Q: What jobs are allowed on top of on-campus employment as an International student?
I was wondering if anybody can provide legal and right information. I already have an on-campus job for around 16-17 hrs ($10/hr) which is too little to handle all the expenses. Are there any jobs I can legally do besides the on-campus jobs? I searched it on Google and it gave me a bunch of answers like freelancer, tutor, and all.
Please let me know whenever possible. Any help is appreciated.
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A:
Your options for additional work as an international student are limited by F-1 visa regulations, but there are some possibilities worth exploring.
During the academic year, you're generally restricted to 20 total hours of work per week, combining both on and off-campus employment. This means with your current 16-17 hours of on-campus work, you could potentially add 3-4 hours of authorized off-campus work. The main ways to work off-campus legally include Curricular Practical Training (CPT) related to your field of study, Optional Practical Training (OPT), or work authorization due to severe economic hardship.
Before taking on any additional work, you should consult with your school's international student office about applying for economic hardship authorization through USCIS, as this could allow you to work off-campus legally. Meanwhile, consider asking your current on-campus employer about opportunities for higher-paying positions or speaking with other campus departments about available work. Remember that unauthorized employment can seriously impact your immigration status, so it's crucial to follow proper procedures and maintain compliance with visa regulations.
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