F-1 students are international students who come to the United States to pursue academic studies or language training programs at accredited U.S. colleges, universities, or other educational institutions.

The F-1 Visa is a non-immigrant student visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the U.S. to attend academic institutions. The primary purpose of F-1 status is to allow students to complete an academic program, such as bachelor’s, masters or doctor’s degree. 

For F-1 visa, students must be enrolled full-time in an academic program. They must attend schools that are certified by the student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). They must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their studies without needing to work. F-1 students must demonstrate that they intend to return to their home country after completing their studies. 

OPT (Optional Practical Training) allows F-1 students to work in their field of study for upto 12 months after graduation, with a possible 24 month extension for STEM fields. CPT (Curricular Practical Training) allows F-1 students to gain experience in their field study as part of their academic program. F-1 students can work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full time during breaks. 

F-1 students must maintain their status by being enrolled full time and making progress towards their degree. They must keep their Designated School Official (DSO) informed of any changes, such as address changes or changes in their academic program.

Being an F-1 student provides an opportunity to receive a high quality education in the U.S. while gaining valuable work experience through programs like OPT and CPT. 

F-1 students in the U.S. have several options for gaining work experience while maintaining their student status. They can work in the campus for upto 20 hours per week during the academic year and full time during the school breaks. Job Opportunities include positions in libraries, labs, administrative offices, dining halls, and more. The biggest advantage for F-1 student is that they do not need special work authorization from USCIS. 

On-campus job opportunities are a great way for F-1 students to gain work experience, earn money, and get involved in campus life. Let us also understand the types of jobs which plays as an opportunity for F-1 Students. For example, Library Assistant Job where they are responsible for assisting with shelving books, helping students find resources, and managing the circulation desk. The benefit is it’s a quite work environment and exposure to a wide range of academic materials. Job of Research Assistant is all about assisting professors with research projects, data collection, and lab work. It gives hands-on experience in their field of study and potential for academic credit.  If someone has taken Administrative Assistant Job, their role would be to provide administrative support in various campus offices such as the registrar’s office, student services, or academic departments. The benefit is they can develop organizational and office skills. 

If an F-1 student takes the job of IT Support, they would be responsible to assist the technical support for students, faculty and staff, maintaining computer labs, and troubleshooting issues. Through this, the students gets valuable IT skills and experience.  Some student’s gets an opportunity in Dining Services and the responsibility would be to work in campus dining halls, coffee shops, or catering services. Students benefit flexible hours and opportunities to interact with fellow students. 

Many Universities have online job portals where they can search and apply for the on-campus positions. Attending campus job fairs is also a great opportunity for F-1 students to meet potential employers and learn about the available positions. 

F-1 students has an opportunity to talk to professors, advisors and fellow students to learn about job openings. Networking can often lead to job opportunities that are not publicly advertised. By taking the advantage of on-campus job opportunities, F-1 students can enhance their educational experience, gain practical skills, and earn extra income.