How to Earn During Study in US

Study in USA Overview Why USA Months of Admissions Cost of study Grading system of US Best Universities Eligibility Admission procedure MBA @ USA Masters Degree Under Graduate Degree Student visa Travel during holidays Arriving at the University Accommodation Living Expenses Important Information Health in US Checklist Before Departure Financial Assistance Employment Important Links Contacts

Current immigration regulations permit international students to work only part-time — up to 20 hours per week — and only on campus during their first year of study. By working 10 to 15 hours a week, you could earn enough to pay for incidentals such as books, clothing, and personal expenses, but your campus job cannot pay your major expenses, such as tuition or room and board. This income also cannot be used as a source of income for any official financial statements. Campus jobs may include working at the university's cafeteria, bookstore, library, or health club, or within the university's administrative offices.

On campus jobs also include teaching assistantship or research assistantship where in a student can earn a $7 to $10 per hour i.e. around $ 500 - $600 per month or can get a waiver in tuition fees. With this, a student can also do internship in the related field which may or may not be with pay. On completion of the course student is allowed to work for 1 yr. popularly known as OPT (optional practical training). On completion of the 1yr OPT, a student can later apply for work on a HI B visa (work permit visa).

After the first year, you can also apply for employment as a resident assistant (RA) in a university dormitory. RAs serve as the first point of contact for students needing assistance or who have queries regarding dorm life. In return, RAs receive free accommodation and sometimes a small salary and/or meal plan.

Under current regulations, after your first year of study, you may apply to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) for permission to work off campus for up to 20 hours a week. You should note, however, that there is no guarantee that this request will be granted. If you are married and are in the United States on an F-1 student visa (see chapter 11), your spouse does not have permission to work. However, if you are in the United States on a J-1 student visa, your spouse is allowed to request a temporary work permit.

INDUSTRY

USA has one of the strongest economies in the world. The vast majority of Americans derive the majority of their income form occupational earnings. In the United States, the highest earning occupational groups are the white collar professionals including management, physicians, mathematicians, financial managers, software publishers, computer engineers. hospitality, etc. USA has also been on the forefront in the telecom, medicine, health care, genetics, etc.