📚 Pathways for US International Students to Alleviate Financial Burden via Part-Time Employment | 美国留学生通过兼职减轻经济负担的途径
As an international student in the United States, managing tuition fees and living expenses can be challenging. Many students seek part-time work to ease financial stress while remaining compliant with visa regulations.
作为在美国的国际学生，管理学费和生活费可能是一项挑战。许多学生寻求兼职工作以减轻经济压力，同时需遵守签证规定。
1. Understanding F-1 Work Restrictions | 了解 F-1 签证的工作限制
International students on an F-1 visa face strict work rules. Generally, during the first academic year, you are only permitted to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session, and full-time during breaks. Off-campus work is prohibited unless authorized through specific programs like CPT or OPT, or based on severe economic hardship.
持有 F-1 签证的国际学生需遵守严格的工作规定。通常，在第一学年，你只允许在校内工作，学期中每周不超过 20 小时，假期可全职。除非通过 CPT 或 OPT 等特定项目授权，或因严重经济困难获得特许，否则禁止校外工作。
Violating these rules can lead to loss of legal status and deportation. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the legal avenues available for part-time employment.
违反这些规定可能导致失去合法身份并被驱逐出境。因此，理解合法的兼职就业途径至关重要。
2. On-Campus Employment Opportunities | 校内工作机会
On-campus jobs are the most accessible option for F-1 students. These positions include library assistant, dining hall worker, administrative clerk, research assistant, or tutor. They are convenient because they require no additional authorization beyond your I-20 and are located within the university.
校内工作对 F-1 学生来说是最容易获得的选择。这些职位包括图书馆助理、食堂员工、行政文员、研究助理或辅导员。它们方便，因为除 I-20 表格外无需额外授权，且位于校园内。
The table below highlights typical on-campus job types and their average hourly wages.
下表列出了典型的校内工作类型及其平均时薪。
| Job Type | Description | Average Hourly Wage (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Library Assistant | Shelving books, helping at front desk | $12 – $15 |
| Dining Services | Serving food, cleaning tables | $13 – $16 |
| Administrative Aide | Clerical work, data entry | $14 – $18 |
| Research Assistant | Assisting faculty with research | $15 – $25 |
| Tutor / Peer Mentor | Helping other students in subjects | $15 – $20 |
Most universities have an online career portal where you can search for on-campus jobs. Apply early and tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills.
大多数大学有在线职业门户网站，您可以搜索校内工作。尽早申请并量身定制简历，突出相关技能。
3. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) | 课程实习训练 (CPT)
CPT allows F-1 students to participate in off-campus employment that is an integral part of their curriculum, such as internships, cooperative education, or practicum. You must receive authorization from your Designated School Official (DSO) and the work must be directly related to your major.
CPT 允许 F-1 学生参加作为课程组成部分的校外工作，如实习、合作教育或实践。你必须获得指定学校官员 (DSO) 的授权，且工作必须与专业直接相关。
One significant advantage is that CPT can be part-time (20 hours or less) during the semester and full-time during breaks. It can provide substantial income and practical experience.
一个显著的优势是 CPT 可以在学期中兼职 (20 小时或以下)，假期可全职。它能带来可观的收入和实际经验。
However, using 12 months or more of full-time CPT makes you ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) at the same degree level, so plan strategically.
但是，使用 12 个月或更长的全职 CPT 将使您没有资格在相同学位层次申请选择性实习训练 (OPT)，因此需策略性规划。
4. Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Pre-Completion OPT | 选择性实习训练 (OPT) 与毕业前 OPT
OPT provides temporary employment authorization for F-1 students to work in jobs directly related to their major. There are two types: Pre-completion OPT (before graduation) and Post-completion OPT (after graduation). Pre-completion OPT can be used for part-time work while still in school, allowing up to 20 hours per week during the semester.
OPT 为 F-1 学生提供临时的工作授权，从事与专业直接相关的工作。有两种类型：毕业前 OPT (毕业前) 和毕业后 OPT (毕业后)。毕业前 OPT 可在校期间用于兼职，学期中每周最多 20 小时。
While post-completion OPT is the more common route, using pre-completion OPT can help alleviate financial burdens before finishing your degree. Any time used pre-completion is deducted from the total 12-month OPT allowance.
尽管毕业后 OPT 更为常见，使用毕业前 OPT 可以在完成学位前帮助减轻经济负担。任何毕业前使用的时间将从总共 12 个月的 OPT 额度中扣除。
To apply, you must request a recommendation from your DSO, file Form I-765 with USCIS, and pay a fee. Processing can take several months, so plan ahead.
申请时，您必须请 DSO 出具推荐，向 USCIS 提交 I-765 表格并支付费用。处理可能需数月，因此请提前规划。
5. Research and Teaching Assistantships | 研究助理与助教职位
Graduate students often secure assistantships that provide a stipend plus tuition waiver. These positions involve assisting faculty with research or teaching undergraduate courses. Though competitive, they are a powerful way to offset education costs.
