Can Indian Students Work During Studies in the US

Indians make up about 20% of the international students pursuing higher education in the US. If you are an Indian student studying in the US, then it’s quite likely that you’ll find the education expenses and overall cost of living highly expensive and possibly out of your budget.

However, if you choose to work part-time alongside studying in the US, you will not only be able to manage the expenses easily but also gain some much-needed work experience in the country. If you are studying in the US or are considering doing so, this article will help you understand the key aspects of working while studying in the US for international students.

What Is F1 Student Visa?

An F1 student visa is a non-immigrant visa that enables international students to enter, live, and study in the US at institutions authorized by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). You can apply for it after an accredited US institution accepts you, and it is among the most popular forms of student visa. You need an F1 or M1 student visa to work part-time with a US student visa.

How Can Indian Students Work in the US While Studying?

Indians pursuing their first academic year in the US must remember that international students aren’t allowed to work off campus unless they’ve completed their first year. Nevertheless, international first-year students intending to work on-campus while studying in the US must adhere to the following set of on-campus employment rules:

•  Students holding valid F1 can work on campus under specific training programs.  People with M1 student visas can apply for a work permit of up to 6 months.
•  All international students are prohibited from working off-campus during their first academic year.
•  First-year international students can work up to twenty hours a week on campus while the school session is in progress.
•  The students can work full-time in their workplace during holidays and vacations if they have registered themselves for the upcoming year.
•  Any on-campus employment position should not displace a US resident’s job.

Typically, on-campus jobs for students include working in the library, cafeteria, campus tech support, university bookstore, and other student-oriented roles. Additionally, overseas students can often find work as teachers’ assistants, research assistants, tutors, etc.

Work Study Program for International Students in the USA

After completing their first year, overseas students can get work off campus under the following work programs while simultaneously continuing their studies:

•  Optional Practical Training (OPT): This temporary employment allows international students with an F1 visa to work in their major area of study for up to 1 year. Students can work before and after they have completed their studies with OPT authorization.
•  Curricular Practical Training (CPT): This program enables international students with an F1 visa to get work experience relevant to their field of study through paid internships, cooperative education, and employment training programs for a specified period. 
•  Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM): The STEM OPT Extension is a work study program in the USA that allows a 24-month extension for students with OPT permits, subject to certain eligibility requirements.

Off-Campus Employment Rules for International Students

While Indian students who’ve completed their 1st academic year have more opportunities to gain relevant work experience, their off-campus employment is also subject to stricter regulations. The rules for part-time off-campus employment include the following:

• The student should have a valid F1 visa.
•  Students working off-campus should have the appropriate CPT or OPT authorization to work in a job relevant to their major field of study.
•  Students facing severe financial difficulties can work off campus if they can provide proof of the same.

Conclusion

Academic institutions, student unions, and university departments can often help students learn about on-campus jobs and any upcoming work study program for international students in the USA. Remember that it is not difficult to work and study in the USA for Indian students. However, you are restricted by your visa in the roles you can apply to, and you must strictly abide by the rules to continue studying and working.

Want more information on the best opportunities to work and study in the USA for Indian students? Contact our team at Imperial Overseas Education Consultants to learn more about the best ways how Indian students can work and study in the USA. We are a one-stop shop for studying abroad and can help you get the best possible experience of studying in the USA. We can help you discover the best work study programs in the USA today!

Get in touch with us!