What Are the Working Hour Restrictions for F1 Visa Holders?

Dreaming of studying in the U.S. on an F-1 visa? 

You’re in good company. In 2023, over 1.1 million international students were enrolled in American colleges and universities, 331,602 of whom hail from India alone, a 23% increase from the previous year.  

But while studying here is a dream come true, many students also ask:

“Can I work in the U.S. while on an F1 visa?”

The answer is yes—but only if you understand and follow the rules. In this guide, we’ll break it all down in simple, easy-to-follow terms—and show you how AFI can help you succeed academically, professionally, and linguistically.

Can International Students Work in the USA?

If you’re holding an F1 visa and wondering, “Can international students work in the USA?”—the short answer is yes.

But the full answer? It’s complicated, and that’s where many students stumble.

As an international student, you’re not just managing classes and culture shock—you’re also navigating a maze of immigration rules. And when it comes to working, you need to follow them carefully.

Here’s the golden rule:

You can work, but only under specific conditions, and the U.S. government is watching.

And remember: Every school has a Designated School Official (DSO)—a person you’ll want to know. They help you understand your legal options, issue paperwork, and help you stay compliant with immigration laws.

What Is an F1 Visa and Why Does It Matter?

The F1 visa is your ticket to full-time academic study in the U.S. But it’s also a visa that comes with strict conditions:

• It’s not a work visa.
• You must maintain full-time enrollment.
• You are only allowed to work within defined limits.

Violating those limits can lead to:

• Loss of F1 status
• Expulsion from school
• Visa denial for future applications

Are F1 Visa Holders Allowed to Work?

Yes—but only in very specific ways.

Let’s break it down like a checklist: On-Campus Employment

You can:

• Work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year.
• Work full-time during holidays or scheduled school breaks.

These jobs must be:

• On your school’s campus
• Or affiliated with your school (like a contracted café, library, or research facility)

No paperwork or permits are required, but you still need approval from your Designated School Official (DSO).

Off-Campus Employment

Not allowed—unless you get formal work authorization.

And that brings us to the next section…

F1 Visa Work Authorization – Your Legal Path to Off-Campus Jobs

Are you thinking about interning at a tech company, working retail, or joining a research project outside campus?

You’ll need one of the following

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

• For internships tied to your program
• Must be approved by your DSO
• Must appear on your I-20
• Can be paid or unpaid

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

• For jobs after you graduate
• You get up to 12 months of work (or 36 for STEM majors)
• Requires applying to USCIS with Form I-765
• You must wait for your EAD card before starting work

Severe Economic Hardship

• If you’ve had a financial crisis beyond your control
• Requires documentation and DSO recommendation
• Off-campus work is allowed, but is still capped at 20 hours/week

F1 Visa Work Hours – How Much Can You Legally Work?

Let’s get specific:

Situation	Max Hours Allowed
On-campus (during classes)	20 hours/week
On-campus (during breaks)	Up to 40 hours/week
CPT (Part-time)	20 hours/week
CPT (Full-time)	40 hours/week
OPT (Post-graduation)	Based on USCIS approval

Important: Even working one extra hour without approval is considered a violation. It can lead to:

• Losing your F1 visa
• Termination from school
• Trouble re-entering the U.S.

Can an F1 Student Work Off-Campus?

Yes—but only if you’re playing by the rules.

No CPT or OPT? Then, the answer is no.

Even working remotely for a company back home—if you’re in the U.S. on an F1 visa—is considered unauthorized.

So:

• Freelancing? Not allowed.
• Tutoring without permission? Not allowed.
• Rideshare/delivery apps? Definitely not.

The risk? Losing your visa, your school, and your future plans in one stroke.

Are F1 Students Legally Authorized to Work in the U.S.?

Yes—but only under very specific conditions.

F1 students are not granted open work authorization like green card holders or U.S. citizens. If you’re hoping to earn some money while studying, you’ll need to follow strict federal guidelines and obtain the proper authorization first.

No CPT? No OPT? No approved hardship request?

Then the answer is simple: you are not legally allowed to work off campus.

Even jobs that seem harmless—like helping a friend’s business online or working remotely for a company back home—are still considered unauthorized employment while you’re on U.S. soil under an F1 visa.

Here’s what’s not allowed without authorization:

• Freelancing on Fiverr, Upwork, etc.? Not allowed.
• Tutoring students for cash? Not allowed.
• Driving for Uber, DoorDash, or Lyft? Definitely not allowed.

The consequences?

They’re serious—and permanent.

Violating F1 student work laws can result in:

• Immediate loss of your visa status
• Termination from your school’s SEVIS system
• Ineligibility for future U.S. immigration benefits

Attention: If you want to work, do it the right way—with proper authorization and school guidance.

Your future in the U.S. is too valuable to risk for a quick paycheck.

Can F1 Students Apply for a Work Permit?

