Tag: can

Can International Students Work in USA? Visa Rules & Work Permits

Dreaming of studying in the U.S. but worried about finances? You’re not alone. Every year, over 1 million international students navigate complex visa rules to balance studies with work opportunities. Whether you’re from India, Bangladesh, or Brazil, understanding if can international students work in USA legally is crucial for funding your education and gaining real-world experience. This guide cuts through the confusion with clear, actionable steps – straight from official sources and student experiences.

Understanding Work Options for F-1 Visa Students

International students on F-1 visas have specific pathways to work legally. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) permits four primary employment types:

On-Campus Employment:
- Work up to 20 hours/week during semesters; full-time during breaks.
- Jobs include university cafeterias, libraries, or administrative offices.
- No USCIS application required, but your Designated School Official (DSO) must authorize it.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT):
- Off-campus internships directly related to your major.
- Requires enrollment for one academic year (exceptions for graduate programs).
- Full-time (40+ hours) or part-time (≤20 hours).
- Your DSO must endorse Form I-20; USCIS approval isn’t needed.
Optional Practical Training (OPT):
- 12 months of work authorization pre- or post-graduation.
- Apply via Form I-765 to USCIS with a $520 fee.
- STEM graduates can extend OPT by 24 months (total 3 years).
Severe Economic Hardship:
- Apply for work authorization if unforeseen financial crises occur (e.g., currency collapse, medical emergency).
- Requires documented proof and USCIS approval.

Key Restriction: Unauthorized work violates F-1 status. Even unpaid internships require authorization if they provide “productive labor.”

J-1 and M-1 Visa Work Rules Compared

While F-1 is common, J-1 (exchange visitors) and M-1 (vocational students) visas have different work terms:

Visa Type	Work Allowance	Key Limitations
J-1	On-campus or Academic Training (AT)	AT limited to 18 months; some require home-country residency post-study
M-1	Practical training only after program completion	Maximum 6 months total work; no on-campus jobs during studies

Real-World Tip: J-1 students often face the “two-year home residency requirement.” Check your visa stamp – if it says “Bearer Subject to 212(e),” consult your sponsor before accepting long-term U.S. roles.

How to Apply for OPT: A Step-by-Step Guide

Eligibility Check: Complete one academic year full-time.
Request OPT I-20: Get a recommendation from your DSO.
File Form I-765: Submit to USCIS within 30 days of DSO endorsement.
Wait for EAD: Processing takes 90–120 days. Track your case here (external link).
Report Employment: Update your DSO within 10 days of starting work.

Avoid Delays: Submit scans of passport, visa, I-94, and passport photos. Missing documents cause 60% of rejections.

Consequences of Working Illegally

Violating work rules risks:

Immediate deportation
10-year U.S. entry ban
Permanent visa ineligibility
As Priya Sharma (F-1 student from India) shared: “My friend took an unauthorized freelance gig. He lost his visa and had to return home overnight.”

Balancing Work and Studies: Pro Tips

Time Management: Use apps like Trello to block study hours.
Tax Compliance: Non-residents pay taxes via Form 1040-NR. Use Sprintax for filing help.
Networking: Attend university career fairs – employers like Amazon and Google sponsor OPT-to-H-1B transitions.

For deeper insights on adapting to U.S. academic life, explore our guide on student challenges in America.

Beyond OPT: H-1B and Green Card Pathways

Post-OPT, many students transition to:

H-1B Visa: Employer-sponsored; requires a bachelor’s degree.
O-1 Visa: For “extraordinary ability” in STEM/arts.
EB-2/EB-3 Green Cards: Employer-petitioned permanent residency.

2024 Update: H-1B lottery odds are ~15%. Start employer discussions 6 months before OPT ends.

Considering long-term settlement? Our analysis of U.S. immigration trends reveals key strategies.

Navigating whether can international students work in USA demands precision, but with the right permits and planning, you can fund your education and launch a global career.

