If you’re reading this, you’re probably dreaming about studying in the USA—and maybe wondering how you’ll manage your finances while you’re there. First off, let me say: I’ve been there.
I remember when I was in your shoes—full of excitement, nerves, and a head buzzing with questions. “Can I work part-time?” “Will I earn enough to survive?” “Is it even legal for international students like me?”
That’s exactly why I want to share what it’s really like to get a part time job in the USA as a Bangladeshi student. Because trust me, it’s not just about finding any job—it’s about understanding the rules, navigating campus life, and figuring out how to balance work, study, and your new life in a completely different country.
Well, you’re in the right place. Because in this post, I’m not just giving you the official rules—I’m giving you my real, personal experience. The good, the tough, and everything in between.
This isn’t one of those sugar-coated guides you find on random websites. This is what I wish someone had told me before I stepped into the land of opportunities. So grab a cup of cha and let’s dive in.
Can Bangladeshi Students Work Part-Time in the USA?
When I first got my F-1 student visa, I was clueless about the work restrictions. I assumed I could just pick up a job at a local store or restaurant. Spoiler alert: That’s not how it works.
Here’s what you need to know:
- During your first academic year, you’re only allowed to work on-campus.
- After that, you can apply for special off-campus work authorizations like CPT and OPT, which we’ll talk about in a bit.
Campus vs. Off-Campus Work:
On-campus jobs are offered directly by your university or associated vendors (like dining services or campus bookstores). You don’t need special permission to start these jobs—just a valid F-1 visa and university enrollment.
Off-campus work is a whole different game. You’ll need to apply through your Designated School Official (DSO) and get official approval. And even then, only under certain conditions—like if you’re doing CPT or facing severe economic hardship.
My Tip: Don’t rely on what your cousin’s friend’s roommate says about visa rules. Always, always double-check with your university’s international student office. They know their stuff.
Types of Part-Time Jobs Available for Bangladeshi Students
Let’s break down the kinds of jobs that are usually open to us international students—and how I made my way through them.
On-Campus Jobs (Most Accessible & Recommended)
These are the easiest and safest jobs for F-1 students. I started with an on-campus job as a library assistant, and honestly, it was a great place to begin.
Here are a few roles I saw (and tried!):
- Library Assistant – Super chill environment, perfect for introverts like me. Bonus: You can sneak in some study time when it’s quiet.
- Dining Hall Worker – Fast-paced but good pay. Great if you’re outgoing.
- Research/Lab Assistant – Usually for graduate students, but if you’re an undergrad with good grades, it’s worth asking.
- IT Help Desk – My second job on campus. It helped me build tech skills and improve my English.
How I Landed My First Job: I went to the student employment office during orientation week. I dressed professionally, brought a basic resume, and just asked if they were hiring. Within a week, I had my first job offer. Simple as that.
CPT (Curricular Practical Training)
CPT lets you work off-campus if the job is related to your field of study. For example, I was studying Computer Science, so I applied for a part-time internship with a local startup.
How to qualify:
- You need to complete at least one academic year first.
- The job must be part of your curriculum or linked to a course.
- You’ll need approval from both your professor and DSO.
That internship was a turning point. It gave me real experience, new connections, and boosted my confidence like crazy.
OPT (Optional Practical Training)
OPT is something you apply for after graduation (or during school if you meet the criteria). It gives you up to 12 months of full-time work authorization—up to 36 months if you’re in a STEM field!
This is where the real-world grind begins. I used my OPT to land a full-time job at a tech company. That experience shaped the rest of my career path.
Off-Campus Jobs (Only with Authorization)
I won’t lie—some students try to work off-campus illegally. Please don’t. It’s not worth risking your visa.
But if you’re facing real financial hardship, there is an option: Economic Hardship Authorization. You’ll need to prove your situation to USCIS and wait for approval
How Much Can You Earn?
Here’s the fun part—talking money!
Minimum Wage: It Varies by State
In most states, you’ll earn between $10 to $18 per hour. For example:
- Texas: Around $10–12/hour
- California: $16–18/hour
- New York: Up to $17/hour on some campuses
My first job paid $11.50/hour. It wasn’t much, but it covered groceries and gave me some breathing room.
How Many Hours Can You Work?
- During the semester: Max 20 hours/week
- During breaks or holidays: You can work up to 40 hours/week on-campus
It’s enough to cover basic living costs if you budget smartly.
My Budget Strategy
I used my paycheck for:
- Food: Cooked most meals at home
- Phone plan: Went with a cheap $25/month provider
- Entertainment: One small treat per week—usually boba or a movie
- Rent: Shared a room off-campus to save costs
It wasn’t glamorous, but it gave me freedom. And honestly, that feeling of buying my own groceries with my earnings? Unbeatable.
How to Find a Part-Time Job as a Bangladeshi Student
So, how do you actually land one of these jobs? Here’s the exact strategy that worked for me—and honestly, it’s something I wish someone had broken down for me when I first arrived.
Step-by-Step Strategy:
Start with Your University Job Board: This was my very first step. Most universities in the U.S. have a dedicated online portal for student jobs—like Handshake or an internal job board. I remember scrolling through listings between classes, marking anything I thought I could do. These jobs are usually reserved for students, so competition is a bit more manageable.
