Trabajar mientras estudias en EE.UU.

Working while studying is one of the most practical concerns for international students in the United States, and it is also one of the most regulated. Unlike some countries where work rights for students are straightforward, the American system ties your ability to work directly to your visa status, your enrollment, and a set of federal regulations administered by USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) and enforced by your university's Designated School Official (DSO). Violating these rules — even accidentally — can result in the termination of your SEVIS record and the loss of your legal status in the country.

The good news is that the system, while complex, offers genuine opportunities. F-1 visa holders can work on campus from day one, apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) to gain paid work experience during their studies, and use Optional Practical Training (OPT) for up to 12 months of post-graduation employment — with a 24-month extension available for STEM graduates. Understanding these pathways, their timing, and their requirements is essential to maximizing your earning potential and career development without putting your visa at risk.

This guide covers every legal work option available to F-1 students in the USA, including the application process for each, tax obligations for non-resident aliens, and practical advice on finding employment. For broader context on career pathways after graduation, see our post-graduation career guide. For cost planning that accounts for potential earnings, visit our costs and funding guide.

On-Campus Employment: Your First Legal Work Option

On-campus employment is the most accessible work option for F-1 students because it requires no special authorization beyond your valid F-1 status and active SEVIS record. You can begin working on campus as soon as 30 days before the start of your first semester, and you can continue as long as you maintain full-time enrollment.

Rules and Limitations

• Hours: Maximum 20 hours per week during the academic semester. Up to 40 hours per week (full-time) during official school breaks (summer, winter, spring break) if you are enrolled for the following semester.
• Location: Employment must be on your school's campus or at an educationally affiliated off-campus location (e.g., a university-affiliated research lab or hospital). The definition of "on campus" is defined by your DSO.
• Employer: The employer must be the university itself or a commercial entity that provides services directly to students on campus (e.g., the campus bookstore operated by Barnes & Noble, the dining hall operated by Aramark, or the coffee shop inside the student union).
• No authorization needed: You do not need to apply for work authorization from USCIS. You just need your university's employment office to verify your eligibility.

Types of On-Campus Jobs

Job Type	Typical Hourly Rate	Hours/Week	Where to Apply
Library assistant	$10–$15	10–20	University library website
Dining hall worker	$11–$16	10–20	Campus dining services
Teaching assistant (TA)	$15–$30 (or tuition waiver)	15–20	Academic department
Research assistant (RA)	$15–$35 (or stipend)	10–20	Faculty/lab directly
Resident advisor (RA)	Free housing + stipend	15–20	Residential life office
IT help desk	$12–$18	10–15	Campus IT department
Recreation center staff	$10–$15	10–20	Campus recreation center
Administrative assistant	$12–$17	10–15	Department offices

The most financially valuable on-campus positions for graduate students are teaching assistantships (TAs) and research assistantships (RAs), which often include a tuition waiver and a monthly stipend of $1,500 to $3,000. At many universities, these positions are the primary funding mechanism for PhD students and some master's students. Competition is intense, and positions are typically arranged with your academic department before or during your first semester.

For undergraduates, the most strategic on-campus job is often Resident Advisor (RA), which provides free housing (worth $5,000 to $15,000 per year depending on the university) plus a small stipend. RA positions are competitive and usually available starting in your second year.

Getting a Social Security Number

To work legally in the United States, you need a Social Security Number (SSN). The SSN is a nine-digit number issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that serves as your tax identification number. You cannot apply for an SSN until you have a confirmed job offer.

The application process:

1. Secure an on-campus job offer (even a few hours per week is sufficient).
2. Obtain a letter from your employer confirming the job offer and start date.
3. Obtain a letter from your university's international student office confirming your F-1 status and eligibility to work on campus.
4. Visit your local Social Security Administration office with your passport, I-94, I-20, employment letter, and university letter.
5. The SSN card typically arrives by mail within 2 to 4 weeks. You can begin working with the receipt from the SSA while you wait for the card.