Apply for US Visa: Step-by-Step Guide

FAQ: Working in the U.S. as an International Student

Q1: Can I work full-time on an F-1 visa during summer break?
Yes! On-campus jobs allow full-time hours during vacations. Off-campus CPT/OPT also permits 40+ hours if authorized.

Q2: Does volunteering require a work permit?
Generally, no – if the role doesn’t displace paid workers. But interning at a for-profit company (even unpaid) needs CPT/OPT.

Q3: How long does STEM OPT take to approve?
USCIS processes STEM OPT extensions in 90–120 days. Apply 90 days before your initial OPT expires to avoid gaps.

Q4: Can I start a business on OPT?
Yes. Self-employment is allowed if your business is directly related to your degree. Report it to your DSO.

Q5: What if my OPT application is pending after graduation?
You can remain in the U.S. while USCIS processes your request. However, you cannot work until your EAD card arrives.

Q6: Can M-1 visa students work on campus?
No. M-1 holders can only apply for practical training after completing their program.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only, not legal advice. Visa rules change frequently. Always consult your DSO or U.S. immigration attorney before making decisions. For official guidance, refer to the USCIS website.

July 11, 2025

Killing Barred Owls: Can It Save the Spotted Owl from Extinction?

In an effort to save the endangered spotted owl, U.S. wildlife officials have proposed a very surprising plan to kill nearly half a million barred owls. Can the balance of nature be very restored by tipping the scales so drastically or are they thinking wrong?

According to a report from the Associated Press (AP), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service targets to increase the declining spotted owl populations in Oregon, Washington, and California. The agency’s documents showing us a plan to diminish up to 450,000 barred owls and they will take 30 years.

Spotted owls have been struggling to survive in that region. Their larger cousins, barred owls, have moved from the eastern U.S. into their West Coast territory and it is threatening their existence due to competition for resources.

The Fish and Wildlife Service Oregon state supervisor Kessina Lee highlighted the critical nature of the situation. “Without actively managing barred owls, northern spotted owls will likely go extinct in all or the majority of them, in spite of collaborative conservation efforts,” Lee stated.

Previous efforts to protect the spotted owls focused on preserving their forest habitats and sparking debates over logging but managing to slow their decline. The rise of barred owls has undermined thfese efforts significantly.

The dilemma now is whether sacrificing one bird species is necessary to save another. Critics argue that this approach can divert from more sustainable conservation strategies. Wayne Pacelle is founder of Animal Wellness Action, voiced strong disapproval.

“The Fish and Wildlife Service is turning from protector of wildlife to persecutor of wildlife,” Pacelle said, predicting the program will fail as more barred owls will migrate into areas where others have been killed. The barred owl strategy leader Robin Bown works for the Fish and Wildlife Service and he noted that about 4,500 barred owls have been removed since 2009.

July 9, 2024
How art can play role in raising environmental awareness

We need to know how art can play a role in raising environmental awareness. Everyone knows that Art as a Powerful Communication Tool. Art has the unique ability to convey complex environmental issues in an accessible, emotive, and visually compelling way. Artists can use their creative talents to do below things.

– Visualize invisible environmental threats like air pollution, climate change, and habitat loss.
– Evoke emotional responses that inspire action and change.
– Translate scientific data into engaging, thought-provoking artworks.
– Reach broad audiences beyond traditional environmental messaging.

Highlighting Environmental Issues Through Art

Artists have long used their work to draw attention to pressing environmental problems, such as:

– The “Painting with Light” project that visualizes air pollution levels through digital light painting.
– Installations and sculptures made from recycled materials to highlight waste and consumption.
– Landscape paintings that document the changing natural world due to human impact.
– Multimedia artworks exploring themes of climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss.

