achieving Your Goal
Admissions and Placement Testing
Beyond the Basics
Education System in the USA
Financing Your U.S. Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Life in the USA
Resources
Student Experiences
For students age 10-18
Study in Canada
Podcasts
Magazines
Videos
Student Voices
Ask StudyUSA.com

Subscribe to get the latest from Study in the USA

You can unsubscribe at any time.


StudyUSA
Explore

  • School Search
  • Resources
  •   Articles
  •   Student Voices
  •   Videos
  •   Magazines
  • Partner Services
  •   Accommodation
  •   Career
  •   Financial
  •   Other
  •   Support
  •   Testing
  • Apply
  • Chat
Information

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Course Index
  • Article Index
  • Create account
  • Sign in
  • For Educators & Institutions
Match Me
  • English
    English

  • Privacy & Policy
  • /
  • Terms

Study in the USA logo

© 2023 Study in the USA. All Rights Reserved.

Global Study logo
A member of the Global Study network

When you visit or interact with our sites, services or tools, we or our authorised service providers may use cookies for storing information to help provide you with a better, faster and safer experience and for marketing purposes.