Important: Your SSN is a permanent number — you will use it for the rest of your time in the US and potentially beyond. Guard it carefully. Never carry your SSN card in your wallet. Memorize the number and store the card in a secure location. Identity theft is a serious risk.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

CPT is work authorization that allows F-1 students to work off campus in a position that is an integral part of their academic curriculum. This typically means internships, co-ops, or practicum experiences that are required by your program or that earn academic credit. CPT is one of the most valuable tools for gaining real-world work experience during your studies.

Eligibility Requirements

• You must have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year (two semesters) before you can apply. Exception: graduate students whose programs require immediate practical experience may be eligible from the start.
• The work must be directly related to your major field of study.
• Your academic program must require the training, or you must receive academic credit for it. In practice, many universities offer a 0- or 1-credit internship course that satisfies this requirement.
• You must have an offer from a specific employer before your DSO can authorize CPT.

Part-Time vs. Full-Time CPT

Type	Hours	When Allowed	Impact on OPT
Part-time CPT	20 hours/week or less	During academic semesters	No impact on OPT eligibility
Full-time CPT	More than 20 hours/week	During breaks or if part of curriculum	12+ months of full-time CPT eliminates OPT eligibility

Critical warning: If you accumulate 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you become ineligible for OPT after graduation. This is one of the most important rules in the F-1 system. If you plan to use OPT (and most students should), carefully track your full-time CPT usage. Part-time CPT does not count toward this limit.

CPT Application Process

1. Secure a job or internship offer from an employer. Get a written offer letter specifying dates, hours, location, and job description.
2. Enroll in the appropriate internship/practicum course at your university (if required).
3. Submit the CPT request to your DSO with the offer letter, course enrollment proof, and a brief explanation of how the position relates to your major.
4. Your DSO will update your I-20 with CPT authorization, including the specific employer, dates, and part-time/full-time designation.
5. You may only begin working on the start date printed on your I-20. Starting early is a violation.

CPT pay varies widely by field and employer. Tech internships at major companies (Google, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft) pay $7,000 to $12,000 per month. Consulting internships (McKinsey, BCG, Bain) pay $8,000 to $11,000 per month. Engineering, finance, and data science internships at mid-size companies typically pay $3,000 to $6,000 per month. Nonprofit and government positions may pay $1,500 to $3,000 per month or offer only a stipend.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

OPT is the crown jewel of F-1 work authorization. It allows you to work in the United States for up to 12 months in a position directly related to your field of study. OPT can be used before graduation (pre-completion OPT) or after graduation (post-completion OPT), though the vast majority of students use it after graduating. STEM graduates are eligible for an additional 24-month extension, giving them up to 36 months of post-graduation work authorization total.

Pre-Completion vs. Post-Completion OPT

Feature	Pre-Completion OPT	Post-Completion OPT
When	Before degree completion, after 1 academic year	After degree completion
Hours	Part-time (20 hrs/week) during semesters; full-time during breaks	Full-time (40 hrs/week)
Duration	Up to 12 months total	12 months (+ 24-month STEM extension)
Deduction	Part-time: 2 months PT = 1 month off post-completion	Full 12 months if pre-completion not used
Unemployment limit	N/A	Max 90 days unemployed (150 days with STEM extension)

OPT Application Process and Timeline

The OPT application process is filed with USCIS and takes significantly longer than CPT authorization. Current processing times (2026) are approximately 3 to 5 months, though they fluctuate. You should apply as early as 90 days before your graduation date.

1. Request your DSO to recommend OPT in SEVIS and issue a new I-20 with the OPT recommendation.
2. File Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) with USCIS, along with the required documents (I-20, I-94, passport photos, filing fee of approximately $410).
3. Wait for USCIS to process and mail your Employment Authorization Document (EAD card). Do not begin working until you have the physical EAD card and the start date on the card has passed.
4. Your OPT start date must be within 60 days of your graduation date. You choose the exact start date within this window.

