From Internships to Full-time Jobs: How to Secure Employment while Studying in the USA

International students on study visas in the USA are allowed to work during the ongoing semester for up to twenty hours every week

Students are prohibited from working off-campus during the first year of their course

During the holidays or vacation breaks, they can work full-time

Fees and living costs at top US universities can reach up to $ 90,000 per year but this can vary based on the chosen course or university. Being an international student in the US requires keeping an eye on budgeting and financial planning to thrive in a foreign environment. The good news is that your F-1 visa allows you to work part-time. Working alongside your degree programme can help you with your day-to-day finances. Aside from the financial benefits, working part-time allows you to gain important work experience that can help you secure a full-time job once you’ve graduated.

"The ability to work part-time is a game-changer. It allows students to focus on their studies while gaining valuable work experience. For students who may need additional financial support, Prodigy Finance offers loans that cover the complete cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses,” says Sonal Kapoor, Global Chief Commercial Officer at Prodigy Finance.

However, there are some rules and regulations to be followed for working legally on a student visa in the US:

On-campus employment: F-1 and J-1 visa students can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during school breaks. This includes jobs at the university bookstore, cafeteria, library, etc.

Off-campus employment: After completing at least one academic year, F-1 students may be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work off-campus in their field of study. This requires approval from the school's designated school official (DSO).

Steps You Can Take to Secure a Job on a Student Visa

If you are looking to get a job while studying in the USA as an international student, here are a few things to get you started:

Contact your DSO for guidance: Your DSO (designated school official) can help you apply for a Social Security Number, which is required for employment, and ensure you maintain legal visa status while working.

Networking: Building a professional network is essential in the job search process. Attend career fairs, and join student organisations. Connect with your peers, faculty, and alumni and let them know you are looking for a job. You will be amazed by what a genuine conversation can achieve.

Online Job Search: Utilise job search websites and online platforms to find part-time job listings. Websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and university-specific job boards are valuable resources. Many employers also advertise on-campus and off-campus positions on their websites.

Local Businesses: Explore local businesses near your university or accommodation that may be open to hiring international students. Be aware of the rules and regulations regarding employee rights, minimum wage, tax deductions, and contracts.

It is never too soon to start looking for a job opportunity. With some planning and persistence, international students can find rewarding jobs to support themselves and gain valuable work experience in the US. Taking out an education loan can help you manage your finances. Prodigy Finance loans can cover the complete cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses, allowing students to focus on their studies without financial worries.

About Prodigy Finance

Founded in 2007, Prodigy Finance is an international student lender that has helped over 40,613 international masters students attend the world’s top universities. To date, Prodigy has disbursed over $2.09b in funding to students from more than 150 countries.

Prodigy Finance is fuelled by impact investors and other private qualified entities who invest in tomorrow's leaders while earning a financial and social return. Prodigy’s borderless lending model enables students to apply for a loan based on their future earning potential and not just their current circumstances and credit history.