Need Extra Cash Without Jeopardizing Your Studies?
Balancing tuition, living expenses, and coursework is tough.
Many international students in the USA and Canada don’t know where or how to find legal part-time jobs.
In my experience helping students navigate employment rules in 2026, those who plan strategically earn $10–$25/hour, stay compliant with visas, and even build skills that enhance their career prospects.
This guide shows exactly where to find jobs, what’s legal, and how to maximize income safely.
International students in the USA and Canada can find part-time jobs on-campus, off-campus with work permits (CPT/OPT in the US, PGWP in Canada), or online remote roles. Start by checking university career portals, government job boards, and freelance platforms. Prioritize jobs that comply with your visa conditions.
Understanding the Rules First
Before searching, understand your work eligibility:
USA – F1 Visa Students
- On-campus: Up to 20 hours/week during school, full-time during breaks
- Off-campus: CPT (Curricular Practical Training) or OPT (Optional Practical Training)
- Remote/freelance: Only if the employer is US-based and visa-compliant
Canada – Study Permit Students
- On-campus: Unlimited hours
- Off-campus: Up to 20 hours/week during school, full-time on scheduled breaks
- Post-graduation work: PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) allows full-time work
⚠️ Expert Tip: Working without proper authorization risks visa violations. Always check your international student office or official immigration guidelines.
Top Ways to Find Part-Time Jobs in the USA and Canada
1. University Career Centers & Job Portals
Why it works: Jobs posted here are already vetted for students’ visa compliance.
Examples:
- USA: Handshake, MyUSC, UC Berkeley Career Center
- Canada: WaterlooWorks, UofT Career Portal, McGill Jobs Portal
Tips:
- Create a polished profile
- Upload your resume and transcripts
- Apply weekly
2. On-Campus Jobs
Common Roles:
- Library assistant
- Lab or research assistant
- Teaching assistant (TA)
- Campus café or retail
Why on-campus is easiest:
- Usually, no work permit is needed
- Flexible hours for students
- Builds your resume
3. Off-Campus Jobs with Work Authorization
USA
- CPT (Curricular Practical Training) for internships tied to coursework
- OPT (Optional Practical Training) for practical training after graduation
- STEM OPT extension (for STEM graduates, up to 3 years)
Canada
- Off-campus jobs for up to 20 hours/week while studying
- Full-time during breaks
- PGWP allows post-graduation work
💡 Pro Tip: Look for part-time roles in tech, tutoring, retail, or research, which often pay $15–$25/hour.
4. Remote & Freelance Work
Platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, Toptal, Clickworker
Examples of Remote Jobs:
- Freelance writing
- Virtual assistance
- Social media management
- Online tutoring
Visa Note: Must comply with your F1/CPT or study permit rules. Some universities allow on-campus-based remote work for credit.
5. Networking & Student Communities
How to leverage:
- Join university clubs, LinkedIn groups, Slack communities
- Ask seniors who worked legally while studying
- Attend career fairs
Why it works: Many student-friendly jobs are never posted online.
6. High-Paying Student-Friendly Roles
| Role | USA Hourly Pay | Canada Hourly Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching/Tutoring | $15–$35 | CAD $18–$35 |
| Research Assistant | $15–$30 | CAD $20–$35 |
| Lab Assistant | $14–$25 | CAD $18–$30 |
| Freelance Content Creator | $10–$40 | CAD $12–$45 |
| Campus Café/Store | $12–$18 | CAD $15–$20 |
💡 Expert Tip: Look for roles in your field of study your work counts toward experience and can strengthen CPT/OPT applications.
7. Job Search Platforms (Visa-Friendly Filters)
USA:
- Indeed (filter for F1-friendly jobs)
- LinkedIn (search “internship/part-time student”)
- Handshake
Canada:
- Job Bank Canada
- Indeed Canada
- TalentEgg (student jobs)
Pro Tip: Use keywords like “part-time student,” “campus jobs,” and “work-study” to filter eligible roles.
Expert Tips for International Students in 2026
1. Prepare a Strong Resume
Highlight skills, not experience:
- Language proficiency
- Tech tools (MS Office, Canva, Zoom)
- Communication
2. Apply Early & Often
- Campus jobs fill fast
- Remote gigs have rolling applications
3. Keep Track of Work Hours
- Avoid exceeding 20 hours/week during classes
- Log hours for visa compliance
4. Leverage University Resources
- Career counselors know visa-compliant opportunities
- Some universities have exclusive contracts with companies hiring students
5. Consider Online Tutoring
- Flexible
- Pays $15–$35/hour
- Build your brand through platforms like Preply or Cambly
FAQ: People Also Ask
1. Can international students in the USA work off-campus during their first year?
No. Off-campus work generally requires CPT or OPT, which starts after one academic year. On-campus jobs are allowed immediately.
2. Can I work more than 20 hours/week in Canada?
Yes, only during scheduled academic breaks (summer, winter, spring breaks). Otherwise, the limit is 20 hours/week.
3. Do I need a Social Security Number (SSN) in the USA?
Yes, an SSN is required for paid work. The international office can guide you to apply.
4. Are remote freelance jobs legal for international students?
Yes, if you follow visa rules. Many universities allow on-campus-based remote work or CPT-approved online internships.
5. Which platforms are safest for student jobs?
Handshake, LinkedIn, TalentEgg, Job Bank Canada, university portals, and verified freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr.
Final Steps for Your Part-Time Job Search Journey (2026)
- Check your visa rules first. Compliance is everything.
- Update your resume for student roles.
- Target 3–5 platforms for job applications.
- Track hours and deadlines for part-time work.
- Apply consistently and leverage university connections.
Tell me your study level, city, and weekly availability I’ll create a customized list of legal, high-paying part-time jobs for your USA or Canada student visa in 2026.
