Part Time Jobs for International Students in USA

If you're considering studying in the USA, securing a source of income is essential. While scholarships can partially support your expenses, engaging in part-time jobs is a practical option. As an international student on a US student visa, you can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and up to 40 hours during breaks. Finding part-time jobs in the USA for international students isn't just about earning money—it's also a chance to gain valuable experience. On-campus jobs, for instance, are tailored to comply with F-1 visa employment policies, ensuring they fit your academic schedule and legal work limits. Whether it's high-paying part-time jobs or flexible online part-time jobs, there are numerous opportunities designed to accommodate your student status. Continue reading this blog to explore more about how you can effectively find part-time jobs in the USA.

Part Time Job Rules In USA

The United States offers a diverse range of part-time job opportunities for international students, categorized into on-campus and off-campus roles. Understanding and adhering to the associated regulations is crucial.

On-campus Jobs: For international students, on-campus employment is often the most accessible option during their first year of study. Jobs are typically confined to university premises, although some may be externally affiliated with the institution.

• Key Regulations:
  • Employment limited to 20 hours per week during the academic term.
  • Must possess an F1 visa.
  • Allowed to work up to 40 hours per week during holidays and vacation periods.

Off-campus Jobs: After the initial academic year, students may opt for off-campus employment, which includes several categories

Optical Practical Training (OPT): OPT is tailored for jobs or internships relevant to the student's field of study, extending possibly beyond graduation.

• OPT Regulations:
  • Eligible after nine months of coursework, upon receipt of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS.
  • Must maintain an F1 visa status.
  • Employment must be directly related to the student's major field of study.
  • Full-time OPT is permissible for up to 12 months, reduced by any part-time OPT or full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) undertaken within the past year.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT): CPT is applicable when practical training is an essential component of the academic curriculum.

• CPT Regulations:
  • Requires a pre-secured job offer before authorization.
  • Must have an F1 visa.
  • Only part-time CPT is permitted while studying, with working hours specified in the authorization.

STEM OPT Extension: Students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields may extend their OPT for an additional 24 months.

Severe Economic Hardship: Under certain conditions, students facing severe economic hardships verified by USCIS are allowed to work off-campus.

• Hardship Regulations:
  • Requires F1 visa status.
  • Employment is contingent upon the absence of suitable on-campus job opportunities.
  • Demonstrated excellent academic standing and proof of economic hardship are necessary.

These guidelines help ensure that international students can navigate part-time employment opportunities effectively while complying with U.S. visa regulations.

What Limitations are there for International Students?

International students in the USA must navigate specific regulations when seeking part-time employment. Here are key guidelines to ensure compliance and balance between work and studies:

1. Restricted Working Hours: As an international student on a US student visa, you are limited to 20 hours of work per week during the academic term. This regulation helps maintain a healthy balance between your studies and part-time jobs.
2. On-Campus Employment Priority: During your first academic year, you are restricted to on-campus jobs. This limitation is designed to help you acclimate to campus life and academic demands before considering off-campus employment opportunities.
3. Regular Consultations with Your DSO: After securing your student visa and completing all relevant procedures, it is crucial to consult regularly with your Designated School Official (DSO). Based on your academic performance and other factors, your DSO can guide you towards suitable part-time job opportunities and provide essential referrals.

Adhering to these guidelines not only ensures compliance with your F-1 visa requirements but also enhances your academic and work experience in the USA.

Related Article: Education System in USA for Nigerian Students

Top 10 Part Time Jobs in USA 

It is not a difficult task to get part-time jobs in American universities. You will find several opportunities, and your DSO may even refer you for some positions. 

Some of the most popular jobs are given below: 

1. Tour Guide: This job you can take up in your third or fourth year at your university. You will be well acquainted with everything inside your campus by that time. Since most American universities have buildings of architectural importance, having a tour will be exciting and helpful for students and parents alike.
2. Teaching Assistant: If you are interested in teaching, this is one job you can take up. Mostly, the duties of a teaching assistant will be limited to collecting and handing out assignments, among other things. This will be less formal in nature.
3. Peer Tutor: If you are skilled in tutoring almost anything important, you can be a peer tutor in the resource centre that nearly all universities have. For instance, if you are talented in sports, you can tutor students or may assist the coach.
4. Library Monitor: If you want a job that pays you well and simultaneously requires you to sit in a place and supervise others, this job is for you. You just have to maintain a quiet atmosphere within the library and will have time to complete your work and study.
5. Campus Tech Support: If you are tech-savvy and have a knack for computers, you can work as a campus tech support. Almost all American universities have tech support for libraries and classrooms, which makes it an in-demand position.
6. University Book Store Assistant: This is a helpful job you can get at a university. Almost all universities will have a book store that sells books and other valuable resources. Contacting the store manager directly and getting the job will also benefit you differently. You can access books and get employee discounts on all the study materials.
7. Production Assistant: In the USA, you will find that almost all universities give importance to extracurricular activities like drama, play, dance etc. If you are interested in being a part of them, you can work backstage and assist in the technical aspects.
8. Babysitter: If you love kids and spending time with them, you can opt for this job. Several of the university employees will require babysitters, and you will be paid on an hourly basis. Also, babysitting is a well-paid job.
9. Academic Department Assistant: If you love paperwork, this job can suit you. You can contact your Head of the Department for any clerical and other paperwork.
10. Research Study Assistant: This job requires you to research the needed topics for your professors and other researchers. This will be more helpful for those who wish to pursue their PhD.

Highest Paying Part Time Jobs for Students In USA

Under the regulations of a US student visa, international students can engage in on-campus jobs for up to 20 hours per week during active semesters. The average wage for part-time jobs in the USA for international students typically starts at USD 7.25 per hour, potentially rising to as much as USD 15 per hour. Positions offering wages between USD 10 and USD 15 per hour are generally among the highest-paying part-time opportunities available to this group. For those exploring how to find part-time jobs in the USA, especially lucrative roles like OPT jobs or CPT jobs, understanding these wage ranges can be particularly beneficial.

A few highest paying part-time jobs and their salaries are provided in the table below: 

How To Find Part Time Jobs In USA?

It is pretty clear that you will find innumerable part-time job opportunities in the USA. You will not find it difficult to get a job as there are multiple ways to find the perfect job that suits you. 

A few ways to find part-time jobs in the USA are given below: 

• You can reach out to the existing students of the university through Facebook or other similar platforms and learn about the job opportunities available.
• You can make an appointment at your university's career services office and learn about all the job opportunities.
• You can browse through the employment portal that most university websites have.
• There are other platforms that you can use like LinkedIn, CoolWorks, CollegeGrad, Snagajob, Upwork, FlexJobs, Craigslist etc.

It is possible that you feel confused during your research process. You can Contact AECC if you feel the need for any form of assistance. We are always ready to help, and you can contact us anytime. This applies to queries regarding part-time work opportunities and everything else about studying abroad. Our experts and counsellors will be happy to help you.