研究生通常能获得助理职位，提供津贴和学费减免。这些职位包括协助教师进行研究或教授本科课程。尽管竞争激烈，它们是抵消教育成本的有效途径。
For undergraduates, similar positions may exist as paid research assistants or graders. Check with your department and professors for openings.
对于本科生，也可能存在带薪的研究助理或评分员职位。请向所在院系和教授查询空缺。
Assistantships are considered on-campus employment (if the paying department is on campus) and fall under the 20-hour limit during the academic term. They offer both income and valuable academic credit or professional development.
助理职位被视为校内工作 (如果付薪部门在校内)，且在学期中遵守 20 小时限制。它们既提供收入，也带来宝贵的学分或专业发展。
6. Off-Campus Work Based on Economic Hardship | 基于经济困难的特许校外工作
If you experience severe, unforeseen economic hardship after completing one academic year, you can apply for off-campus employment authorization through USCIS. This requires demonstrating circumstances beyond your control, such as a sudden loss of family financial support or currency devaluation in your home country.
如果您在完成一学年后遭遇严重、不可预见的经济困难，可通过 USCIS 申请校外工作许可。这需要证明超出您控制的情况，如家庭突然失去经济支持或母国货币贬值。
Approval grants an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) allowing you to work off campus in any job, not necessarily related to your field of study, for up to 20 hours per week during school and full-time during breaks. This route is rare and requires thorough documentation.
获批后可获得就业授权文件 (EAD)，允许在校外任何工作，不一定是专业相关领域，学期中每周最多 20 小时，假期可全职。该途径很少见，需详尽文件。
The application involves submitting Form I-765 with supporting evidence, and once granted, the EAD allows off-campus work. However, renewing this status often requires continued demonstration of hardship.
申请包括提交 I-765 表格和支持证据，一旦获批，EAD 允许校外工作。但是，续签该身份通常需要持续证明困难。
7. Freelancing and Remote Work Considerations | 自由职业与远程工作的考量
Many students are attracted to freelancing, online tutoring, or gig economy jobs. However, F-1 regulations generally prohibit self-employment and freelancing unless it falls under authorized CPT or OPT with a defined employer. Working for a foreign company remotely while physically in the US can also be considered unauthorized employment.
许多学生被自由职业、在线辅导或零工经济工作所吸引。但是，F-1 规定通常禁止自营职业和自由职业，除非属于授权的 CPT 或 OPT 并有明确雇主。在美国境内为外国公司远程工作也可能被视为未经授权就业。
Some online platforms allow you to teach languages or sell digital products, but active income generation that constitutes ‘work’ requires proper authorization. Always consult your international student advisor before engaging in such activities.
一些在线平台允许教授语言或销售数字产品，但构成“工作”的积极创收需要适当授权。在从事此类活动前，请务必咨询国际学生顾问。
Consider passive income streams that do not involve active work, such as bank interest or dividends, but understand the tax implications.
考虑不涉及主动工作的被动收入来源，如银行利息或股息，但需理解税务影响。
8. Maximizing Scholarships and Stipends | 最大化奖学金与津贴
Although not employment, scholarships and stipends can significantly reduce the need for part-time work. Many universities offer merit-based or need-based scholarships specifically for international students.
虽然不属于就业，奖学金和津贴可以显著减少对兼职工作的需求。许多大学为国际学生提供基于成绩或需求的奖学金。
Additionally, some on-campus positions come with a tuition fee waiver or meal plan, indirectly lowering your expenses. Explore fellowships, grants, and assistantships early in your academic journey.
此外，一些校内职位附带学费减免或膳食计划，间接降低开支。在学术旅程早期探索奖学金、赠款和助学金。
Check with the financial aid office and your department’s website regularly. Keep your GPA high to remain eligible for many merit-based awards.
定期查阅助学金办公室和系部网站。保持高 GPA 以符合许多基于成绩的奖项资格。
9. Working During Summer and Winter Breaks | 暑期与寒假期间工作
During official university breaks, F-1 students are allowed to work more than 20 hours per week on campus, provided they are returning to classes the next term. This is an excellent opportunity to earn extra money without additional authorization.
在学校规定的假期期间，F-1 学生允许校内每周工作超过 20 小时，前提是下学期返回课堂。这是无需额外授权即可赚取额外收入的好机会。
If you are on CPT or have an EAD for off-campus employment, you can also work full-time during breaks as permitted by your authorization. Plan your schedule to maximize earnings during these periods.
如果您正在 CPT 或持有 EAD 进行校外工作，您也可以在假期按授权全职工作。合理安排时间以在这些期间最大化收入。
Many students take seasonal jobs, such as summer camps or retail, if authorized under CPT. Always ensure the work remains related to your major for CPT positions.
如果 CPT 授权允许，许多学生从事季节性工作，如夏令营或零售。务必确保 CPT 职位与专业相关。
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