Universities in the USA aim to groom graduates who stand out as highly employable individuals globally. While studying in the US, various work opportunities await you, including on-campus and off-campus part-time jobs, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and Optional Practical Training (OPT). Delve into a comprehensive discussion of job prospects in the USA for international students:
On-Campus Jobs
As an F-1 visa holder studying in the US, you're eligible to work part-time, up to 20 hours per week, and full-time during vacations. On-campus work stands as a popular choice among international students, offering an earning potential ranging from $7 (INR 582) to $12 (INR 998) per hour. Here's a glimpse into various on-campus job opportunities available for international students in the USA:
- Library assistant
- Barista
- Teaching Assistant
- Campus tour guide
- Campus tech support
- Campus ambassador
- Peer tutor
- University bookstore assistant
- Receptionist
Suggested: Campus jobs for international students
Off-Campus Jobs
To work in off-campus jobs for international students in the USA, you must obtain permission from your institution. An international student with a F-1 student visa is eligible for off-campus jobs only after completing the first year of study in the US. There are several off-campus job opportunities ideal for international students willing to work part-time. Take a look at the various opportunities for off-campus jobs in the USA for Indian students:
- Retail sales associate
- Store-keeper
- Babysitter
- Dogwalker
- Bank teller
- Cashier
- Driver
- Social media assistant
- Call center
- Translator
- Tourist guide
- Data entry
- Content writer
- Graphic designer
Suggested: View part-time jobs for international students in the USA
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
While holding an F-1 student visa, you can obtain CPT which is a temporary employment authorization to do internships, co-ops, or jobs in your field of study or related to it. It can be paid or unpaid and you can work full-time or part-time. CPT needs to be completed before graduation and a maximum of 3 CPT authorizations can be obtained by a student per degree program. Once you have worked 12 months for CPT you become ineligible for OPT.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT is another way of staying in the US for a year. It is different from CPT because you have the choice to do OPT either before or after the completion of your program. If you are a student from a STEM background you can apply for the STEM-OPT extension and take jobs for international students in Uthe SA for 24 months after graduating.
Suggested: What is the difference between CPT and OPT?