Many international students dream of pursuing higher education in the US, but managing tuition and living expenses can be challenging. While side hustles may seem like a quick fix, students must stay within the legal limits of their visa status. Fortunately, there are several legitimate and rewarding ways to earn extra income while studying, without risking immigration status or academic progress.

“At Prodigy Finance, we believe that international students should have every opportunity to thrive, academically, professionally, and financially, without compromising their legal status,” said Sonal Kapoor, Global Chief Business Officer at Prodigy Finance. “By choosing authorised side hustles, students not only support themselves but also build skills and connections that will serve them for a lifetime.”

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Prodigy Finance plays a key role in helping international students bridge the financial gap by offering loans that cover the full cost of attendance, including tuition and living expenses. This financial support allows students to focus on their studies and future goals, without the need to seek alternative funding options. Prodigy Finance’s loans are available to students from over 150 countries and do not require collateral or a co-signer, making global education more accessible. Indian students can get a co-signer-based loan option, starting as low as 8.35%.

For those who still wish to gain work experience or supplement their budget legally, the US offers several student-friendly options. According to the US Citizen and Immigration Service, the most accessible is on-campus employment, allowing up to 20 hours per week during school terms. These jobs include:

• Library or lab assistant roles
• Bookstore staff
• Teaching or research assistantships
• Administrative support in university departments

For career-related experience, students can explore:

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Internships or part-time jobs tied to their major, authorised by the university.
• Optional Practical Training (OPT): Work opportunities during or after graduation, in fields related to their studies. STEM graduates may also qualify for a 24-month extension.

Some remote or online jobs are permitted under CPT, OPT, or on-campus authorisation, such as:

• Virtual assistant for university departments
• Online tutoring for campus programs
• Content creation for university platforms

Students may also earn passive income, such as:

• Interest from savings accounts
• Dividends from investments
• Royalties from published content

It’s critical to avoid unauthorised off-campus jobs or cash-based gigs, as these can lead to serious consequences, including visa revocation. Students should always check with their university’s Designated School Official (DSO) before accepting any form of work.

With responsible planning and the right support, like that offered by Prodigy Finance, international students can succeed academically while staying fully compliant with immigration laws.

About Prodigy Finance

Founded in 2007, Prodigy Finance is an international student lender that has helped over 43,000+ international master’s students attend the world’s top universities. To date, Prodigy has disbursed over $2.3 billion in funding to students from more than 150 countries.

Prodigy Finance is fueled by impact investors and other privately qualified entities who invest in tomorrow’s leaders while earning a financial and social return. Prodigy’s borderless lending model enables students to apply for a loan based on their future earning potential and not just their current circumstances and credit history.

• Prodigy Finance Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom.
• Loan offers are subject to our eligibility, funding and credit assessment criteria.

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