As one of the top economies in the world, the United States of America offers academic and professional opportunities to its international students. The country offers flexibility with on-campus and off-campus job options for students willing to work part-time alongside their education. The diverse US job market offers countless opportunities, but finding the perfect role that aligns with your preferences can often be challenging. Read on to explore the best job opportunities for international students in the USA.
On-Campus Jobs in the USA
On-campus jobs are pretty much the ideal job setting for international students as they make time management easier. If a student displays good academic or management skills, American institutions can hire them part-time for jobs such as:
| Job Role | Description | Top Recruiters |
| Teaching Assistant | Includes tasks like grading assignments, conducting lab sessions, and holding office hours for the teacher/professor. | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania |
| Library Assistant | Involves shelving books, managing databases, and overseeing educational library tasks. | New York Public Library, Cincinnati, Hamilton County Public Library, Harvard Library |
| Research Assistant | Common in scientific institutions; includes working with professors, conducting experiments, and analyzing data. | University of Washington, University of Michigan, Texas A&M University |
| Administrative Assistant | Part-time role performing tasks like receiving phone calls, scheduling appointments, and managing paperwork. | FedEx, United Parcel Service (UPS), Amazon |
| Campus Ambassador | Promotes the college/university through social media and group interactions. Preferred for international students due to their global exposure. | California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Stanford University, Cornell University
|
| Department Assistant | Offers leadership and organizational experience by assisting in departmental tasks while earning income during studies. | Princeton University, Yale University, John Hopkins University |
Off-Campus Jobs in USA
While on-campus jobs save traveling time and allow students to maintain a work-life balance, there are reasonable off-campus jobs in the USA for Indians:
| Job Role | Description | Jobs |
| Freelance Work | Freelancing offers flexible part-time or full-time opportunities, with the US allowing remote work. | Common roles include content writing, translation, graphic design, editing, web design, social media management, and copywriting. |
| Internships | Internships offer valuable experience and a great source of income, with the US providing some of the best programs globally, depending on the company. | Job roles include marketing intern, human resource intern, and research intern. |
| Tutoring | Allows students to earn extra income by teaching subjects they excel in to fellow students. | Students can choose to provide one-on-one tutoring, online tutoring or tutoring in small groups. |
| Service Industry | Includes temporary roles in retail, sales, food service, and customer service. Employers offer flexible shifts suitable for students. | Job roles include call centre representative, retail sales associate, and server. |
| Driver | Involves taking up driving jobs on weekends or after academic hours. Requires a valid international driving license and other necessary documents. | Common roles include delivery agent, rideshare driver, and parking attendant. |
Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the USA
For dedicated international students who invest full-time studying in the USA, the government offers a part-time job opportunity of a minimum of 20 hours of weekly work. The student must obtain a recommendation letter from their Designated School Official (DSO) as a first step. The student must also fulfill the following requirements to take part in the OPT program:
- Be an F-1 International student.
- Maintain a full-time student status.
- Completed one academic year in the USA.
- Recommendation letter
- Endorsed Form I‑20
- Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
Your DSO must make your OPT recommendation and make a notion with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
After the documents are accepted, the student receives an Employment Authorization Card (EAD). This card also permits the student to work full-time for one year after the completion of their studies. In the case of STEM-based courses, the OPT period can be increased to up to three years.
Top Paying Part-Time Jobs in USA
The USA has a reasonable payment system for part-time employees, with wages set on an hourly basis. International students often work part-time on weekends and after academic hours to earn a supplementary income that supports their stay in the States. Some of the highest paying jobs in the USA for students are as follows:
| Job | Average Hourly Wage |
| Tutor | $24 (₹2000 approx.) |
| Sales Assistant | $18 (₹1500 approx.) |
| Receptionist | $17 (₹1450 approx.) |
| Barista/Food Service | $15 (₹1200 approx.) |
| Campus Ambassador | $13 (₹1100 approx.) |
| Teaching Assistant | $17 (₹1450 approx.) |
| Library Assistant | $18 (₹1500 approx.) |
| Research Assistant | $20 (₹1690 approx.) |
Actual wages vary according to the company’s capacity. Students generally prefer to work in the food service industry as baristas or waiters, as this allows them to earn additional tips.
Rules for Working in the USA for International Students
Whether working through OPT or otherwise, students must produce an authorization letter from their Designated School Official. In addition, the student needs to follow the academic guidelines, which generally limit the work hours to about 20 hours per week.
In addition to this, a student must hold or fulfill these requirements:
- A valid Social Security Number (SSN)
- A valid visa status
- Pay taxes
Students can also choose to participate in CPT (Curricular Practical Training). Like OPT, CPT offers part-time and post-work opportunities, particularly in research fields. The application process for CPT is similar to that of OPT.
In addition to this, a student can choose to explore jobs in the US and work on these visas:
- H-1B Visa: This visa is sponsored through the employer and lets the applicant work in the States for three years. If the company wishes to keep the applicant employed for a longer time, it can be later extended to up to six years.
- EB-5 Visa: While obtaining the EB-5 Visa can be challenging, it is a preferred option for students looking to establish a business in the US. This visa grants permanent residency to the applicant, provided they invest a minimum of $900,000 (₹7.6 crores) in a targeted employment area or $1.8 million (₹15.2 crores) in a non-targeted employment area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can international students get a job in the United States?
Students on a valid F-1 visa can take on-campus jobs if they have the necessary skills. However, to secure a full-time job in the US, they must have an employer sponsor them for an H-1B visa.
Is it difficult to get a US visa?
Acquiring a US visa can be a time-consuming and demanding process. While getting an F-1 visa may be relatively simple, H-1B and EB-5 Visas are harder to obtain.
How much can I earn as a student in the USA?
Part-time jobs have hourly wages that can range anywhere from $12 to $20. This may fluctuate depending on the nature of the job.
Are Indian students getting jobs in the USA?
Yes, Indian students definitely get jobs in the USA, but it is necessary to plan ahead and prepare all necessary documentation.
How can a fresher get a job in the USA?
Freshers wanting employment in the US need to acquire the H-1B visa, which is employee-sponsored and often seen in specialized roles.
Planning to study abroad?
Get free 1-on-1 counselling with our experts
