Studying in US? Here are expert-backed side hustles that don't risk your visa
Living and studying in the US has never been cheap. With tuition fees rising and rent shooting through the roof in college towns, many international students, especially from countries like India, are on the lookout for ways to make extra cash.But there's a catch. Students on F-1 visas are only allowed to work under specific conditions. In fact, in the past year, there's been a growing crackdown on unauthorised student work. Immigration authorities have been more alert than ever, especially with the spike in remote and gig jobs.That's why it's now more important than ever to understand what kinds of jobs and side hustles are legal for international students in the US -- and which ones could get you into serious trouble.THE EASIEST LEGAL OPTION: ON-CAMPUS JOBAccording to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the safest route is on-campus work. Students can work up to 20 hours a week while school is in session and full-time during holidays.Some popular on-campus roles include:Library or lab assistantsBookstore staffAdministrative support in departmentsTeaching or research assistantsThese roles not only pay but can also help students get familiar with campus life and build networks.
WANT INTERNSHIPS OR CAREER EXPERIENCE? GO FOR CPT OR OPTFor off-campus, career-focused experience, F-1 students can explore:Curricular Practical Training (CPT): This is often part of a course requirement. CPT lets you do paid internships or part-time work related to your major. You'll need university approval.Optional Practical Training (OPT): This is a bigger opportunity -- students can work for up to 12 months (or 36 months for STEM graduates) in a role related to their field of study. OPT can be done before or after graduation.PASSIVE INCOME: YES, BUT WITH BOUNDARIESSome remote or online jobs are permitted under CPT, OPT, or on-campus authorisation, such as:Virtual assistant for university departmentsOnline tutoring for campus programmesContent creation for university platformsA few other types of passive income also don't break visa rules. For example:Earnings from savings account interestDividends from legal investmentsRoyalties from books, music, or academic contentHowever, any activity that involves "active work" -- like freelancing or rideshare driving -- is a strict no. Even cash-based gigs like babysitting or tutoring without formal university approval are off-limits.
WHAT TO AVOID AT ALL COSTSIt might be tempting to pick up an under-the-table job or do freelance gigs online. But working without proper authorisation can lead to visa cancellation, deportation, or future entry bans.Before accepting any job, international students should speak to their Designated School Official (DSO), who will guide them on what's allowed.HOW TO BALANCE STUDIES AND WORK LEGALLYThousands of international students manage part-time work and academics successfully every year -- legally. The key is to plan ahead, understand the rules, and take help from university career services.If money is tight, students can also explore education loans that cover living expenses, so there's no pressure to find illegal gigs.Being in a new country is tough. But staying informed about legal options makes the journey a lot smoother -- and safer.(With inputs from Prodigy Finance)
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