Unemployment clock: Once your OPT start date arrives, a 90-day unemployment counter begins. You must find employment within 90 days or your OPT (and legal status) will terminate. This counter pauses while you are employed and resumes if you lose your job. For STEM OPT extension holders, the limit is 150 cumulative days.

STEM OPT Extension (24 Months)

If your degree is classified under a STEM-designated CIP code (Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, and many others — the full list contains over 400 programs), you can apply for a 24-month extension of your post-completion OPT. This gives you a total of 36 months of work authorization after graduation, which is enough time for many employers to sponsor an H-1B visa.

Additional requirements for STEM OPT:

• Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify (the federal employment verification system).
• You and your employer must complete a formal Training Plan (Form I-983) that describes how your work provides practical training related to your degree.
• You must report to your DSO every six months on your employment status.
• You must be paid at a level commensurate with US workers in the same role (no below-market wages).

Taxes for International Students

If you earn money in the United States, you must file federal and state tax returns. International students on F-1 visas are generally classified as non-resident aliens (NRA) for tax purposes during their first five calendar years in the US. This classification affects which forms you file, which deductions you can claim, and whether you are subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes.

Key Tax Rules for F-1 Students

• Federal income tax: You must file Form 1040NR (or 1040NR-EZ). Do not use the standard Form 1040 — that is for residents. Software like Sprintax or Glacier Tax Prep is designed specifically for non-resident alien tax filing.
• FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare): F-1 students who have been in the US for fewer than 5 calendar years and are working on campus, CPT, or OPT are exempt from Social Security tax (6.2%) and Medicare tax (1.45%). If your employer mistakenly withholds these, you can request a refund by filing Form 843 with the IRS.
• State income tax: Varies by state. Some states (Texas, Florida, Washington, Nevada, Wyoming, South Dakota, Alaska, New Hampshire, Tennessee) have no state income tax. Others range from about 3% to 13%.
• Tax treaties: The US has tax treaties with many countries that may reduce or eliminate tax on certain types of income. For example, students from China can exclude up to $5,000 of earned income under the US-China tax treaty (Article 20). Check whether your home country has a treaty benefit.
• W-4 form: When you start a job, your employer will ask you to complete Form W-4 (Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate). As a non-resident alien, you cannot claim "exempt" status and must write "Non-Resident Alien" or "NRA" on the form. Your employer will use this to determine how much federal income tax to withhold from each paycheck.
• Filing deadline: April 15 of the following year. Even if you had no income, you may need to file Form 8843 (Statement for Exempt Individuals) to document your presence in the US.

Estimated Tax Rates for F-1 Students

Annual Income	Federal Tax Rate (approx.)	FICA (if exempt)	Effective Rate
$0–$11,600	10%	$0	~10%
$11,601–$47,150	12%	$0	~10–12%
$47,151–$100,525	22%	$0	~14–18%
$100,526+	24%+	$0	~18–22%

Note: These are 2026 federal rates for non-resident aliens. State taxes are additional. Rates may differ based on tax treaty benefits and specific deductions.

Severe Economic Hardship and Other Special Work Authorizations

In addition to on-campus work, CPT, and OPT, F-1 students may be eligible for off-campus work authorization under special circumstances:

• Severe Economic Hardship: If you experience an unforeseen change in financial circumstances (e.g., loss of family income, currency devaluation, unexpected medical expenses), you can apply to USCIS for permission to work off campus up to 20 hours per week. You must demonstrate that on-campus employment is insufficient and that the hardship was beyond your control. Approval takes 2 to 4 months.
• International Organization Employment: F-1 students can work for recognized international organizations (World Bank, IMF, United Nations, etc.) with DSO recommendation.
• Special Student Relief: In rare cases, DHS designates countries experiencing emergencies (war, natural disaster, economic crisis), allowing students from those countries to work off campus.

