4 Ways to Work with a Student Visa in the U.S.

1. On-Campus Employment

On-campus employment is the most freely available to F1 students, and refers to work that takes place on campus or at an "educationally affiliated off-campus location."

2. Off-Campus Employment

Jobs outside of your school are only available to international students who have completed one full academic year and who have a qualifying economic hardship or an emergent circumstance.

3. Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

To qualify for CPT, you must have completed one full academic year, unless you're a graduate student whose program requires immediate CPT.

4. Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) refers to temporary employment relating to your field of study (working at a TV station, for example, would qualify if you're studying journalism). Eligible students can receive up to 12 months of OPT employment.

If you finish your studies and participate in a period of post-completion OPT, you might then qualify for the STEM OPT extension, which is a 24-month period of temporary training that directly relates to your program of study.