Part-time jobs play a crucial role in supporting international students in the USA by providing financial assistance, skill development, cultural integration, networking opportunities, practical experience, time management enhancement, and professional growth. These employment opportunities are beneficial in covering expenses, gaining practical experience, improving cross-cultural communication, building professional networks, and acquiring essential skills valued by employers. Moreover, they contribute to students’ financial independence, reducing their reliance on family support or loans. However, it is essential for students to adhere to U.S. regulations governing working hours while maintaining their focus on academic success.
The regulations concerning part-time jobs for international students in the USA are overseen by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Here are the key regulations to be aware of:
- Valid Student Visa: International students must possess a valid F-1 or M-1 visa to be eligible for part-time employment.
- On-Campus Employment: Students are allowed to work on campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week during classes and full-time during school breaks.
- Off-Campus Employment: International students may qualify for off-campus employment through two programs: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is related to their field of study, while OPT provides temporary employment authorization in their major field.
- CPT Eligibility: Students must complete one academic year and have a job offer directly related to their area of study. The job should be an integral part of their curriculum.
- OPT Eligibility: OPT is available during and after the completion of the program. Students must apply for authorization through USCIS and obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
- Work Hour Limits: International students can work a maximum of 20 hours per week on campus during the school year. However, full-time on-campus employment may be permitted during official school breaks.
- Reporting Requirements: Students are required to inform their designated school official (DSO) about any changes in their employment status, including start/end dates, hours worked, and employer information.
- Social Security Number: International students need a valid Social Security Number (SSN) to work in the USA. They can obtain an SSN by visiting a local Social Security Administration office and providing the necessary documentation.
By adhering to these regulations, international students can make the most of their part-time job opportunities while staying compliant with U.S. laws.
Popular on-campus jobs for international students:
- Library Assistant: Assist with organizing books, assisting patrons, and providing administrative support in university libraries.
- Research Assistant: Collaborate with faculty on research projects within academic departments or research centers.
- Tutor: Provide academic support to fellow students in subjects of expertise, either through academic departments or tutoring services.
- Administrative Assistant: Support day-to-day operations in various campus departments such as admissions or student affairs.
- Campus Tour Guide: Showcase campus facilities and provide information about academic programs to prospective students and visitors.
- Peer Advisor: Assist fellow students with academic and personal matters, offering guidance and sharing experiences.
- Fitness Center Attendant: Ensure a safe environment and monitor equipment in campus fitness centers.
- Event Staff: Assist with event setup, registration, and logistical tasks for university events, conferences, and workshops.
- IT Support Assistant: Provide technical assistance to faculty, staff, and students in campus technology departments.
Campus Ambassador: Represent the university at recruitment events, college fairs, and high school visits.
Popular online off-campus jobs for international students:
- Freelancing: Offer skills and services as a freelancer in areas such as writing, graphic design, web development, programming, translation, or social media management. Platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr are popular for finding freelance opportunities.
- Virtual Assistant: Provide remote administrative support, manage schedules, handle emails, conduct research, or manage social media accounts. Websites like Indeed, VirtualAssistantJobs.com, or Zirtual offer virtual assistant job listings.
- Online Tutoring: Provide online tutoring services in subjects of expertise or language tutoring in their native language. Websites like VIPKid, Tutor.com, or Chegg Tutors connect students with online tutoring opportunities.
- Content Creation: Create content for websites, blogs, or social media platforms as a writer, photographer, or video editor.
- Transcription: Convert audio or video recordings into written text as an online transcriptionist. Websites like Rev, TranscribeMe, or GoTranscript offer transcription job opportunities.
- Online Surveys and Market Research: Participate in online surveys or market research studies conducted by companies and research organizations. Websites like Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, or Toluna allow individuals to earn money or rewards by taking surveys.
- E-commerce and Dropshipping: Start an online business by selling products through e-commerce platforms or explore dropshipping opportunities. Shopify and Amazon are popular platforms in this field.
- Online Customer Support: Work remotely as an online customer support representative, assisting customers via email, chat, or phone.
- Online Data Entry: Input data into spreadsheets or databases as an online data entry operator. Websites like Clickworker or Amazon Mechanical Turk offer data entry jobs.
- Online Language Teaching: Offer online language lessons to learners worldwide in their native language.
Remember to research legitimate job platforms, verify employer credibility, and comply with legal requirements for international student employment.
Indian and other international students may have difficulty finding part-time employment in the US. Here are some suggestions for finding part-time employment in the USA:
- Networking: Building a strong network is crucial for discovering job opportunities, including part-time positions. Attend career fairs, join student organizations, and participate in professional events and workshops to expand your connections. Connect with professors, fellow students, alumni, and professionals in your field who may be aware of job openings or able to provide referrals.
- Career Services and Student Unions: Your university’s career services and student unions can be valuable resources for finding work opportunities. They can provide information about upcoming job vacancies and guide you on how to apply for them.
- Online Job Platforms: Take advantage of online job portals such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and Handshake to search for part-time job listings. These platforms often offer filters that allow you to narrow down your search based on location, job type, and other preferences. Customize your resume and cover letter to highlight your skills and qualifications.
- Local Job Search: Explore the local community surrounding your university for part-time job opportunities. Visit nearby businesses, restaurants, cafes, and retail stores to inquire about any available positions. Some employers may be open to hiring international students, especially in areas with a large student population.
- Work-Study Programs: Work-study programs provide part-time employment opportunities for students with financial need. While availability may vary, international students may be eligible for work-study positions. Contact your university’s financial aid office to determine if you qualify and to learn about available positions.
- University Departments: Many universities have various departments that offer temporary jobs. Take the initiative to inquire about such opportunities by reaching out to different departments within your university.
Remember, it’s important to conduct thorough research and stay updated on job openings and requirements. Good luck with your job search!
EdElevate’s expert guidance
Want to get started on your journey to your favourite university?
Our expert counsellors at EdElevate will guide you and help you throughout your application process with our unique offering of customised admission mentoring based on your interests, with coverage of the best colleges in every discipline. Right from choosing the best study abroad option for you to mentor you, to building a strong profile, we offer a variety of services to assist students in realising their dream of study abroad.
Apart from offering mentorship to students, we provide assistance in crucial admission processes including shortlisting universities based on the student’s unique profile and area of interest, essay ideation and brainstorming, essay review, reference letter and resume reviews, interview preparation sessions, and more.
With all of these advantages, EdElevate is the greatest place for you to join and work toward your dream of studying abroad and establishing a successful profession.
Attend a Discovery session at EdElevate today to chart out your road to success!
