On-Campus vs Off-Campus Jobs in US Universities

Once we come to US as student, we all try to  find ways to support ourselves. We try not to ask parents for money either it is for fees or for expenses. Typically students do two kinds of Jobs. One is legal and other is illegal on F1 visa. Let me explain you the differences and what are those.

What is an On Campus Job ?  

As the name says, you work “On Campus ” and it is part time. There is a cap of 20 hrs per week if you are a full time international student and working beyond 20 hrs is against the rule. You can only work  for more than 20 hrs in Summer, when you are not taking any classes. Technically, if you are not enrolled in classes, you can work full time up to 40 hrs in summer term.

So, what kind of On campus jobs do you get to do ?

On campus jobs are typically jobs meant to support the University operations. Typically, jobs like working in library shelving books, working in Computer Labs taking care of printers, terminals, etc. Working in cafeterias, receptionist in an university’s offices, Admin kind of stuff in several offices like international students office or academic affairs office.  In fact, a decent size university would have quit a few of these on-campus jobs and you should be able to get one, if you search well. Working On-Campus is legal and allowed by immigration law.  Also, for some of these jobs you may get tuition waivers and it only depends on school and type of job.  Typically tuition fee waivers are common for  Teaching assistantship (TA), Graduate  Assistantships (GA) and Research assistantships. 

How much can you make in On-Campus  Job ? 

Well, it depends a lot on the state minimum wage that you are working in and the University classification for a job.  You can make anywhere from 7 to 12 dollars or more.  It amount per hour varies by state.  Imagine you get 7 USD per month, then on an average ( if you work 20 hrs ) per month 20 x 4 x 7 = $560.  

What are Off-Campus Jobs  ?

Unlike above, you do not work on campus. You work outside of campus. Anything that is not affiliated with University is called Off campus Job. Typically, it is ILLEGAL to work off campus if you are on F1 Visa, unless you get an exception and waiver from school for severe economic hardship.   It is not very uncommon for students to engage in some sort of off campus job because they do not have a choice to support themselves. You see students take this path, when they are having hard time finding jobs on campus and in need for money.  From Immigration perspective, if not approved by school, it is totally illegal and you can get into big trouble and even get deported.

What are the kinds of Off-campus  jobs ?

Typically, working in a Gas station as cashier and doing other work ( this is what people talk about students back in India, saying he was cleaning floor and stuff filling petrol ) , working in a Motel as front desk person to handle customers ( just like lodge in India working at front desk ), working in different stores in Malls, Working at restaurants ( Food is free, may people do this ) or anything like Mc Donald or Subways which are owned by Desis, Working in Desi stores, etc…

How much do you make Off Campus :

It all varies by negotiation and state minimum wage. As it is illegal to work without proper authorization from school, students are paid anywhere from 5 to 10 dollars. It depends on the type of job, it is up to your boss to decide. But, most of the times the owners are good and they pay around market rate. Some good students get carried away by the money they see in off campus and ruin their education. So, it has to be watched out carefully and not advised to work off campus.

Did you work on-campus or off-campus ? What has been your experience ?