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.
Table of Contents
- Part Time Job Rules In USA
- What Limitations are there for International Students?
- Top 10 Part Time Jobs in USA
- Highest Paying Part Time Jobs for Students In USA
- How To Find Part Time Jobs In 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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Some of the most popular jobs are given below:
- Tour Guide: Ideal for third or fourth-year students, this on-campus job allows you to showcase your university's architectural landmarks to new students and their families, enriching their understanding of the campus.
- Teaching Assistant: Engage in academic life by assisting in the distribution and collection of assignments and supporting teaching staff, a perfect role for those interested in educational careers.
- Peer Tutor: If you excel in a particular area, whether academic or extracurricular like sports, becoming a peer tutor at your university's resource center is an excellent way to share your skills.
- Library Monitor: For those seeking a quiet and stable environment, this on-campus job involves maintaining order and quiet in the library, allowing you time to study while working.
- Campus Tech Support: Tech-savvy students can find valuable positions providing technical assistance in libraries and classrooms, a critical role in maintaining the technological infrastructure of modern campuses.
- University Book Store Assistant: Work in your university bookstore to gain easy access to educational materials, enjoying employee discounts while managing sales and inventory.
- Production Assistant: Participate in the vibrant cultural scene at your university by assisting in the production of plays, dances, and other events, perfect for those with a passion for the arts.
- Babysitter: A well-paying job that involves caring for faculty members' children, suitable for students who are good with kids and looking for flexible working hours.
- Academic Department Assistant: Involve yourself in administrative tasks within your department to gain insight into academic operations, ideal for those who excel in organizational roles.
- Research Study Assistant: Contribute to academic research by supporting faculty and graduate students, an excellent position for those considering further academic pursuits like a PhD.
Related Article: Education System in USA for Nigerian Students
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:
|
Job Profile |
Average Hourly Salary (in USD) |
|
Sales Associate |
USD 11.93 |
|
Food Runner |
USD 12 |
|
Teaching Assistant |
USD 12.52 |
|
Barista |
USD 12.22 |
|
Student Ambassador |
USD 10.55 |
|
Library Assistant |
USD 14.05 |
|
Receptionist |
USD 13.56 |
|
Research Assistant |
USD 16.91 |
|
Tutor |
USD 25.08 |
|
Department Assistant |
USD 15.35 |
How To Find Part Time Jobs In USA?
In the USA, the array of part-time job opportunities for international students is vast. Finding part-time jobs in the USA is straightforward with various resources available to help you secure a position that fits your needs.
Here are several methods to discover part-time jobs:
- Networking with Current Students: Connect with peers via social media platforms such as Facebook to uncover available on-campus jobs and other employment opportunities.
- University Career Services: Schedule a visit to your university’s career services office to explore part-time positions, including those that comply with F-1 visa employment regulations.
- University Employment Portals: Most universities provide an online portal where you can find listings for on-campus jobs, off-campus jobs, and OPT jobs.
- Job Platforms: Utilize job search platforms like LinkedIn, CoolWorks, CollegeGrad, Snagajob, Upwork, FlexJobs, and Craigslist to find flexible online part-time jobs and other high-paying part-time jobs.
