Is it possible to work while studying in America?

The cost of studying in America is very expensive, and this issue is no secret. For this reason, student work in this country has become an important issue for international students. With the help of Esthebanati Immigration Institute, you can learn the basic principles and process of obtaining a work permit while studying in America.

What job opportunities do you have with an F1 student visa?

Imagine that you have been accepted to a university in the United States and you have completed all the necessary registration procedures. In this situation, you can study in the United States after the US F1 student visa is approved. The cost of living and studying in the top universities of this country can be about 60 thousand dollars per year. Due to this issue, many international students need to work part-time to cover their education and living expenses.

Of course, part-time work in educational immigration to America is not only based on financial need. Some honors students gain experience to bolster their resumes through student job opportunities. This visa is reserved for students of universities, colleges, high schools, participants of language training programs and other academic institutions of the United States. However, there are limitations when it comes to international students working in this country. In general, F1 visa students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.

Two paths of student work in immigration to America

For student work while immigrating to the US on a part-time basis while studying, you should talk to your Institutional Officer (DSO).

As long as you have a valid US study visa and are in good academic standing, you should have no problem.

You contact the DSO and he/she offers you the available job opportunities. There are two main types of jobs for a student: on-campus or off-campus. The second case is usually not possible for international students. However, in the following, we will explain the requirements and limitations of both.

University employment with an American student visa

A US student visa allows you to work up to 20 hours per week while taking classes. During the academic holidays, you can work full-time at the University for up to 40 hours per week.

Internal university employment includes work that is done either inside the institution itself or in a place outside the university but affiliated with it. For example, working in university-affiliated bookstores, cafeterias, or other facilities offered by the institution off campus.

To get these types of jobs, you must apply at least 30 days before the start of classes. Talk to your DSO to apply. If approved, the DSO will provide you with a confirmation letter that you will need to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). Consult with the relevant official so that working does not interfere with the rules and conditions of the American scholarship you have received.

Off-campus employment with a US student visa

Things get a little more complicated if you want to work outside of the US university environment. Only in some educational programs, F1 visa students can get a work permit. Only students who have completed at least one full academic year of their educational program and are struggling with economic problems have access to this opportunity. Of course, these people must also qualify for Department of Homeland Security emergency conditions.

Two programs have been created for people interested in working outside the university. One is Optional Practical Training (OPT) and the other is Curriculum Practical Training (CPT). Discuss these with your DSO to check if you qualify. According to these two programs, it is possible to work while studying medicine in America or even engineering and humanities.

Conclusion

You should keep in mind that the US government takes violations of labor laws very seriously. For this reason, you should not jeopardize your academic status as an international student. If you follow the immigration news of this country, you will even notice cases of deportation for violating these laws. It is recommended that you contact the experts and advisors of Istehbanati Migration Institute before trying to find a job while you are a student. They will help you have the best career and academic experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1- Am I allowed to work while studying in America?

Yes, international students can usually work part-time with a limit of 20 hours per week during study days and full-time for 40 hours per week during holidays.

2- Is it possible to find a job through the university itself?

Yes, in some cases even the only option available will be to work in a university environment.

3- Does student work income cover the cost of living in America?

It depends on your lifestyle. However, on average, it is sufficient for an average student's life.

4- Do I need to get a permit to work while studying in America?

Yes, international students must obtain a permit called “CPT” or “OPT” to work while studying. It depends on the mandate of the university and the type of work they want to do.