Janice Lozano
International students often take on part-time jobs to earn money and gain work experience while maintaining their studies. The type of job they can take on depends on their visa status, with on-campus jobs being the most accessible for international students. In the US, F-1 visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week during the school term and full-time during school breaks. On-campus jobs can include positions in the library, cafeteria, or campus box office. International students can also look for part-time jobs advertised on their university's website, such as administrative, research, or tutoring roles. Online job listing websites like LinkedIn and Indeed are also useful tools for finding part-time work. Additionally, freelancing and internships are options for international students to gain experience and earn an income while studying.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa eligibility | F-1 or M-1 visa |
| Work hours | Up to 20 hours per week during the school term |
| Work hours during breaks | Full-time during breaks and annual vacation |
| Work location | On-campus or off-campus |
| On-campus work benefits | No waiting period, no limit on the number of months, doesn't affect eligibility for CPT, pre-completion OPT, or post-completion OPT |
| On-campus work eligibility | All international students |
| Off-campus work eligibility | F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year |
| Off-campus work requirements | Must be related to the area of study, must be authorized by the Designated School Official and USCIS |
| On-campus work requirements | No additional work authorization or paperwork needed, just a valid I-20 document |
| Job search platforms | LinkedIn, Indeed, Fiverr, Upwork |
| Job types | Social media administration, tutoring, research, internships, delivery services, food services |
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On-campus jobs
Understanding Visa Requirements:
Before beginning your job search, familiarize yourself with the visa requirements for on-campus employment. As an international student on an F-1 visa, you are permitted to work on-campus without needing additional authorization. However, you must ensure you are enrolled full-time in an academic program and can only work up to 20 hours per week during the school term. During holidays and summer breaks, you may be able to work more than 20 hours or even full-time, depending on your visa status and school policies. Check with your school's international student services office to understand the specific rules and eligibility requirements for on-campus employment.
Exploring Job Opportunities:
- Library Assistant: Working in the university library involves shelving books, helping visitors find resources, providing administrative support to librarians, and organizing library events.
- Research Assistant: Research assistant positions are available in different academic departments, where you assist professors with their research projects, gather materials, and use campus resources for research.
- Campus Ambassador: Campus ambassadors promote the university to prospective students, give guided tours, and share their experiences and insights about the university.
- Retail and Food Service: Many universities have supermarkets, bookstores, or cafes where students can work as sales assistants or baristas, allowing them to interact with customers and gain customer service experience.
- Tutoring or Peer Mentoring: International students can often find opportunities to tutor fellow students, especially if they are multilingual or have expertise in a particular subject. Peer mentoring involves guiding new students, helping them adapt to campus life, and providing academic or professional guidance.
- Department Assistant: Department assistants work for specific academic departments, managing front desks, setting appointments, organizing events, and providing information to prospective students.
Applying for On-Campus Jobs:
When applying for on-campus jobs, it's important to start early and network with peers and upperclassmen to learn about potential opportunities. Visit your college's career center to get help with your resume and to find out about on-campus job openings. You can also proactively approach different departments and ask if they are hiring. For instance, you could inquire at the library, cafeteria, or campus box office about job vacancies. Remember that on-campus jobs can be competitive, so be sure to highlight any relevant skills and experiences in your resume and apply early.
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Freelancing
However, international students are subject to work authorization requirements and visa regulations that affect their ability to freelance. Here is a country-wise breakdown of the rules regarding freelancing for international students:
United States
In the US, freelancing is considered a type of self-employment. Students on an F-1 visa cannot legally freelance. They are limited to on-campus jobs or internships under Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT cannot be used for freelance work as it must be tied to a specific employer. OPT may be used for freelance work, but it is recommended to save OPT until after graduation. Post-completion OPT allows for full-time work, while pre-completion OPT is limited to part-time work.
United Kingdom
Tier 4 or Student visa holders in the UK cannot engage in freelancing or self-employment. They can only work part-time for a registered employer.
Canada
International students in Canada cannot freelance but can work for up to 20 hours per week for an employer.
Australia
International students in Australia are permitted to freelance while on a student visa, with a maximum of 20 hours allocated per week during term time and full-time work allowed during holidays. To be self-employed in Australia, international students must obtain an Australian Business Number (ABN) and a tax file number (TFN).
Germany
Students in Germany can freelance only if they obtain permission from the local authorities and follow working hour restrictions.
If freelancing is allowed in your country of study, here are some tips to get started:
- Understand the legal work permissions and visa regulations in your country.
- Manage your time efficiently to balance freelancing with your academic commitments.
- Focus on in-demand skills that align with your expertise.
- Build a strong professional network and make connections that could lead to future job opportunities.
- Consider using online job boards, university career centres, and networking platforms like LinkedIn to find freelance gigs.
