If you live outside the United States and want to work here, you typically must apply for a visa from the U.S. Department of State (DOS).5 Students in the U.S. (including international students) are usually allowed to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during school breaks. It’s important for international students in the USA to comply with regulations set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for guidance on employment opportunities and eligibility.