On-Campus Employment
One of the most popular choices for international students is working on campus. One can opt to work in cafeterias, computer centres, libraries, university offices (as a receptionist) etc. One could also work as a research assistant or teaching assistant. One can work up to 20 hours per week during the school session.
International students can also work full-time on-campus during holidays and vacation. On campus jobs can help one earn anywhere between 7 and 12 dollars an hour, depending on the kind of work.
Do keep in mind that if you have an F1 visa, you are not allowed to work off campus as it is illegal and can have severe consequences.
Off-Campus Employment
Anything not affiliated with a university is called an off-campus job. To be eligible for off-campus jobs, one must have completed their first academic year. It is illegal for F1 visa holders to work off campus. However, under exceptional circumstances, like a severe financial crunch, one can work only if given an exceptional waiver by the school.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
This is a temporary employment authorization for F1 visa non-immigrant foreign students in the United States while they are enrolled in a college-level degree programme. The maximum number of CPT authorisations for any student is three per degree programme.
CPT must be completed before graduation. It can be done part-time (20 hours or less a week) or full-time (20 hours or more a week). Do be mindful of the fact that if you work full-time for 12 months in CPT, you will stand ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
This programme allows international students in the United States to work temporarily up to 12 months.
During the OPT period authorisation, a student should be working or actively seeking employment. There are limits to what jobs count as employment and to the number of days you may remain unemployed.