Talk to Professors and Campus Offices: One time, after a class, I casually mentioned to my professor that I was looking for on-campus work. A week later, she recommended me for a lab assistant role! Professors and admin staff often hear about openings before they’re posted publicly. Don’t be shy—just let people know you’re open to opportunities.
Join Student Organizations and Career Fairs: Clubs, student organizations, and events like job fairs are goldmines for networking. I joined the South Asian Student Association and met a senior who told me about an opening at the IT help desk. Within two weeks, I had an interview.
Resume Tips That Worked for Me:
- Keep it short and relevant—1 page max.
- Highlight soft skills like communication, teamwork, and time management.
- Mention your technical skills—MS Office, Google Workspace, or any programming/software tools.
- No colorful designs or fancy fonts—just clean and readable formatting.
- Use a professional email address (ditch that old ‘gamerbro123’ ID).
My First Interview Prep:
Oh boy—I was so nervous. My palms were sweaty, and my voice cracked more than once. But I had prepped by practicing common questions in front of a mirror. I wrote down some answers, rehearsed with a friend, and most importantly, I smiled and stayed honest. I told them I was new but eager to learn. That honest enthusiasm worked wonders.
Let me take you back to my very first part-time job: Library Assistant. I got the position about a month into my first semester.
What I Did:
I was responsible for sorting books, helping students locate resources, organizing study spaces, and covering the help desk during evening shifts. It felt simple at first, but every task taught me something new.
Challenges I Faced:
- Language Barrier: I understood English well, but regional accents—especially fast-paced American English—took time to get used to.
- Culture Shock: People were super casual. First-name basis with professors? That was a shocker!
- Time Management: Classes, assignments, job shifts, and homesickness—juggling everything was tough.
Small Wins:
- I learned how to greet and help people confidently.
- My first paycheck (around $400) felt like a massive achievement—I treated myself to a burger and called my parents with pride.
- I made friends from different countries while working, which helped me feel less alone.
That job didn’t just pay me; it helped me grow in ways no classroom ever could.
Pros and Cons of Doing Part-Time Work While Studying
Let’s keep it real—there are highs and lows. Here’s what I’ve experienced first-hand:
Pros:
- Financial Support: I could afford groceries, phone bills, and a portion of my rent without asking my family back home.
- Skill Building: I developed a stronger work ethic, improved my communication skills, and got hands-on experience.
- References: My supervisor became one of my first professional references—helped me later with internships.
Cons:
- Limited Hours: You’re only allowed to work 20 hours/week during the semester.
- Stressful Schedules: Midterms + assignments + job shifts? It’s a lot. There were weeks I barely slept.
- Less Social Time: Some weekends I had to skip outings with friends because I had work.
Despite all this, I’d do it again in a heartbeat. The benefits far outweighed the struggles.
My Advice for Bangladeshi Students Planning to Study in the USA in 2025
If you’re dreaming about heading to the U.S. next year—this section is just for you.
- Choose a University with Strong Student Support: Whether it’s career guidance, mental health services, or immigration help—a supportive campus makes everything easier.
- Get Your Resume Ready Before You Arrive: Prepare a basic version in Bangladesh so you’re not scrambling once you’re on campus.
- Polish Your Communication Skills: You don’t need a perfect accent, but being clear and confident will open many doors.
- Prepare Mentally for the Change: The independence, the cultural difference, the workload—it’s a lot. But it’s manageable with time and support.
Tools & Resources to Help You Get Started
Here’s a list of the actual tools, websites, and services that helped me land jobs:
Websites:
- Handshake: Most universities use this platform for posting student jobs.
- Indeed & LinkedIn: Great for CPT and OPT positions (off-campus, career-related).
Campus Offices:
- Career Center: Resume reviews, job listings, mock interviews.
- International Student Office: Visa rules, work authorization, general advice.
YouTube & Blogs:
- I watched vloggers like “Deshi in America” and “Bangladeshi Student Diaries.” Real, unfiltered experiences.
- Blogs from international students were also super helpful for understanding life outside of academics.
Templates:
- Tons of free resume/cover letter templates available online (Canva, Novoresume).
- Stick to basic formats—one column, black-and-white, clear headings.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just About the Money
I started working part-time because I needed money. But what I got was so much more.
- I learned discipline—showing up on time, sticking to a schedule.
- I gained independence—being able to support myself gave me confidence.
- I built connections that helped me personally and professionally.
If you’re feeling nervous or unsure—just know that I was too. But I got through it, and so will you.
You’ve got this. Really.
FAQs Section
Can I work more than 20 hours/week?
Nope—not during the academic semester. You’re limited to 20 hours/week under the F1 visa. However, you can work up to 40 hours/week during official breaks (like summer or winter holidays).
What’s the highest-paying part-time job I can get?
Tech-related roles (like IT help desk), tutoring, or research assistant positions often pay more—sometimes up to $15–$20/hour, depending on the location and your experience.
Can I send money back to Bangladesh?
Technically yes, through remittance services or wire transfers. But it’s generally advised to use your earnings to support your life in the U.S. first.
Is it hard to balance work and study?
It can be, especially during exam season. But once you find a rhythm and learn how to plan your week, it becomes manageable.
Will working part-time affect my GPA?
Only if you overwork or neglect your studies. In my case, having a part-time job actually taught me how to manage my time better—and my GPA stayed solid.
