Making money is important for everyone. As an international student studying in the US, making money is just as important as bagging that degree. With the ever-rising tuition fee, rent, and groceries, it’s no surprise that more students are looking for ways to earn while they learn. The pressure is real, whether you’re saving for next semester’s textbook or rent, or you’re trying to stay financially afloat without placing frequent calls home. However, juggling work and study isn’t always easy, especially for international students navigating visa rules or for anyone trying to find a job that doesn’t end up ruining their GPA.
But, there’s good news! There are legal and flexible job offers that can fit into your schedule as an international student. This post breaks down how to make money as an international student living in the US. Some are traditional, some modern, and a few you can do from your dorm room.
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1. On-Campus Jobs (F-1 Friendly)
One of the perks of getting on-campus jobs is that they are accessible and flexible, especially for students with F-1 visas. Additionally, they’re quite easy to get and do not require any additional paperwork. You’ll find opportunities in places like:
- The library (as an assistant or front desk staff)
- Campus coffee shops or dining halls
- Student centers and administrative offices
- Peer tutoring or lab assistant roles
These jobs are built to seamlessly fit into your schedule. They can also fit into your schedule and are legally permitted for F-1 visa holders without the extra rigour of work authorization.
Tip: It’s important to start applying as early in the semester as possible because popular positions fill quickly. Additionally, your university’s Career Services Center can help you prepare your resume and find openings.
2. Graduate or Teaching Assistantships (GAs/TAs)
If you’re pursuing a postgraduate program like a master’s or PhD, then you can consider applying for a graduate or teaching assistantship, which can be both financially and academically rewarding. This job often requires that you perform the following roles:
- Assist professors with grading, classroom management, or leading tutorials
- Conduct research in your department
- Provide administrative support within academic units
Furthermore, most assistantships come with monthly stipends. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, they can come with even partial or full tuition waivers. The benefits attached to them are what make them highly competitive but worthwhile.
Tip: To get a job as a graduate or teaching assistant, reach out to your department early and check for announcements before or during the admissions process.
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3. Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Optional practical training (OPT) is temporary employment open to international students in the US. It is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion). Some key facts about the optional practical training in the US include:
- You can use it during school (part-time) or after graduation (full-time)
- The job must directly relate to your major
- You need to apply for and receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS
- If you have earned a degree in certain Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, you may apply for a 24-month extension of your post-completion OPT employment authorization.
Tip: If you’d be opting for the OPT option, ensure you plan ahead because applications take time. You’ll also want to coordinate with your DSO to make sure your role meets all requirements.
4. Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT-eligible international students work during their academic program if the work is integral to their curriculum. This could mean a required internship, practicum, or cooperative education (co-op) experience. Some key points to note about CPT in the US include:
- The job must be directly tied to your major.
- You’ll need approval from your DSO and your academic department.
- You must have completed at least one academic year (some exceptions apply).
- You can work on CPT either full-time or part-time.
It is also important to know that CPT is best for students in programs that include internships or fieldwork as part of graduation requirements, particularly common in STEM and business majors.
However, if you have 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you are ineligible for OPT, but part-time CPT is fine and will not stop you from doing OPT.
5. Freelance and Remote Work (Use with Caution for F-1 Students)
Freelancing and remote work have gained high prominence in the work space since COVID-19. Freelancing is a form of self-employment where you offer your skills or expertise to a client and they pay you. Most times, it’s often a one-off deal, but if your client is pleased with your services, they can continue contacting you. Freelancing and remote gigs have opened up new income streams for students with digital skills like:
- Writing, editing, and content creation
- Graphic design and illustration
- Social media management
- Online tutoring
Popular platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, LinkedIn, and even personal websites or networks make it easy for freelancers to find suitable clients and gigs.
Consequently, it is important for international students to ensure they have the right information and documentation, as engaging in freelance work without proper authorization can violate visa conditions. U.S. immigration law doesn’t permit F-1 students to take on self-employed or independent contractor roles unless done through an authorized work program like CPT or OPT.
6. Internships (Paid or Credit-Based)
Internship opportunities are key for building experience and networking,
especially in fields like tech, marketing, finance, and engineering. There are two types of internships:
- Paid internships: This type is common in competitive industries and larger companies. You’re hired for a specific duration of time with monetary benefits attached.
- Unpaid or credit-based internships: It is sometimes required by your program and can help qualify you for CPT/OPT
To get an internship placement, you can use your school’s career portal, networking events, or platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed to explore opportunities. Additionally, unpaid internships can be valuable stepping stones if they align with your long-term goals.
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7. Gig Economy Jobs (Eligibility Varies)
Gig economy jobs deal with a wide range of short-term, freelance, or contract-based jobs. They are often obtained through online platforms, and they offer flexibility and the potential to earn an income per project. Some of the jobs in this category include:
- Food delivery (UberEats, DoorDash)
- Ridesharing (Uber, Lyft)
- Task-based platforms (TaskRabbit, Handy)
- Pet care (Rover, Wag)
Gig economy jobs are suitable for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or students with work eligibility under DACA or similar programs. Consequently, it is important to note that these roles typically require you to be an independent contractor, which is not allowed under F-1 visa rules unless properly authorized.
Conclusion
Learning how to balance academics and making money as an international student in the US can be quite challenging, but it’s not impossible. When you have access to the right information and properly plan, it’ll be easier to pull off. However, if you’re seeking to make extra bucks in the US, always remember to stay informed on the legal side, especially if you’re an international student, so you don’t end up breaking the law. Options like scholarships, fellowships, and research grants are also a way to get extra money, but they can be highly competitive as lots of people are competing for a few open slots.
Have you tried any of these work options while studying in the US? Share some of the tips that worked for you!
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