Yes—if you’re eligible.

You can apply for a work permit through:

• OPT: Apply 90 days before graduation
• Economic hardship: Must show documents proving urgent need
• You’ll submit Form I-765 to USCIS and wait for approval

Processing time? 2–4 months.

Pro tip: Plan early—and talk to your DSO before making any move.

Why English Fluency Makes All the Difference

Getting authorization is just the start—getting hired requires strong English.

Job interviews. Team meetings. Emails. Resumes.

Without English fluency, many F1 students struggle to:

• Answer confidently in interviews
• Communicate with coworkers
• Understand written instructions

That’s where AFI’s ESL programs make the difference:

• Small class sizes = more speaking time
• TEFL/M.A. TESOL-certified instructors
• Practical lessons in workplace English
• Friendly, supportive campus in Pasadena

Whether you’re aiming for CPT or OPT, English is your most powerful tool—and we’re here to help you master it.

How to Apply for Work Authorization as an F1 Student

If you’re an F1 student hoping to work off campus legally, you’ll need to apply for work authorization. This is typically done through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT)—two programs designed to give students practical experience related to their field of study.

For CPT (Curricular Practical Training)

CPT allows you to work while still enrolled in your program, usually as part of an internship or co-op.

Here’s how to apply:

1. Contact your Designated School Official (DSO)
2. They’ll guide you on whether your job offer and academic program qualify.
3. Get into a CPT-approved course or training program
4. CPT must be tied directly to your major and approved by your academic department.
5. Receive an updated I-20 with CPT authorization
6. You must have your CPT noted on your I-20 before you can begin working.

Important: You must have completed at least one full academic year before applying for CPT (unless your program requires it from day one).

For OPT (Optional Practical Training)

OPT is usually used after graduation and lets you work in your field of study for up to 12 months (or 36 months for STEM majors).

To apply:

1. Submit Form I-765 to USCIS
2. This is your formal application for employment authorization.
3. Wait for your Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
4. USCIS processing can take several months, so apply early.
5. Start work only after your EAD is issued
6. Working before you receive the EAD is considered unauthorized.

AFI students often receive help from their DSO or advisors to ensure their applications are complete and submitted on time.

Real Advice from Experts

Navigating F-1 visa work rules can be complex—but you don’t have to do it alone. Here’s what AFI’s experienced instructors and immigration advisors recommend:

DSO Tip

“Always consult your Designated School Official (DSO) before applying for any job or internship. Even starting work a day too early can put your visa status at risk.”

AFI Instructor Insight

“Our goal isn’t just to teach grammar—it’s to help students thrive in real life. When a student lands a job or nails an interview, that’s the win we celebrate.”

Meet AFI’s certified instructors and learn more about their commitment to student success: Meet Our Teachers.

Whether you’re applying for CPT, planning for OPT, or just getting started, expert guidance makes all the difference.

Final Word: Know the Rules. Speak with Confidence. Build Your Future.

As an international student, you’ve already taken a bold step.

But success in the U.S. takes more than showing up. You need to understand the system, speak confidently, and follow the rules—especially when it comes to working.

That’s what we help you do at AFI.

Our ESL programs don’t just teach English. They empower you to:

• Speak clearly in job interviews
• Write professional emails
• Understand your visa responsibilities
• And thrive in both academic and professional life

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Your future in the U.S. doesn’t start with just a visa—it starts with your voice.

• Explore Our ESL Programs
• Talk to an AFI Advisor
• Apply Now

FAQ 

1. Can an F-1 student work remotely for companies in the U.S.?

Yes, but only if the student is authorized to work through CPT or OPT, and the remote job aligns with their academic program. Without CPT or OPT approval, remote work—even for a U.S. company—is considered unauthorized.

2. Can an F-1 student work off-campus during vacation?

Only if the student has CPT, OPT, or economic hardship authorization. Vacation does not automatically allow off-campus work. All employment must be pre-approved through the proper channels.

3. What happens if an F-1 student works more than 20 hours?

Working over 20 hours/week during the academic term without authorization is a violation of F-1 visa conditions. It may lead to termination of the SEVIS record and loss of legal status.

4. What happens if international students work illegally?

Unauthorized employment can result in:

• Termination of F-1 status
• Ineligibility for future immigration benefits
• Possible deportation or visa denial in the future
• Always speak with your DSO before accepting any job.

5. Can F-1 students take summer off?

Yes, if summer is considered an official break in your academic calendar and not a required term. However, you must resume full-time enrollment in the next available term to maintain F-1 status.

6. How long can international students work off-campus during summer?

If approved for CPT or OPT, students can work full-time (more than 20 hours/week) off-campus during summer. Without authorization, no off-campus work is permitted—regardless of the break.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult your Designated School Official (DSO) or a licensed immigration attorney for guidance specific to your situation.