Fostering Community Engagement and Dialogue

Art can serve as a catalyst for community engagement and dialogue around environmental issues. For example:

– Public art installations and exhibitions that spark conversations and raise awareness.
– Collaborative art projects that involve local residents in the creative process.
– Artist residencies that embed creators within communities to better understand environmental challenges.
– Art-based workshops and educational programs that teach environmental stewardship.

Influencing Policy and Driving Change

In some cases, impactful environmental art has influenced policy decisions and driven real-world change, such as:

– Artworks that have been used to support environmental legislation and regulations.
– Art-based advocacy campaigns that mobilize public support for conservation efforts.
– Commissions of environmental art by governments and organizations to promote sustainability.

By harnessing the power of creativity, emotion, and visual storytelling, art can play a vital role in raising awareness, fostering engagement, and ultimately inspiring action to address the pressing environmental challenges we face.

June 22, 2024
Conservation and Communication: Understanding Elephants’ Calls Can Save Them!

In the vast savannas of Africa, a groundbreaking discovery has emerged, revealing the intricate social fabric of wild African elephants. Scientists from Colorado State University, in a collaborative effort with Save the Elephants and ElephantVoices, have unveiled that these majestic creatures use unique vocalizations akin to names when addressing each other, a phenomenon seldom observed in the animal kingdom.

Utilizing advanced machine learning techniques, the researchers meticulously analyzed the calls of elephants, uncovering that these animals not only recognize but also respond to specific calls meant for them. This finding parallels human communication, where names serve as distinct identifiers, rather than the mimetic vocalizations used by dolphins and parrots to address their peers.

Michael Pardo, the study’s lead author and a postdoctoral researcher at both CSU and Save the Elephants, highlights the significance of this behavior. Unlike other species that imitate calls, elephants employ a system of arbitrary vocal labeling, mirroring the human use of names. This ability to create new sounds for individual identification is a rarity in the animal world and marks a leap in cognitive capabilities, allowing for more abstract and complex communication.

George Wittemyer, co-author and professor at CSU’s Warner College of Natural Resources, emphasizes the limitations of communication through mere imitation. The development of arbitrary vocal labels, he suggests, may stem from the need to navigate intricate social networks—a trait shared by both elephants and humans despite their evolutionary paths diverging millions of years ago.

Elephants’ vocalizations are not just mere sounds; they are a tapestry of information, conveying identity, age, sex, emotional state, and behavioral context. Their calls, spanning a broad frequency range, including infrasonic sounds, are the threads that weave together their social interactions and coordinate movements across the expansive African landscape.

The study’s innovative signal processing technique, crafted by Kurt Fristrup at CSU, has shed light on the subtle nuances in elephant calls. These nuances suggest that elephants use arbitrary sonic labels—potential ‘names’—and possibly other descriptors within their rich vocal repertoire.

When subjected to playback experiments, elephants exhibited a keen recognition of calls directed at them, responding with vigor. This selective responsiveness, as noted by Pardo, now at Cornell University, underscores their sophisticated communication system, which is particularly evident in long-distance interactions and adult-calf dialogues.

Over four years of research, including 14 months of intensive fieldwork in Kenya’s Samburu National Reserve and Amboseli National Park, the team recorded a vast array of calls from numerous individuals. This extensive data collection has facilitated a comprehensive analysis of elephant communication patterns, offering profound insights into their social dynamics.

June 13, 2024
How Better Refrigeration Can Reduce Global Food Waste?

A recent study by researchers at the University of Michigan has shed light on the significant potential of improved refrigeration to reduce global food waste. The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal; Environmental Research Letters, found that nearly half of the 1.3 billion tons of food wasted annually could be eliminated by fully refrigerated food supply chains worldwide.

Impact of Food Waste

Food waste is a pressing global issue, with approximately a third of the food produced globally each year going to waste. This staggering statistic is particularly concerning given that around 800 million people worldwide suffer from hunger. The environmental impact of food waste is also substantial, with food losses producing an estimated eight percent of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.

