Pursuing higher education in the United States is a dream for many international students, but managing tuition and living expenses poses a significant challenge.

While side hustles may seem like a quick fix, students must remain within the legal limits of their visa status. Fortunately, there are several legitimate and rewarding ways to earn extra income while studying, without risking immigration status or academic progress. “By choosing authorised side hustles, students not only support themselves but also build skills and connections that will serve them for a lifetime,” says Sonal Kapoor, Global Chief Business Officer at Prodigy Finance, a company which offers student loans that cover the full cost of attendance, including tuition and living expenses.

According to Kapoor, as per the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), several student-friendly work options are legally available under F-1 visa regulations. Among them:

1. On-Campus Employment

Students can work up to 20 hours per week during academic terms (full-time during breaks) in roles such as:

• Library or lab assistants
• Campus bookstore staff
• Teaching or research assistants
• Administrative support in university departments

2. Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

CPT allows students to gain work experience directly related to their major. It must be approved and authorized by the university and can include:

• Internships
• Cooperative education programs
• Part-time or full-time jobs tied to the curriculum

3. Optional Practical Training (OPT)

OPT provides additional work experience opportunities either during or after graduation in a student’s field of study.

• Standard OPT: Up to 12 months of work authorization
• STEM OPT Extension: Additional 24 months for eligible science, technology, engineering, and mathematics graduates

4. Remote and Online Work

When authorized under on-campus, CPT, or OPT programs, students may also work in approved remote roles such as:

• Virtual assistants for university departments
• Online tutors for campus programs
• Content creators for university platforms

Earning Passive Income

Students can also explore legal passive income streams, including:

• Interest from savings accounts
• Dividends from approved investment portfolios
• Royalties from self-published books, blogs, or other intellectual property

Note: Passive income sources must not require active work or violate visa conditions.

Staying Compliant and Informed

Engaging in unauthorised off-campus work or cash-based gigs can result in serious consequences, including visa revocation. To ensure compliance:

• Always consult the university’s Designated School Official (DSO) before accepting any form of employment
• Understand and follow the specific rules related to F-1 visa employment

“From on-campus jobs to structured training programs and passive income, there are multiple legal ways for students to support themselves and gain valuable experience during their academic journey in the United States,” says Kapoor.

Also read: Thousands of student visa appointments available across Mission in India: US Embassy