What You Cannot Do: Common Violations

The consequences of unauthorized employment are severe — your SEVIS record can be terminated, which means you must leave the United States. Common violations include:

• Working off campus without authorization: Freelancing, driving for Uber/Lyft, selling on Etsy, tutoring for cash, and any other paid work off campus without CPT or OPT authorization is illegal.
• Exceeding 20 hours per week during the semester: Even on campus, working more than 20 hours while classes are in session is a violation.
• Working before your CPT or OPT start date: Even by one day. The authorization dates are strict.
• Working at a location not listed on your CPT I-20: CPT is employer-specific. You cannot change employers or add a second employer without getting a new authorization from your DSO.
• Working after your OPT end date or during an unemployment gap exceeding 90 days: Your status terminates automatically.

Gray areas that are technically violations: Running an online business, accepting payment for freelance work from foreign clients (if you are physically in the US), receiving cash for informal services (tutoring, translation, photography). USCIS considers any activity that generates income to be "employment," regardless of how informal it may seem.

Practical Tips for Finding Work

• Start early for on-campus jobs: Apply during the first week of the semester. Popular positions fill quickly. Check your university's student employment portal daily.
• Network for CPT/internships: Attend career fairs, join professional organizations, and use your university's alumni network. LinkedIn is essential — create a profile before you start applying. Many international students underestimate the importance of networking in American job culture.
• Use your university's career center: They offer resume reviews, mock interviews, and employer connections. Many have international student-specific advisors who understand visa sponsorship dynamics.
• Prepare for visa questions in interviews: Employers may ask about your work authorization status. Be clear and confident: "I am authorized to work in the US through [CPT/OPT] and do not require sponsorship at this time." Have your authorization dates ready.
• Consider remote internships: CPT and OPT authorize remote work as long as the employer is US-based and you are physically in the US. Remote positions expand your geographic options significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work off campus without CPT?

No. Off-campus employment without CPT, OPT, or another specific authorization (e.g., severe economic hardship) is illegal for F-1 students and can result in the termination of your student status.

How much can I earn on campus?

At 20 hours per week earning $12 to $18 per hour, you can expect $960 to $1,440 per month during the academic year and roughly double that during breaks when you can work full-time. This covers a significant portion of living expenses in lower-cost cities.

Does CPT use up my OPT time?

Part-time CPT does not affect your OPT eligibility. However, if you accumulate 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you lose eligibility for post-completion OPT entirely. Track your full-time CPT usage carefully.

When should I apply for OPT?

Apply as early as 90 days before your graduation date. Given that processing takes 3 to 5 months, early application ensures your EAD card arrives close to your graduation. Do not wait until after graduation to apply — the window closes 60 days after your program end date.

Do I have to pay US taxes as an international student?

Yes, if you earn income in the US. File Form 1040NR (non-resident) and Form 8843. You are exempt from Social Security and Medicare taxes during your first five calendar years as an F-1 student. Use Sprintax or Glacier Tax Prep for accurate non-resident filing.

Can I do freelance work or start a business on an F-1 visa?

No. F-1 students cannot engage in self-employment, freelancing, or business ownership unless it is specifically authorized as part of CPT or OPT. Running an online business, even one based overseas, while physically in the US on an F-1 visa is considered unauthorized employment.

What happens if I cannot find a job within 90 days on OPT?

Your OPT and F-1 status will terminate. You will enter a 60-day grace period during which you must either leave the US, transfer to another school, or change your visa status. This is why it is critical to begin your job search well before your OPT start date.

Can my employer sponsor me for a work visa after OPT?

Yes. The most common pathway is the H-1B visa, filed during the annual lottery in March with an October start date. Your OPT (and STEM OPT extension if applicable) bridges the gap between graduation and H-1B approval. See our graduate career guide for detailed H-1B information.