Role of Refrigeration

The study highlights the crucial role that refrigeration plays in reducing food waste. By optimizing cold chains, food supply chains can significantly reduce the amount of food that goes to waste. This is particularly important in regions where food waste is a significant issue, such as Sub-Saharan Africa and South and Southeast Asia. These regions could see a reduction of 45% in food losses and a 54% decrease in associated emissions under optimized refrigeration conditions.

Benefits of Improved Refrigeration

The benefits of improved refrigeration extend beyond reducing food waste. Fully refrigerated supply chains could cut food waste-related emissions of climate-warming greenhouse gases by 41% globally. This reduction in emissions is substantial and could have a significant impact on the environment.

Importance of Localized Food Systems

The study also emphasizes the importance of localized food systems in reducing food waste. In many situations, developing more localized, less industrialized “farm-to-table” food supply chains may yield food savings comparable to optimized cold chains. This approach not only reduces food waste but also promotes more sustainable and environmentally friendly food systems.

Future of Food Waste Reduction

The University of Michigan study provides a roadmap for reducing global food waste through improved refrigeration. The findings underscore the importance of optimizing cold chains and developing more localized food systems. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of food waste, this study offers a beacon of hope for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.

June 5, 2024
Eco-Conscious Eating: How Consumers Can Shape Greener Food Industry

In the intricate dance of food selection, a recent study spearheaded by Dr. Andy Jin from the University of Portsmouth has illuminated the nuanced priorities that guide consumers’ hands in the grocery aisles. Spanning across Czechia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK, the research delves into the weighty considerations of meat and dairy purchases.

The Hierarchy of Consumer Values

An extensive online survey asked 3,192 participants to evaluate the importance of 18 attributes, ranging from freshness to brand familiarity. The results were telling: across all nations, freshness, quality/taste, and animal welfare emerged as paramount concerns.

The Sustainability Dilemma

While sustainability factors like carbon footprint and organic production took a backseat, sustainability labels found favor, indicating a nuanced consumer approach to environmental responsibility.

The Role of Consumers in Eco-Friendly Practices

The power of the purse is undeniable in steering the food industry towards sustainability. By choosing products like organic produce, sustainably sourced seafood, and minimally packaged goods, consumers can significantly impact the environment.

Local and Seasonal: A Sustainable Choice

Local and seasonal food choices offer a trifecta of benefits: reduced emissions, support for local economies, and decreased food waste.

The Plant-Based Impact

A shift towards plant-based diets can dramatically lower one’s environmental footprint, addressing issues from greenhouse gas emissions to deforestation.

Minimizing Waste: A Consumer’s Guide

Strategies like proper meal planning, correct food storage, and composting can greatly reduce food waste, further contributing to environmental sustainability.

From Attitude to Action

Dr. Jin’s study calls for a holistic approach to encourage sustainable food choices, suggesting that information labels, while helpful, are insufficient to spur behavioral change. Instead, a combination of policy measures, marketing strategies, and behavioral interventions is necessary to bridge the gap between attitudes and actions.

As consumers navigate the complex landscape of food choices, their decisions echo far beyond the checkout line, shaping the future of food sustainability and ethical consumption. The study by Dr. Jin and his team offers a roadmap for aligning consumer behavior with the pressing need for a more sustainable food system.

May 20, 2024
Spot the Mistake: Can You Find the Hidden Spelling Error?

This brainteaser is all about finding a sneaky spelling mistake hidden among rows of the word “SIGHT.” The challenge was created by Lenstore to test your eyesight and attention to detail. Brainteasers and optical illusions are popular ways to challenge our minds and have some fun. They come in various forms, from puzzles that test our intelligence to visual illusions that trick our perception. This particular brainteaser aims to put your eyesight to the test while also giving your brain a workout.

