Many university students in the US are interested in freelancing to gain valuable work experience while in school and earn extra income without a long-term commitment. However, international students are subject to work authorization requirements that affect their ability to freelance. Keep reading to learn how to legally freelance on an F-1 student visa.

Can you tell me what freelance work is?

In the US, a lot of students choose to work as a freelancer when thy recently graduated.. Freelancers operate independently rather than being employed by a specific company. They offer services or products through individual projects for various companies and clients. These projects can be either one-time or ongoing. While freelancers may run their own businesses, it’s not a requirement. Independent contractors are akin to freelancers in the US, but contractors typically engage in longer-term projects.

Are F-1 visa holders permitted to work as a freelancer?

International students are prohibited from engaging in freelance work while in the US without additional work authorization. This encompasses remote freelance work, collaborating with non-US companies, and even one-time projects regardless of duration. International students on F-1 visas are only authorized to work on campus unless they obtain additional work authorization.

There are two options for work authorization available to international students – Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT cannot be utilized for freelance work since it must be linked to a specific employer. OPT may potentially be used for freelance work after completing the first year of studies. No off-campus work authorization will be granted during the initial academic year.

Advantages and disadvantages of freelancing for international students

While in school, you have the option to freelance part-time (up to 20 hours per week) for a maximum of 12 months using pre-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). However, it’s not advisable because if you exhaust all your allotted OPT during your studies, you will be ineligible to use OPT after graduation. Without a job sponsored by an employer already secured for obtaining another visa, you will be required to depart the US within 60 days of the conclusion of your academic program.

Post-completion OPT allows for freelancing, enabling you to work full-time for a total of up to 40 hours per week. These limitations apply to all international students physically present in the US, whether freelancing for a US-based company or a company headquartered in another country.

The advantage when students choose to work as freelancer

• Obtain work experience
• Generate income while in university
• Establish professional networks that may lead to a full-time position in your desired field after completing your studies

The disadvantage when students choose to work as freelancer

• Unable to be utilized during the initial year of enrollment
• Restricted to 20 hours per week while classes are in session
• Capped at a maximum duration of 12 months overall
• Engaging in pre-completion OPT renders you ineligible for post-completion OPT

How to engage in freelance work during OPT

As per USCIS regulations, self-employment is permissible during OPT, allowing for freelance work. A job offer is not required to apply for OPT, and international students can engage in freelancing for multiple companies or clients as long as their total hours remain within the OPT limit. Initiate the application process through your college up to 90 days before the conclusion of your first academic year. Additionally, you must directly submit the necessary documentation to USCIS.

When utilizing OPT for self-employment or freelancing, it is crucial to follow the appropriate procedures to avoid jeopardizing your visa status. The consequences of working illegally in the US are severe and may include losing your student visa, being unable to obtain another visa in the future, and facing a ban on re-entry to the US for three or ten years. To ensure compliance while freelancing on OPT, all work must be relevant to your academic major. It is imperative to maintain detailed records of all work, including:

• The job offer
• The client’s name
• The start and end date
• The hours worked 

Note: International students and alumni have the option to utilize platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com to discover freelance employment opportunities. Both domestic and international companies advertise freelance positions across various sectors.

In Conclusion:

International students frequently inquire, “Am I allowed to engage in freelance work during OPT?” While feasible, we suggest reserving OPT for post-graduation if feasible. Explore alternative avenues for acquiring work experience, such as on-campus employment or internships facilitated through the CPT program. This approach enables you to leverage OPT following graduation and extend your stay in the US. Unlike pre-completion OPT, post-completion OPT permits full-time employment.

If you possess a qualifying STEM major, you have the opportunity to extend post-completion OPT for an additional 24 months. However, freelancing is not permitted during the STEM OPT extension period, so it is advisable to utilize your initial year of freelance work on OPT post-graduation to secure a qualifying position. Reach out to your university’s international student services office for assistance in navigating your work authorization options before and after graduation.