Working in the US as a student
F-1 work rules are strict and tied to your studies. On-campus work is allowed within limits; off-campus work needs formal authorisation. After graduation, OPT — and for STEM graduates, a 24-month extension — is the main way to gain US work experience.
While you study
- On-campus work: up to 20 hours per week during term, and full-time during official breaks. No separate authorisation needed.
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): work or internships that are an integral part of your curriculum, authorised by your school's international office before you start.
- Off-campus employment outside CPT/OPT is generally not permitted except in limited economic-hardship cases.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT gives up to 12 months of work authorisation in your field of study, usable after graduation (or partly during). You apply to USCIS for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
The STEM OPT extension
Graduates of eligible STEM degrees can apply for a 24-month extension, for a total of up to 36 months of OPT. The employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and the role must relate to your degree.
After OPT: the H-1B
The main longer-term work visa is the H-1B, which requires employer sponsorship and is subject to an annual cap and lottery. Many graduates use their OPT/STEM OPT period to secure an employer willing to sponsor them.
Official sources: USCIS — OPT for F-1 Students, Study in the States — Work.