In the image, there are 21 rows containing the word “SIGHT” written repeatedly. However, somewhere within these rows, there’s a subtle mistake—a misspelling of the word “SIGHT” as “SIHGT.” Your task is to locate this incorrect spelling amidst the sea of correctly spelled words.

According to the creators of the brainteaser, many people find it challenging to spot the misspelled word. In fact, one in five individuals admitted defeat and gave up before finding the mistake. Some sharp-eyed individuals managed to solve the puzzle in under 30 seconds, showcasing their keen observation skills.

As you scan through the rows of the word “SIGHT,” you may find yourself getting more and more perplexed. The longer you look, the trickier it becomes to pinpoint the error. But don’t lose hope! If you’re struggling to find the mistake, try focusing your attention towards the right side of the image—it might help you spot the elusive misspelling.

Even if you’re unable to find the mistake right away, don’t feel discouraged. You’re not alone in finding these types of puzzles challenging. In fact, many people struggle to identify the misspelled word hidden among the rows of “SIGHT.” But remember, the more you challenge yourself with brainteasers like this, the better you become at honing your observation and problem-solving skills.

I hope you might solve the puzzle in 30 seconds. Engaging in activities that stimulate your brain, such as solving puzzles and optical illusions, can have positive effects on cognitive function. Recent research conducted by the University of Exeter and King’s College London suggests that participating in such brain-teasing exercises may even help improve brain function and potentially slow down the aging process by up to a decade.

April 7, 2024
Dispelling Myths: Can the Great Wall Be Seen from Space?

When thinking about a country surrounded by a wall or featuring a great wall, the Great Wall of China immediately comes to mind. In Chinese, it’s known as “Changchong,” meaning “long wall.” Construction on this colossal structure began in the third century BC with the primary aim of protecting China from external threats. Over time, myths emerged suggesting that the Great Wall was visible from space or even the moon, but these claims were later debunked.

The Great Wall of China, also known as “Changchong” in Chinese, has a rich history dating back to the third century BC. Its construction was initiated to safeguard China from potential invasions by foreign adversaries. The sheer magnitude of the wall led to speculation about its visibility from space or the moon, but these notions were dispelled over time.

In 1969, when humans first set foot on the moon, there was anticipation about whether they would be able to see the Great Wall from space. However, this turned out to be a misconception as nothing on Earth can be seen with the naked eye from the moon due to the vast distance between the two celestial bodies. Despite this scientific fact, some continued to assert that the Great Wall was visible from the moon.

The idea that the Great Wall could be seen from the moon originated from a book published in 1938 by American writer Richard. However, this claim lacked verification and was not supported by evidence. The notion persisted until mankind’s first attempts to explore space and photograph the Earth from beyond its atmosphere.

In 1962, the first photograph of Earth taken from space was captured, but the Great Wall of China was not visible in the image. Subsequent efforts to spot the Great Wall from space proved unsuccessful, despite advancements in technology and numerous attempts to observe it from different altitudes.

February 13, 2024
Nature’s Puzzle Quest: Can You Find the 5 Animals in 20 Seconds?

Are you ready for a brainy challenge? Look closely at this picture of a tree; it’s not just leaves and branches, but there are five hidden animals waiting for you to find them. You only have 20 seconds to prove your smarts. Can you spot them all without any colors giving you a hint? Let’s dive into this puzzling adventure and see if you’ve got what it takes.

So, there’s this picture of a tree with branches and leaves, but hidden in there are five sneaky animals. No colors, just black and white; making it a bit tricky. But don’t worry, you’ve got a keen eye, and we believe in you. Take a good look between those branches and leaves; that’s where the hidden magic happens.

Now, here’s the cool part; different parts of the tree can reveal the features of the hidden animals. A leaf might be an eye, and a branch could be a leg. It’s like nature’s own puzzle, waiting for you to solve it. So, pay close attention, and let’s unravel the mystery of these hidden creatures together.

