The United States has always been famous as a country with quite expensive tuition fees in the world. Because of this, American students often look for part-time jobs to cover some of their tuition fees and monthly living expenses. So can American international students work part-time when studying in the US? What should international students pay attention to when working part-time in the US? What are some popular part-time jobs? Let's find out with IDP right through this article.

1. Can international students in the U.S. work part-time?

Based on the law issued by the U.S. government, when international students choose to study in the U.S., they must focus on the educational program they have chosen, not work no matter what job it is. However, in recent years, the US has gradually had more relaxed policies when allowing international students to work part-time within a certain framework.

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

  • You need to have an F1 or M1 U.S. student visa. However, for these forms of visas, you are only allowed to work part-time on campus and training programs are allowed.

  • Achieved A grades for 2 consecutive years and was granted a guarantee by the university's professor

  • If you are under 21 years old, you can only work part-time jobs at the school (on-campus)

  • If you are over 21 years old, you will be allowed to work part-time on and off campus through Optional practical training (OPT) and Curricular practical training (CPT) programs.

  • To work in the U.S., you need a Social Security Number (SSN). However, you can still apply for a job without an SSN and then use the job offer to get an SSN after you are hired.

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For more information about working in the U.S., visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

2. How much is the overtime salary in the US?

The U.S. has always been an ideal study-abroad destination for most international students thanks to its diverse job opportunities and extremely attractive salaries. On average, the minimum wage you can receive while working part-time in the U.S. is $7.25 per hour, and the salary can vary depending on the province you choose to study. For jobs that require higher skills, you can get paid more than $10 an hour.

3. Regulations on part-time work for U.S. international students

Violating the U.S. government's working rules can affect your study abroad process, and may even lead to your deportation. Therefore, you need to understand the following regulations before looking for a part-time job in the US:

3.1. What is an on-campus job?

What are on-campus jobs? Let's find out with IDP

Definition: These jobs you can do on campus or off-campus, but must be managed by the school you are attending. (For example, coffee shops, school bookstores..)

Application form: You need to submit your application about 30 days before you start work.

Once accepted by the designated school official (DSO), you will be issued an invitation letter to receive a social security number (SSN).

3.2. Regulations on overtime

For international students who are enrolled full-time and have a valid F-1 or M-1 visa, you are allowed to work on or off campus for up to 20 hours per week throughout your studies. In addition, you are allowed to work full-time during the summer vacation (provided you are enrolled in the next course).

However, if you choose to work part-time in the U.S. on campus, be aware that each school will have different policies on working hours for international students. So, check with the school representative to avoid unwanted troubles.

3.3. Regulations on tax policies

According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations, international students with a valid F-1 or M-1 visa do not need to pay employment taxes (FICA), but must pay both federal and state income taxes.

  • The Employment Tax (FICA) is a tax used to fund the U.S. Social Security and Medicare programs. International students with F-1 or M-1 visas are exempt from employment taxes because they are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States

  • Federal and state income taxes are taxes that are commonly used to fund the activities of the federal and state governments. International students with F-1 or M-1 visas must pay federal and state income taxes

  • For international students who have an F-1 or M-1 visa and are not working part-time in the U.S., they must complete a Form 8843 tax return. This form proves that the international student has no income in the U.S. and does not have to pay federal income taxes.

  • For international students who have an F-1 or M-1 visa and are currently employed in the U.S., they must complete a Form W-4 tax return. This form is used to determine the amount of tax that will be deducted from the international student's salary.

4. Part-time jobs for international students in the U.S.

On-campus jobs

  • Work at the library: You will serve as a librarian and assist with library-related tasks. The tasks you need to do can be mentioned such as: organizing books, assisting students or lecturers in finding documents, looking up books. These jobs can help you improve your customer service skills and build a profile for future work.

  • Research Assistant: This is an ideal job for those who are passionate about research and want to work in a laboratory. Your duties include searching for research information, assisting in conducting surveys and researching necessary information for lecturers and professors.

  • Teaching assistant: For those who want to pursue academics, you can try your hand at teaching assistantship. Ask the instructors if you want to do this job.

  • Tutors: Jobs for international students with a good knowledge base. The tutor's job includes tutoring other students.

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Serving at coffee shops or restaurants is a popular part-time job for international students in the U.S.

5. Notes when working part-time in the US

During the process of working part-time in the US, international students need to pay attention to the following:

International students need to strictly comply with the working time regulations of the US USCIS. Basically, you are not allowed to work more than 20 hours per week during your studies and are allowed to work indefinitely during the holidays.

Balance study and work time: Arrange your work time appropriately to ensure that your studies and extracurricular activities are not affected. At the same time, always ensure health and safety for yourself during the working process.

Don't forget to learn about the company and the location to be better prepared before starting work and at the same time limit unexpected things x

Hopefully, the above article has answered the question "Can American international students work part-time?". Part-time jobs when studying in the US are a popular choice for many international students, however, remember to balance work and study time so as not to affect your studies.

Plan to Study in the USA with IDP!

If you're looking to learn more about studying in the U.S., don't hesitate to contact IDP for a free consultation, and comprehensive support from applying for admission, tracking your progress, and receiving a confirmation letter from the school. With a team of experienced American study abroad consultants, IDP will help you choose a course that suits your strengths and orientation.

In particular, you will be able to practice the interview process and complete your profile study in the U.S. with a visa pass rate of up to 95% and be equipped with skills before going to study abroad. You can attend these Study Abroad Day or IDP events throughout the year to have a one-on-one conversation with school representatives, review applications on the spot, and search for a scholarship to study in the USA with a value of up to 100%.

Contact IDP to start your journey to study in the USA today!

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