Many Indian students choose the US for the chance to earn while they study and gain work experience afterwards. But F-1 work rules are strict, and working without permission can end your status. This guide sets out the four routes, on-campus work, CPT, OPT and STEM OPT, as described by university international offices and checked on 23 October 2026. The official Study in the States pages were not reachable for us, so confirm each point with your school's international office.
- F-1 students can generally work on campus up to 20 hours a week during the semester and full time in official breaks, according to university guidance
- Post-completion OPT is up to 12 months, with a 24-month STEM extension for eligible degrees
- DHS has also proposed a large fee tied to OPT, with comments open until 9 November 2026, so the fee could change before it takes effect.
How Many Hours Can F-1 Students Work on Campus?
F-1 students can generally work on campus for up to 20 hours a week while classes are in session, and up to 40 hours a week during winter and summer breaks, according to university international offices. Some schools add conditions, such as full-time enrolment and good academic standing. Check your school's own rules.
On-campus work includes jobs in dining halls, libraries, labs and offices, and many are paid hourly. You normally need a Social Security number before you can be paid, and your school's international office explains how to apply. Federal work-study jobs are for US citizens and permanent residents, so international students cannot get them.
What Is CPT and When Can You Use It?
Curricular Practical Training lets you work off campus in a job that is part of your degree, such as an internship or co-op. You need your school's authorisation first. Part-time CPT is limited to 20 hours a week in term. Most schools expect you to finish one academic year first, so ask yours.
| F-1 work routes 2026 | Hours | Who authorises |
|---|---|---|
| On-campus job | Up to 20 hours in term, up to 40 in breaks | Your school |
| CPT, part time | Up to 20 hours in term | Your school's international office |
| Post-completion OPT | Full time, up to 12 months | USCIS |
| STEM OPT extension | Full time, 24 months more | USCIS |
A CPT authorisation is tied to a specific employer, job and dates, and your school notes it on your I-20 before you start. Working before the date on the I-20 is unauthorised work. Part-time CPT does not reduce your OPT, but long full-time CPT can affect your eligibility for OPT, so ask your school how it applies to you.
US F-1 Duration of Status Rule: What Is on Hold in 2026Read →How Does OPT Work After You Graduate?
Post-completion OPT lets you work in a job related to your major for up to 12 months after you finish your degree, with permission from USCIS. You usually apply before or soon after graduating. Months of pre-completion OPT you used before graduating are deducted. You can get one 12-month period for each higher degree level.
OPT needs an employment authorisation document from USCIS, and you must not start work before the start date on it. The application window and the unemployment limits matter, so talk to your school's designated school official before you apply. Keep your address and your employment record up to date in your school's system.
US OPT and STEM OPT in 2026: What Is Changing?Read →Who Qualifies for the STEM OPT Extension?
Students with a degree on the STEM designated list who have an initial grant of post-completion OPT can apply for a 24-month extension. They need a job offer from an employer enrolled in E-Verify. Universities say a student can receive STEM OPT twice in a lifetime. Check your degree against the official list.
Not every technology-related degree is on the list, and the list is based on the degree's classification code on your I-20. Ask your school which code yours uses before you assume you qualify. The employer must also complete a training plan with you, so raise this early with any employer you are considering.
What Happens If You Work Without Authorisation?
Unauthorised work is a violation of F-1 status and can lead to losing your status, being unable to continue your studies, and problems with later visa applications. This includes off-campus jobs not covered by CPT or OPT, and freelancing for pay. Ask your school's international office before you start any job.
Cash-in-hand jobs and online freelance work are the usual traps. Even remote work for a company can count, depending on the circumstances, so ask before you start. If you have already worked without permission, speak to your school's international office or an immigration lawyer.
Can an F-1 Student's Spouse or Child Work?
Dependants on F-2 status generally cannot work in the United States, and their study is limited too. If your spouse hopes to work, ask your school's international office and check the official guidance before you plan on a second income. Planning around income you may not be allowed to earn is a common mistake.
Some other visa categories do allow work, but they have their own rules. If your spouse might qualify for another status, speak to an immigration lawyer before you apply. Do not assume that a friend's situation applies to yours, because each category has different conditions.
What Records Should You Keep as an F-1 Student?
Keep your I-20 with every update, your CPT or OPT authorisation, pay slips, tax documents and a record of each job with start and end dates. Report changes of address and employer through your school's system when required. These records show you stayed within the rules and are useful for later visa applications.
Employers will ask for proof of your work authorisation, and your school's international office can explain which document to show. Keep copies of everything in one folder, in print and online, so you can find them quickly when you apply for OPT, a visa or a work visa.
US Student Visa Proof of Funds: I-20 Documents ExplainedRead →What Is Changing for F-1 Work Rules in 2026?
Two things are in play. DHS proposed on 8 October 2026 a large fee tied to OPT, and a rule to end duration of status for F-1 students has been postponed by a court. The proposal is not final and comments close on 9 November 2026. Read the latest official notice before you plan.
Our OPT and STEM OPT guide explains the proposal in detail and what is known about it. Our duration of status guide covers the court postponement. Both are updated when the official position changes.
F-1 Visa Interview 2026: Vetting Rules to ExpectRead →