We’ve got your back. Imagine you’re looking at the top left side of the tree; there might be a rooster cleverly hiding in there. Yes, a rooster in a tree! Nature sure knows how to keep things interesting. Still having trouble? No problem, here’s another hint coming your way.

Alright, if the rooster is giving you a run for your money, try looking even closer. Somewhere in the branches and leaves, another animal is playing hide-and-seek. Can you find it? Think about what kind of creature might sneakily camouflage itself in a tree. You’re doing great, just keep those eyes wide open!

Finding hidden animals is like going on a treasure hunt in nature. It’s exciting, it’s challenging, and it’s all about using your super-smart brain. Take your time, explore every nook and cranny of the tree, and let the adventure unfold. Remember, it’s not about speed; it’s about enjoying the journey of discovery.

So, we’ve got a tree, we’ve got branches and leaves, and most importantly, we’ve got five animals cleverly hidden in there. No colors to guide you – just your amazing brainpower. The challenge is on, and you’ve got 20 seconds to showcase your genius. Take a deep breath, focus, and let’s see how many of these sneaky creatures you can uncover.

January 26, 2024
The 5 top foldable phone you can buy in 2023

Foldable or flip phones are now more popular in the market. Customers are looking to get a foldable phone within their budget. Today’s article will discuss the 5 best foldable phones of 2023. When it comes to performance, you can consider Samsung. On the other hand, if you want a budget phone, you can buy Oppo’s foldable phone.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

Next month i.e. in July this year, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 was launched in Seoul, South Korea along with Galaxy Z Flip 5. The foldable phone is believed to be more or less the same as the Z Fold 4, but will feature an updated processor and some minor tweaks. For example, Qualcomm’s custom-developed Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor is said to be used. It will feature a 7.6-inch foldable display, a 6.2-inch cover display and a triple-camera setup. Regarding the camera, Sanskar informed that there will be a 50-megapixel primary camera, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera, and a 12-megapixel telephoto camera.

Motorola Razr 40 Ultra

This Motorola smartphone will feature 144 Hz refresh rate. The smartphone is expected to display a 6.67-inch folding OLED panel. Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen1 chipset is likely to be used as the processor. It can be expected to feature up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. A powerful 3640 MHz battery will power the device. Motorola’s device will feature a 50-megapixel primary camera. Besides, the 32 megapixel selfie camera will be provided on the front of the smartphone.

Google Pixel Fold

Pixel Fold is often unfolded in vertical orientation, as it is quite convenient for scrolling apps and websites. The Pixel Fold has Google’s Tensor G2 chip, while the Phantom V Fold uses a MediaTek flagship 9000+ chip. The Pixel Fold’s battery drains quickly. Pixel Fold offers rich, advanced features in place of its software Pixel Fold is known for its camera, with a 5x zoom telephoto lens, offering quality images. The device has received an IPX8 certification. It provides protection from accidental splashes or water. One of the notable advantages of the Pixel Fold is its wide external screen, which offers a landscape orientation when unfolded, facilitating video viewing without the need to rotate the device.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 new generation foldable handsets were launched at the company’s special ‘Galaxy Unpacked’ event on July 26. For the upcoming Flip 4 successor, Samsung is introducing a larger cover display with design and practical improvements in mind. Leaked dummy images reveal an upgrade from the previous Z Flip model. Samsung is now gearing up to launch the Galaxy Z Flip 4 successor with a larger cover display. However, the Korean tech giant seems to be overlooking the hinge gap in their upcoming foldable device.

Oppo Find N2 Flip

The new flip smartphone released by Oppo will be a strong competitor to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 4 mobile. The most interesting thing about Oppo’s new phone is that it will be priced relatively low. In addition, the phone uses MediaTek Dimension 9000 Plus powerful chipset. The Oppo Find N2 Flip phone will feature a 50-megapixel primary camera and a larger display than Samsung’s device. While the new Flip device has launched globally, it is not making its way into the US market very soon.

August 14, 2023