Is part-time work allowed while studying in the USA?

Thinking about enrolling in an American college, but I’ll need to work part-time to support myself. Are there restrictions on international students working while studying in the States?

Yes, there are certain restrictions on international students working while studying in the United States. The U.S. government allows F-1 visa students to work, but with specific limitations to maintain their visa status.

During the first academic year, international students are typically only allowed to work on-campus. Jobs can be in any on-campus department that offers student employment and can range from cafeteria work to assisting with research projects under your professor. It's important to note that the total work hours should not exceed 20 hours per week during the school term to maintain your visa status. During breaks, however, students are allowed to work full-time on campus.

After the first year, several off-campus employment opportunities open up for international students, such as Practical Training. Practical training is a term used to refer to employment related to a student's field of study. It allows you to gain real-world experience in your field. There are two types of practical training: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT).

CPT is work authorization for a training program that is directly related to your major and is an integral part of your school’s established curriculum. It can be part-time (20 hours or less per week) or full-time (more than 20 hours per week).

OPT, on the other hand, can be pre-completion (used before your graduate), which can be either full or part-time, or post-completion, which allows you to work full-time (up to a maximum of 12 months) after you've completed your studies.

Bear in mind that any off-campus employment must be related to your area of study and must be authorized prior to starting any work by the Designated School Official (the person who maintains and manages the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, or SEVIS) and USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services).

As always, it's crucial to remain informed of the regulations and always stay in sync with your school's international office or DSO to maintain your visa status. You should always prioritize your academic responsibilities. Working can certainly help with expenses, but it should not hinder your main goal of successfully completing your studies.