Best Part-Time Jobs for F-1 Students in California
Key Takeaway:
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Did you know that there were over 1.1 million international students in the United States?
If you are one of them studying in California, you might be wondering how to gain work experience and earn extra income—all while keeping up with your studies and staying within your F-1 visa regulations.
However, finding a part-time job as an international student can be tough. The job market is saturated, and even you are facing the added challenges of needing to comply with complex F-1 visa regulations. You may feel like you are running out of time. But the good news is that you can do it with the right approach.
Here we will cover :
- Types of jobs for F-1 students in California
- How to legally work in California as an international student
- Examples of popular part-time roles
- Tips to successfully find a job
By the time you finish reading, you will be equipped with the knowledge to secure a part-time job.
What Are F-1 Student Work Regulations?
Basic Rule
F-1 visa holders are limited in how and where they can work during their studies.
On-Campus vs. Off-Campus
On-campus employment is the most accessible option for an F-1 student. It is permitted from day one, up to 20 hours per week during the academic term. Off-campus work is allowed only after completing one full-academic year of study and requires special authorization (CPT, OPT, or economic hardship permission). California offers lots of opportunities for internships, including technology internships in Silicon Valley and clinical research roles in biotech companies. For example, tech companies like Google and Apple offer internships through CPT programs:
Apple: Approximately $45.59 per hour.
Google: Approx $43 to $45 per hour
NOTE: The pay per hour depends on the role, such as software engineering or AI research.
20-Hour Limit
During the academic sessions, you are allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week while classes are in session. Exceeding this limit or working without authorization is a violation of your F-1 status. During official school breaks (e.g., summer, winter vacation), you may work full-time on campus without any restrictions. You can learn more about the F-1 visa work hour rules in detail from the guide F-1 visa working hour restrictions.
Maintain Status
You must be enrolled as a full-time student (typically 12+ credit hours per semester for undergraduate students, and 9 credit hours for graduate students) while working. You will lose your eligibility to work if you drop below full-time enrollment without prior approval. Your Designated School Official (DSO)– the advisor in your international student office is the primary point of contact to approve and guide any employment related to your F-1 visa.
Social Security Number
You will need a Social Security Number (SSN) to receive wages in the U.S. International students can apply for an SSN after they receive a job offer. You may need to provide proof of employment and legal status. Your DSO and employer will help you with providing the necessary documentation to support your SSN application.
On-Campus Employment Options in California
What Counts as On-Campus
On-campus jobs are the most accessible for F-1 students. You can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and more during school breaks. Some of the best jobs are:
- Graduate research assistants (GRAs) and teaching assistants ( earn approx $17 to $45 per hour)
- Undergraduate research assistants (earn $16.50 to $24 per hour, depending on the complexity of the work)
- Library assistants (earn $14.06 per hour).
Why is it Great
On-campus jobs are easiest for F-1 students because you do not need USCIS approval. Your visa inherently allows it as long as you are in good standing. According to UCLA’s International Student Office, these positions are considered part of your student status (“incident to status”) and are thus immediately available when you start school.
Hours and Conditions
Work up to 20 hours/week while classes are in session. You can work more (full-time) during summer or winter break if you are not taking classes. You must stop working on campus if you graduate, transfer, or otherwise lose your F-1 status.
Finding On-Campus Jobs
- Check your university’s job portal.
- Visit places like the campus library or departments and ask about openings.
- Network with professors to get help landing assistantships.
- Apply early, as on-campus positions can be competitive.
Example Roles:
- Library Assistant: Manage the circulation desk and help students find materials.
- Dining Hall Staff: Serve food, handle cash registers. It is often flexible for student schedules.
- Campus Tour Guide: Work with admissions to give tours to prospective students (improve communication skills).
- Lab or Research Assistant: Help professors with research projects.
Off-Campus Employment Opportunities (CPT & OPT)
After completing one academic year at an SEVP-certified school, F-1 students can work off campus if the job is related to their field of study. Before working off campus, students must get permission from their Designated School Official and sometimes from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to follow visa rules.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
It is a permission to work as part of your studies. It can be:
- Internships
- Co-op programs
- Practicum courses
The job must be related to your major, and you may need to take an internship class to earn academic credit.
When/How to Apply
- You can use CPT after 1 year of full-time study ( graduate students in programs requiring immediate training can get exceptions).
- Your DSO will need to approve CPT and will update your Form I-20 with the employer info nd CPT dates.
- No separate USCIS application is needed, but you must have an offer in hand.
Duration and Hours
CPT can be part-time up to 20 hours a week while classes are in session. It can be full-time, more than 20 hours during the summer, or after finishing classes. If you work full-time CPT for 12 months, you cannot apply for OPT later. Many students choose part-time CPT to keep OPT for future use.
Example: Suppose you are a computer science student at a California university. You might do a CPT internship at a tech company in Silicon Valley during the summer. This gives you industry experience while you are still in school. It is also legal under your F-1 visa with CPT authorization.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT lets you work in a job related to your major for a short time. Most students use it after graduation to work full-time in the U.S. for up to 12 months. You can also do part-time OPT while studying, but it counts toward the same 12-month total.
How To Apply
OPT needs an application to USCIS. You will have to:
- File Form I-765 online
- Pay a fee
- Wait for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
Your DSO needs to recommend you in SEVIS and endorse your I-20 for OPT. Then USCIS approves and issues the card. This process can take a few months. Plan ahead (apply 90 days before you need to start work, if possible).
