Getting Part-Time Work as an International Student in the USA

 

Whether you study in a college town or a metropolitan area, employers tend to hire college students. For international students who are studying, there is a little more to it than just applying for any job. To maintain your visa status, you must stay in compliance with your study visa rules. Violating them could result in major consequences such as deportation.

 

Working On-Campus

Oftentimes, colleges and universities have online portals that allow you to easily view job listings for on-campus work. According to Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) guidelines, there are two types of on-campus employment. The first is working at a place that is physically on-campus and provides a service for other students. This means that jobs that provide services not directly involved with other students are not permitted.

 The other type of work that qualifies as on-campus employment is working at a location off-campus that is affiliated with the college or university in which the student is enrolled at. Working with any employer off-campus that is contractually affiliated with the school qualifies as on-campus employment, as stated by SEVIS.

Some examples of potential on-campus employment opportunities could include:

·        Bookstore cashier/sales associate

·        Library assistant

·        IT support

·        Food court or restaurant

·        Administrative assistant

·        Coffee shop barista

·        Intern

·        Resident assistant

·        Event coordination

·        Teaching assistant

·        Mail room work

·        Social media assistant

·        Campus ambassador/tour guide

·        Research assistant

·        Trainer at on-campus gym

·        Tutor

·        Lifeguard at on-campus pool

·        Marketing assistant

Off-Campus Work

After the first academic year, students may apply for one of three types of off-campus employment:

·        Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

·        Optional Practical Training (OPT)

·   Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a work option for F1 students that allows them to gain professional experience in off-campus work related to their coursework.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a work option for F1 students that are available both during and after the completion of their coursework.

STEM majors may apply for a 24-month extension to post-completion employment OPT.

That’s the gist of what you need to know about your options for working part-time as a US international student. Hope this information helps you to make the right choice.