Study and work in the USA for international students

Many students who come to study in the United States want to work while studying. This allows not only to get additional income but also to gain valuable experience working in American companies.

There are a lot of job options for students in America. The most popular are work as a waitress, barista, salesman in the store, tutor, nanny or office assistant. Many universities and colleges help students find work on campus – in a library, dining room or gym. This is convenient, as the schedule can be compiled according to the schedule of classes.

Students who study in the United States are eligible to work. To do this, students need to use the US immigration attorney service and obtain the appropriate visa. During the first academic year, F-1 visa students are allowed to work only on campus, but not more than 20 hours a week. For example, this can be work in libraries, dining rooms, gyms, administrative departments and other similar places.

After the first academic year, F-1 students can have several types of work permits:

1. Curricular Practical Training (CPT). This is a job permit for students who are required to complete work as part of their course program. You can work full time during the academic semester or holidays. For this category you need to find an employer and get a formal job invitation from him;

2. Optional Practical Training (OPT). This is a job permit that must be directly related to your core area of study in order to gain experience in your industry.

3. OPT can be completed in two ways: OPT Pre-Completion. You can work part-time before completing your study program. No more than 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours during the holidays, with no exemption from study, you are required to attend classes and meet all the requirements of the curriculum; Post-Completion OPT. You can work full time as a qualified specialist up to 12 months after graduation;

4. Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM Students (STEM OPT). Additional practical training for students who have obtained a Bachelor of Science, Engineering and Mathematics with the possibility of renewal of the OPT work permit after completion for a period of 24 months.

5. This requires:be an F-1 student who has obtained an academic degree in STEM, which is included in the list of STEM Designated Degree programmes; to work with a registered employer; to have an initial grant to obtain an OPT job permit after completion of your STEM degree.

6. We would like to remind you that you can only work in the United States legally by applying for a work permit (form I-765) at USCIS. And if your application is approved, you can start working in accordance with the conditions specified in the permission.

Advice about juggling employment and school: 

1. Schedule your day so that you have adequate time to study and work. Creating a work schedule will assist in avoiding overload.
2. If at all feasible, attempt to get work in your subject of study. This type of expertise will be extremely helpful and advantageous to your career.
3. If you realize that your work is interfering with your learning, talk to your professors about it. They could be willing to assist you in customizing your training timetable.
4. It is critical not to overburden yourself. Students must also make time for relaxation, socializing, and self-development.

Of course, it is not easy to combine work and study. However, you may earn money, enhance your language skills, learn about the local culture, and become more self-sufficient. The most important thing is to set the proper priorities and to remember that the ultimate objective is to obtain an education.