I have been a nurse for almost two years already!! And just after the new year I will be starting a new job as a Birthcare nurse. With that being said this post (as the title might’ve suggested) will be about working as an international student. There are a few rules Inats have to follow if we want to work in the USA legally. Firstly, I should mention that it maybe difficult for a first semester or first year student to gain permission to work both on and off campus. However, this may vary depending on the college or university you are attending.

On-campus employment does not require authorization from USCIS but usually opportunities are few depending on your campus size and how early you start looking for employment. Rules for this category are simple. Maintain full-time status, work no more than 20 hours a week during the semester. You are allowed to work full time during vacations but you must be registered for the upcoming semester. I worked on campus at my two previous colleges and I would warn of one thing, payment will not be high dollars but it would at least give you pocket money.

There are three ways in which an Inat can work off campus.

• Severe economic hardship- To qualify for this an Inat must be a student for at least one school year and have good standing with your college. Show proof of economic hardship that was unforeseen and beyond your control. You must also show that you tried to locate an on campus job but that there was either none or that it would not be enough. If you should qualify then remember that you are only allowed to work for 20 hours a week during the semester and full time on vacations if you register full time for the next semester. An employment authorization card is need for this choice.
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT)- CPT is an alternative for work study, much like an internship the program of study must require you to be working in the field while studying. It is usually a part of the curriculum done to give real world experience. With this one you can work full time as there is no hourly limit and one can have multiple authorizations at once but it is ill-advised. Any full time work can then count against your OPT time. The university I went to didn’t even give me the option I was told no more than 20 hours a week and that’s all I knew at the time.
• Optional Practical Training (OPT)- OPT is a way to gain experience working in the field in which you study. Though one may use OPT while in school and work 20 hrs during school and 40 when school is out. However this subtracts from the amount of time you can participate in OPT after graduation. Post-graduation OPT is usually for 12-14 months.

Standard across the board as INATs we are responsible for keeping all of our documents up to date. This is inclusive of passport, I-20 (which should also have a designated school official endorsement for employment purposes), I-94 stating F-1 status. All while remembering that you came to study so you must remain in good standing with the school.

Please note that I am basing this off of my experience as a student with a F-1 visa. Please consult your international advisor at your school and follow all immigration rules.