How to Find an On-Campus Job on F1 Visa

You’ve finally landed in the US, and you may be excited and a bit anxious about starting your studies. 

But the stress of the loan you’ve taken back home has already begun eating away at your mind. The reality of high living expenses in the US has struck you hard. Most things seem expensive and not affordable. You’re still converting dollars to rupees, and even a $2 coffee seems costly. Forget about going out with your friends for an entire evening, where you may end up spending upwards of $40-$50. But you have a plan. Like most international students, you’re hoping to find an on-campus job to manage these costs and at least cover your living expenses. You’ll realize soon enough that almost every other international student in your college had the same plan. 

In this blog post, we will:

• State the types of on-campus jobs

• Discuss the rules about on-campus employment

• Highlight the benefits of on-campus jobs 

• Mention the best places to find on-campus jobs

• Discuss the application process for such jobs

• Share some tips for a successful application
  

Let us begin by sharing information about the types of on-campus jobs you can apply for as an F1 student visa holder.

You can only work on the university premises, unless you manage to secure a job at an off-campus location where your employer is educationally affiliated to your university. In this case, your employer and your university would already be partnered via a contract. Also, it will help to know that you can start working 30 days before your course begins. This gives you a chance to begin earning extra money a month earlier. 

Don’t work illegally for cash jobs. The authorities have become quite aware of these things, and there are regular crackdowns at such places. They are even checking students' phones at airports, and if any conversations about cash jobs are found on your phones, you’ll be deported immediately. There has been a spike in such cases over the past year, and therefore, it’s better not to break any such laws. 

Now that we’ve discussed that, here are some on-campus jobs that you can apply for.

• University bookstore.

• University cafeteria.

• Resident advisor in dorms.

• Research assistant.

• University’s stadium or sports facilities.
  

Note that some universities also offer on-campus jobs for roles such as office assistants, IT desk support agents, gym attendants, event coordinators, or campus guides. Now, these jobs clearly vary in their duties, but they still have the same rules. For example, regardless of which on-campus job you get hired for, you can only work 20 hours per week. 

But you can work full-time if the university’s academic activities are inactive. You can also work full-time during breaks like summer vacations. Full-time working conditions mean you can work up to 40 hours weekly!

Another key point is that your employment should not displace any US citizen from their employment. This rule is in the best interest of the country’s citizens. And here are some additional rules you must know about:

• You should have a Social Security Number

• You must maintain full-time enrollment in your course

• Your duties must directly assist fellow students
  

Let’s see what benefits on-campus jobs have for international students studying in the US.

Beyond just earning money to keep up with daily expenses and pay off your loan, these jobs offer flexible hours as per your academic schedule. What’s good to know is that they’re also located on campus for convenience and offer valuable US work experience at the same time. Over and above this, participating in the American workplace culture lets you improve your language skills and even grow your professional network right on the campus premises. And yes, these jobs will most definitely help you when it’s time to look for summer internships. We'd like to highlight some add-on benefits that make such on-campus jobs highly in demand:

• Developing new skills becomes a part of your day

• Collecting references and recommendations for future jobs and admissions becomes easier

Let’s now teach you how to find and secure these on-campus jobs! Well, knowing where to look for these jobs is half the battle. Your first stop should be the university career center. They offer job listings and resources specifically for students looking to earn some income. Next, don’t forget to stroll around departmental boards as well. You will come across requirements for lab assistants, research aides, or administrative help. And lastly, regularly browse your university’s online job board since it’s usually updated with new opportunities. Use “On-campus jobs” as a keyword. These are the three primary spaces that your classmates will be scanning as well. But we've got some extra suggestions for you to stay one step ahead of your coursemates.

1. Build relationships with professors and academic advisors

2. Join student unions and organizations

3. Enquire with the on-campus recreational centers

4. Check with the student housing department 

5. Ask administrative offices like the department of Admissions, Student Affairs, or International Student Services
   

You never know when a cold lead may turn into something beneficial that may not just help you monetarily, but also in the long run, regularly earning an easy 160 to 300 dollars a week.

Either way, you're going to need to go through the application process once you find a job you’d like to apply for. 

Start by preparing your resume and cover letter, and highlight your relevant strengths and experiences based on the role you’re applying to. Apart from that, the application process is pretty straightforward. 

Step 1 requires you to get a letter of approval from your employer if your interview goes well.

Step 2 requires you to tell your designated school official, commonly called DSO, about your intent and desire to work.

Step 3 requires you to get another letter of approval, but this time from your DSO.

Step 4 is when you submit these letters of approval to your local Social Security Administration office to apply for a Social Security Number.

You can now legally start your on-campus job and also earn some money from it.

We’d like to end this video by sharing some tips to increase your chances of being hired.

First and foremost, start your search early. Ideally, begin searching a month before your course begins. Secondly, leverage your academic strengths. You can do this by demonstrating your theoretical knowledge about the role you’re applying for. Thirdly, emphasize your transferable skills. Whether it’s teamwork, problem-solving, or leadership, do let your employer know how these traits helped you in previous jobs.

Also, don’t be shy to interact with department staff and professors. Don’t only be a listener but also ask insightful questions that prove your interest. Maintaining good relations can go a long way in securing on-campus jobs. And yes, we also encourage you to take the follow-up culture seriously. Keep a record of where and when you’ve applied and take any necessary follow-up actions. And don’t be disappointed if you face rejection. Something good will turn up eventually. 

And remember, if things aren’t going your way today, it’s Ok, Yaar. They soon will.