Can international students in the US work part-time? What should I keep in mind?

Can international students in the US work part-time? – How much do you earn in the US?

Studying in the US is a great opportunity for international students to access advanced education and develop themselves. However, to be successful in studying abroad, international students need to focus on studying and researching. The US government has relaxed regulations on part-time jobs to create conditions for international students to work part-time to cover living expenses, while still being able to focus on studying. Let's learn about the conditions for part-time jobs for international students in the US with American Study!

Conditions for being allowed to work extra

To be allowed to work part-time, international students need to meet the following conditions:

• Have a US student visa type F-1 or M-1.
• Currently enrolled in a university, college, or vocational school accredited by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE).
• Students under 21 years of age are only allowed to do on-campus work.
• Students over 21 years old are allowed to work part-time on and off campus through OPT and CPT permits.

How much does it cost to work overtime in the US? How much does it cost to work overtime in the US per hour?

Overtime pay in the US is often understood as the salary paid for one hour of work. However, in reality, overtime pay can vary depending on many factors.

According to US federal regulations, the minimum overtime wage is $7.25/hour. However, some states have higher minimum wages, which can be as high as $15/hour.

In terms of job type, jobs that require high skills and experience tend to pay higher salaries than jobs that do not require much skill or experience. Additionally, experienced workers tend to pay higher salaries than new workers.

Additionally, overtime pay can be calculated based on the amount of work that needs to be done. For example, a house cleaning job can be paid by the hour or by the number of rooms that need to be cleaned.

To avoid salary problems after employment, employees should consult in advance about the job, work location and salary received.

Regulations on part-time work for international students in the US

Regulations on overtime

According to USCIS regulations, international students with F-1 or M-1 visas are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during school and unlimited hours during summer breaks.

• During their studies, international students are only allowed to work on campus. Unless USCIS grants them permission to work off campus through an Optional Practical Training (OPT) or a Compulsory Practical Training (CPT) permit.
• During the summer break, international students are allowed to work part-time on and off campus.

International students with F1 or M1 visas are allowed to work up to 20 hours/week (Source: Internet)

Work Permit (CPT)

Work Permit (CPT): Allows international students to work part-time while studying.

Conditions for applying for OPT permit for international students:

• Have an F-1 or M-1 visa.
• Currently enrolled in a university, college, or vocational school accredited by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE).
• Have a job that matches your major.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

OPT internship permit allows international students to work part-time after graduation. They can apply for OPT permit through the US Immigration Service (USCIS).

Conditions for applying for OPT permit for international students:

• Have an F-1 or M-1 visa.
• Have graduated from a university, college, or vocational school accredited by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE).

Tax policy

According to USCIS regulations, international students with F-1 or M-1 visas do not have to pay employment taxes (FICA), but must pay both federal and state income taxes.

• FICA taxes are used to fund the U.S. Social Security and Medicare programs. International students on F-1 or M-1 visas are exempt from paying employment taxes because they are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
• Federal and state income taxes are used to fund the operations of the federal and state governments. International students on F-1 or M-1 visas must pay federal and state income taxes.
• Form 8843 is a tax form that international students on F-1 or M-1 visas must complete if they do not work in the U.S. This form proves that the international student has no income in the U.S. and is not subject to federal income tax.
• Form W-4 is a tax form that international students on F-1 or M-1 visas must fill out if they work part-time in the United States. This form is used to determine how much tax will be withheld from the student's wages.

International students need to comply with the regulations on part-time work of the US Immigration Department (Source: Internet)

Benefits of working part-time while studying in the US

Working part-time while studying in the US brings many benefits to international students, including:

• Increase income: Working part-time helps international students earn extra income to cover the costs of studying in the US such as: living, studying, and entertainment.
• Practical experience: Working part-time helps international students gain practical experience, hone professional skills, and improve English skills.
• Make friends: Working part-time gives international students the opportunity to make friends with Americans and other international students.

Part-time jobs for international students in the US – Study and work in the US

On-campus work

• Working in a library: You will act as a librarian with related tasks. Some tasks you can do are: organizing books, helping students find documents, supporting computer operations for students, lecturers or staff who need to look up books. These tasks can help you build your profile, because working in a library is not easy and it is considered a way to develop customer service skills.
• Teaching Assistant: Suitable for international students who want to pursue academic fields. Teaching assistants' jobs include providing teaching support to lecturers and professors in the classroom.
• Research Assistant: This is an ideal job for international students who love science and want to work in a laboratory. The job of a research assistant includes searching for information and data, conducting surveys and supporting the research of lecturers and professors.
• Departmental Assistant: This is a suitable job for international students who want to build relationships with professors and lecturers. The work of a departmental assistant includes supporting administrative work, paperwork, and document storage in the school's departments.
• Tutor: This job is for international students with a good knowledge base. Tutoring jobs include tutoring other students.
• …

Off-campus work

• Translation, interpretation: international students who have good foreign language skills and want to try their hand at translation. This job requires you to have professional knowledge and the ability to translate accurately and fluently. The salary for this position ranges from 20-30 USD/hour.
• Telephone operator: Ideal job for international students who have good communication skills and want to improve their foreign language skills. This job requires you to be able to listen, understand and solve customers' problems. The salary for this position is quite high, ranging from 15-20 USD/hour.
• Sales: Suitable for international students who love business and want to learn more about the US market. This job requires you to have the ability to communicate, persuade and advise customers. The salary for this position ranges from 10-15 USD/hour.
• Tour guide:  For international students who love to travel and want to introduce American culture and people to tourists. This job requires you to have knowledge of American history, culture, geography and good communication skills. The salary for this position ranges from 10-15 USD/hour.
• Work in restaurant, eatery
• …

Working part-time helps international students earn extra income to cover living expenses (Source: Internet)

Notes when working part-time while studying abroad in the US

International students need to note a few things after working part-time while studying in the US:

• Comply with US Immigration regulations: International students must strictly comply with US Immigration regulations on overtime work. Specifically, they cannot work more than 20 hours/week during school hours and there is no limit on working hours during summer vacation. If violated, international students may be deported from the US.
• Consider appropriate part-time work hours: International students should arrange their part-time work hours reasonably so as not to affect their studies and other activities.
• Ensuring safety and health when working: International students need to pay attention to safety and health when working.
• Research the company and the position thoroughly before applying: better preparation for the job can help avoid unwanted situations.
• Actively participate in extracurricular activities: Helps you relieve stress, expand relationships and gain experience.

Conclude

The above article has answered your question about whether international students in the US can work part-time? Working part-time while studying in the US is a popular choice for many international students. However, international students need to pay attention to comply with USCIS regulations on part-time work. In addition, you need to consider the appropriate working time so as not to affect your studies.