- Start small by taking lower-paying gigs to gain experience and build client relationships.
- Decide on your pricing by considering factors such as your experience level, industry standards, project complexity, and whether to charge hourly or per project.
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Visa requirements
International students on an F-1 visa in the US are not permitted to work off-campus during their first academic year. However, they can undertake on-campus employment, subject to certain conditions and restrictions. On-campus employment includes working in a university bookstore, cafeteria, or library. After the first academic year, F-1 visa students may engage in three types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT). To apply for off-campus employment, students need a SEVIS authorization for CPT from the Designated School Official (DSO) and must meet other requirements, such as having a valid Social Security Number (SSN).
In Canada, international students on a study permit are generally allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit, as long as they are full-time students at a designated learning institution (DLI) and meet other requirements. To work full-time, students must meet additional criteria, including having already been eligible to work off-campus during their studies and having a valid study permit or an extension application submitted before it expired.
In the UK, international students with 'settled' or 'pre-settled' status do not need a student visa to work part-time. However, those without this status will need a student visa, and part-time students are not allowed to work. International students in the UK can work up to full-time hours outside of term time, but they cannot be self-employed or freelance, nor can they be professional sportspeople or entertainers.
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Online job platforms
Online tutoring
Tutoring is a popular option for students, as it allows them to work remotely and offer academic assistance to students in a variety of subjects. Online tutoring platforms such as TutorMe offer the opportunity to tutor students from around the world in a range of subjects, including maths, science, and languages.
Freelancing
Freelancing is a flexible way to work, allowing you to choose your working hours, work location, and the amount of work you take on. Websites such as Fiverr and Upwork offer access to a range of freelance opportunities, including writing, programming, video editing, and design.
Social media management
Social media management is another part-time job that can be done online and throughout the day. This role involves helping businesses achieve their social media goals, such as growing their following or running marketing campaigns. Social media managers often work from home and have flexible schedules, making it a convenient option for students.
Online surveys
Online survey jobs are a great way to earn money remotely and in your own time. Websites such as Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and Valued Opinions offer the opportunity to provide feedback on products, services, and ideas. These jobs are typically flexible and can be done from anywhere with an internet connection.
Remote roles
There are also a variety of remote roles that can be done online, such as data entry, content writing, transcription, and translation. These roles often provide flexible opportunities to earn an income while gaining valuable work experience.
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Networking
Utilise Your University's Career Centre
Most universities offer dedicated support for international students through their career centres. Career advisors can help international students navigate the unique challenges they may face, such as visa restrictions and eligibility requirements. They can provide guidance on clarifying your goals, refining your job search strategy, and leveraging your network. Visiting your university's career centre can be a great first step to tap into career support and gain the tools and perspective needed to approach your job search with confidence.
Build Relationships
Diversify Your Search
When networking and applying for jobs, it is beneficial to diversify your search across company size, location, and industry. Consider applying to a mix of large corporations and small-to-midsize companies, as each offers different advantages, such as structured visa support or more flexible hiring practices. Don't limit yourself to a specific city or region, especially if your skillset is in high demand in other areas. Look beyond your preferred industry, as exploring different sectors can increase your chances of finding employment.
Use Online Platforms
Take advantage of online platforms such as LinkedIn to expand your network. Connect with people in your desired positions or target companies. Reach out and request informational interviews to learn more about their roles and gain valuable insights. Online platforms also provide opportunities to attend virtual events, employer events, and career fairs, enabling you to make connections and learn about open positions.
Focus on Companies That Hire International Talent
When networking and applying for jobs, prioritise companies with a strong record of hiring international talent and offering visa sponsorship. Use resources like the USCIS H-1B Employer Data Hub to identify top companies that sponsor international workers. This approach will increase your chances of finding employment that aligns with your eligibility and long-term goals.
By following these networking tips and staying proactive, you can enhance your job search and increase your chances of finding a part-time job as an international student.
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Frequently asked questions
Part-time jobs for international students include tutoring, freelancing, and internships. On-campus jobs such as research assistant, department assistant, food runner, and barista are also common choices.
Visa requirements vary depending on the country. In the US, international students on an F-1 visa can work up to 20 hours per week during school terms and full-time during vacations. M-1 visa holders can engage in practical training after completing their studies. In Canada, international students can work off-campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit.
International students can find part-time job opportunities through their university's website, online job listing websites such as LinkedIn and Indeed, or by directly visiting on-campus locations such as the library or cafeteria to inquire about vacancies.
Yes, visa eligibility can impact the types of jobs available to international students. For example, F-1 visa holders in the US can only work on-campus for a university employer or at a school-affiliated location. Additionally, certain jobs may require specific qualifications or skills that students should consider when searching for part-time roles.