When to Use It
Most students use OPT after graduation to work in the U.S. for one year. Students in STEM majors can extend OPT for 24 more months for a total of 36 months of work. During the OPT, you can work for any employer in your field, anywhere in the U.S., including California’s many companies. During OPT, you can work for any employer in your field anywhere in the U.S. The job does not need school credit.
Key Rules
You must start OPT after being enrolled for one year (you can apply earlier, but the work begins after a year). For post-completion OPT, you cannot be unemployed for more than 90 days during that period. Report your employment to your DSO while on OPT to keep your SEVIS record updated.
Best Part-Time Job Ideas for F-1 International Students in California
Campus Academic Positions
Roles like Teaching Assistant (TA), Graduate Research Assistant, Grader, or Tutor. These often pay a stipend or an hourly wage. These roles are great for building academic and professional skills.
| Tip: California universities have many research labs and large classes. They frequently need TAs and assistants. |
Library and Office Jobs
Work at:
- Library
- Admissions office
- Academic department office
These are typically on-campus and involve administrative or customer-service tasks. They help you develop communication skills and meet lots of people on campus.
Dining and Retail on Campus
Jobs at the:
- Student cafeteria
- Coffee shop
- Bookstore
Many F-1 students start here because the hiring is often continuous. California campuses with large student populations have multiple dining outlets and stores. The pay might be minimum wage, but the schedule is tailored for students.
Peer Tutor or Mentor
You can become a tutor for other students or an ESL tutor if you are strong in English.
Internships in Tech and Business
California’s economy (especially Silicon Valley, San Francisco, and Los Angeles) offers internships at tech companies, startups, and corporations. You can intern at companies like Google, Salesforce, or local startups via CPT. These internships are often well-paid and highly relevant to your studies.
Off-Campus Part-Time Roles (with authorization)
Some students find part-time roles such as:
Customer Service Associate
E.g., in retail stores or cafes off-campus.
Freelance Campus Ambassador
Companies sometimes hire students part-time to promote products on college campuses.
Language Instructor
If you are fluent in a second language or in English, you might find part-time work teaching a language.
High Paying Niche Examples
Here are some high-paying student jobs for F-1 visa holders in California:
Private Tutoring
F-1 students who are academically strong and fluent in communication skills can earn approximately. $23.94 per hour tutoring subjects like math, science, and test preparation.
Admissions Essay Reviewer
Some universities or private counseling companies hire part-time readers to evaluate applications or essays.
Bilingual Customer Service or Sales
California has companies seeking bilingual speakers for part-time roles. An F-1 student fluent in another language might leverage CPT to work in an insurance agency or bank that serves that language community.
Campus IT Support
If you have tech skills, working for the campus IT department or computer lab can offer relatively higher pay than other campus jobs.
How to Find Part-Time Jobs as an International Student
- Start with the University Career Center or an online job portal.
- Tap into your professors, advisors, and student clubs.
- Use online job boards.
- Attend on-campus job fairs.
- Leverage social media and alumni.
Important Tips To Maintain Your F-1 Status While Working
- Do not work off campus without proper authorization.
- Always check with your DSO if a job opportunity is allowed for you.
- Ensure your I-20 reflects any CPT authorization (with start/end dates and employer info).
- Apply for a Social Security Number as soon as you get a job offer.
- Don’t drop below the required course load because of a job.
- Talk to an advisor if work is impacting your grades or time.
Conclusion
You do have opportunities for part-time jobs as an F-1 student in California. The key is to follow the rules: stick to on-campus or authorized programs like CPT/OPT, and never work without permission. Also, it is important to improve your communication and understanding of F-1 visa rules. AF International School of Languages helps international students strengthen their English, understand F-1 visa regulations, and prepare for authorized work and study opportunities in the U.S. We offer SEVP-certified programs and provide valuable guidance on visa compliance and employment readiness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are F-1 students legally allowed to work in the U.S.?
F-1 students can work on campus up to 20 hours/week without permission. Off-campus work requires prior approval through CPT, OPT, or economic hardship. Unauthorized off-campus employment can jeopardize your visa status.
2. How can F-1 students make money while studying?
F-1 students can earn money through on-campus jobs, CPT internships, and OPT employment. Some also receive stipends via scholarships or assistantships. Unauthorized off-campus work, like freelancing or driving for Uber, is not permitted under F-1 visa rules.
3. What is the “5-month rule” for F-1 students?
The “5-month rule” means F-1 students risk losing status if absent from studies for 5+ months. For OPT, unemployment beyond 90 days (or 150 for STEM OPT) can jeopardize status. Avoid gaps in enrollment or OPT to maintain F-1 benefits.
4. How many hours can an F-1 student work per week?
During the academic term, F-1 students can work up to 20 hours/week (on-campus or authorized off-campus). Full-time work is allowed during breaks. Pre-completion OPT is also limited to 20 hours/week, while post-completion OPT allows full-time employment.
5. Can F-1 students get a job easily?
F-1 students can get jobs, but it requires effort and knowledge of the rules. On-campus jobs are easiest, while off-campus work via CPT/OPT needs approval. Proactive searching and persistence are key.
6. Can F-1 students do remote jobs or freelancing?
F-1 students can’t take paid remote work for U.S. companies without authorization (CPT/OPT). Freelancing for foreign companies may be allowed, but consult your DSO to avoid violating visa rules.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. F-1 students should always confirm employment eligibility and authorization procedures with their Designated School Official (DSO) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Zihan Gao
Academic Advisor & International Student Admissions Specialist
AF International School of Languages
