Lectures & Work - International Students In America

Lectures in America is quite expensive. Second job can lighten some of the cost of living there. And also can add work experience and a plus for your CV, what needs to be known before a second job?

Can I Work?

Opportunity to work in America is big enough. However, the regulations set by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is very tight.

You need to have a F1 visa. With the visa, you are allowed to work 20 hours per week during the lecture, and the first-year students can only work in the campus, such as the staff at the bookstore, library, cafeteria and elsewhere on campus.

You also can work off campus, but the work should be a part of your lecture programs, for example internship or work placement.

First Year

F1 student visa only allows students to work 20 hours per week during the lecture, and the work should be in the campus. While it may sound very limited, you do not need to worry. Campus in America is very large, so there is quite a lot of job, be it in bookstores, cafes, stores, gyms, restaurants, offices and other campuses.

In the US, under 21 years of age are not allowed to drink alcohol, so if you are under 21 years old, you are not allowed to work in a bar or a job that handles alcohol.

After the First Year

After the first year, you can apply to USCIS to be able to work off-campus. Thus you wider employment opportunities.

Postgraduate students can work in a more focused on academic, as assistant lecturer or professor, or a research assistant for research and projects. To be able to work in this field, students must have a level of English language skills that high. The advantage of working in this field is the work experience can add experience and a plus for you, especially if you want to continue education at Doctorate or want to pursue a career in academia.

If you are experiencing financial difficulties to finish college, you can apply for a work permit.

Need to Attention

You should learn as much detail as possible the conditions of your visa and regulations regarding labor rights. American employers are not responsible for your visa. Therefore, be careful. You can confirm with the university's office before receiving a job.

How to Find Work?

University is the best place to start looking for work. If you find that the conditions of your visa has not been possible, the university can lead you to get a job internship or work experience that meets the requirements specified by your visa.

Besides the university, you can also try looking in newspapers, online sites like Craig's List.