Part-Time Work Rights for F-1 Students in the USA 2026

Understanding your work rights as an F-1 student in the USA is crucial — getting it wrong can jeopardise your visa status. The USA has strict rules about when, where, and how much international students can work. This guide covers on-campus work, CPT, OPT, tax obligations, and the Social Security Number process for Nepali students.

Understanding your work rights as an F-1 student in the USA is crucial — getting it wrong can jeopardise your visa status. The USA has strict rules about when, where, and how much international students can work. This guide covers on-campus work, CPT, OPT, tax obligations, and the Social Security Number process for Nepali students.

On-Campus Work for F-1 Students

F-1 students are permitted to work on-campus without any additional authorisation:

• During academic term: Up to 20 hours per week
• During official school breaks (summer, winter break): Full-time (40 hours/week) allowed
• “On-campus” includes university departments, libraries, cafeterias, student stores, and on-campus commercial enterprises (e.g., a coffee shop physically on campus that primarily serves the university community)
• No additional USCIS authorisation is needed — your valid F-1 status and I-20 are sufficient

Off-Campus Work Options for F-1 Students

Off-campus work requires specific USCIS or DSO authorisation:

1. Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

• Work experience that is an integral part of your degree program
• Must be authorised by your DSO and listed on your I-20
• Can be used before completing your degree
• Warning: Using 12+ months of full-time CPT eliminates your OPT eligibility
• Part-time CPT (under 20 hrs/week) does not affect OPT eligibility, regardless of duration

2. Optional Practical Training (OPT)

• 12 months post-graduation work in your field of study
• +24 months STEM OPT extension for STEM degrees
• Authorised by USCIS via Employment Authorisation Document (EAD)
• You can apply for OPT up to 90 days before graduation

3. Emergency Off-Campus Work (Severe Economic Hardship)

• Available if you can demonstrate severe, unforeseen economic hardship beyond your control
• Requires USCIS approval (Form I-765)
• Limited to 20 hours/week during term
• Used rarely — documentation requirements are strict

Federal & State Minimum Wages

The federal minimum wage is USD $7.25/hour (one of the lowest in the developed world), but most states set significantly higher minimums:

Getting a Social Security Number (SSN)

F-1 students who have a job offer (on-campus or authorised off-campus) can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN):

1. Obtain a letter from your employer confirming your employment
2. Get a letter from your DSO confirming your F-1 status and work authorisation
3. Visit your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office in person
4. Bring: passport, I-20, I-94, F-1 visa, employer letter, DSO letter
5. SSN card arrives by mail in 2–4 weeks

Tax Filing for F-1 Students

F-1 students are considered non-resident aliens for tax purposes in their first 5 years in the USA. Key tax rules:

• Form 1040-NR: Non-resident alien tax return (not the regular Form 1040)
• Form 1042-S: Reports scholarship/fellowship income; issued by your university
• W-2: Reports employment income; issued by employer
• Tax deadline: April 15 for the prior tax year
• Free filing: Sprintax is specifically designed for international students and files Form 1040-NR

FICA Exemption for F-1 Students

One important benefit: F-1 students in their first 5 years in the USA are exempt from FICA taxes (Social Security Tax 6.2% + Medicare Tax 1.45%). This is a significant saving — approximately 7.65% of your gross income. If your employer deducts FICA incorrectly, you can request a refund by filing Form 843 with the IRS.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Working off-campus without CPT or OPT authorisation
• Working more than 20 hours/week on-campus during the academic term
• Accepting paid freelance work without checking your authorisation
• Filing Form 1040 instead of 1040-NR as a non-resident alien
• Not claiming your FICA refund if deductions were made incorrectly

Frequently Asked Questions