DDuring the first year of the studies, students cannot accept off-campus employment at any time. Under certain circumstances, the US Citizenship Immigration Services (USCIS) may grant permission to accept off-campus employment after one year of study, but this is very rare. F-1 students may accept on-campus employment in your university without seeking prior permission from USCIS.
Students cannot work more than 20 hours per week. During holidays, breaks and summer sessions, the student may work up to 40 hours per week. The student can work for a commercial firm that provides services to the college, such as a bookstore or cafeteria. Working for more than 20 hours will lead to problems involving the reinstatement of student status to deportation.
Off-campus employment like hotels, motels, gas stations, liquor stores, etc is illegal. If caught, that could possibly lead to deportation or problems during future immigration-related work authorization.
OPT (Optional Practical Training)
If students want to stay back in the US to gain practical knowledge in their subject, they have the option to do so through OPT. it is temporary employment permission allowing students the opportunity to gain practical experience in their field of study for a 12-month period.
Pre-completion OPT
Post-completion OPT
If the students want to do work related to their field of study, they can do so through pre-completion OPT. Students currently pursuing studies acquire work authorization through this permit and the work may be part-time during classes and full-time during vacations.
Duration – Students are allowed 12 months of OPT for all Bachelors and Masters degree. Those pursuing STEM course get an additional 17 months (making a total of 29 months) under STEM OPT Extension.
Students who have completed their education, and want to work more than 20 hours per week require post-completion OPT. This OPT is granted for full-time employment. While on OPT, students cannot pursue a new course of study, unless you are a Ph.D. student.
Applying for OPT – The student needs to initiate the request for OPT by having their DSO (Designated School Official) recommend OPT. For this the DSO needs to:
Endorse Form I-20
Making appropriate notes in SEVIS.
After that, the student files Form I-765, which is the application for EAD (Employment Authorization Document). Once approved, the student is issued EAD. The student can start working once the EAD is issued.
Co-Op Education Program
In a Cooperative program, the period of study alternates with work. The Student Co-Op Program is a formally structured program where the intent is to recruit students, while still in school, to fill permanent positions upon graduation. Co-op programs are generally undertaken at colleges and universities. The salary will most probably be given on an hourly basis and depending on your choice of course or major, you can make around $10-$16 per hour.
Placements
Indian students are used to the concept of campus placements and on-campus recruitment for getting jobs. There is no concept of placements in America. Most US universities have a cell called a Career Services Center, which helps you get jobs and helps you prepare for interviews. The on-campus recruitment is always driven by student interest. Companies that recruit through the university do not offer a job directly. What they offer is an internship or co-op. Companies like to see your work for a few months before they hire you full time.
