Remote work side hustles that keep Nepali F-1 students SEVIS-compliant
Many Nepali students in the U.S. look for ways to earn extra income while studying, especially when family support is limited or tuition and living expenses are higher than expected. But working off campus without proper authorization can put your F-1 visa at risk.
That’s where remote work side hustles come in. With the right setup and permissions, some students can take on flexible online roles while staying compliant with U.S. immigration rules. This article breaks down what is allowed, what isn’t and how to explore what jobs are appropriate during your degree.
Understand the F-1 visa work rules first
Before jumping into a remote job, make sure you understand how work authorization works for U.S. student visas.
- On-campus work: You are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the semester and full time during breaks.
- CPT: Curricular practical training allows certain off-campus work only if it is tied to your degree and approved by your university.
- OPT: Optional practical training allows off-campus work after graduation, with a valid employment authorization document (EAD).
- No unauthorized off-campus work: Working off campus or online without CPT or OPT approval is considered a violation of your visa.
Even if a remote job pays through an international platform or seems “freelance,” it still counts as work under F-1 visa rules.
What kind of remote work is allowed?
You can only take on remote or freelance jobs if they fall under one of the following approved categories:
1. On-campus jobs that are remote
Some campus jobs may allow you to work from your apartment or dorm. For example, if you’re a teaching assistant or IT support worker and your department permits online shifts, that’s fine.
Make sure:
- You are officially hired through your university
- You stay within the 20-hour weekly limit
- Your DSO is aware of your position
2. CPT-authorized internships that allow remote work
If your internship is approved under CPT and your employer allows remote work, you can work from home legally.
Make sure:
- The job is related to your major
- Your university approves it as part of your curriculum
- You have a valid I-20 with CPT authorization
3. OPT-approved remote work after graduation
Once you’re approved for OPT jobs for international students, you can work remotely for U.S. companies or international employers, as long as the job is related to your degree.
Make sure:
- You do not exceed the unemployment limit
- You report your employer to your DSO and SEVIS
- You keep records of job duties and hours
Remote income ideas that may seem safe but are not
Many students from Nepal have heard of online jobs like freelancing or tutoring as easy international student job opportunities. But under F-1 rules, these roles are not allowed unless properly authorized.
Avoid these common risky income sources:
- Working as a freelance designer or writer on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr
- Selling items online through eBay, Etsy or Facebook Marketplace
- Running a YouTube channel or monetized blog
- Doing delivery or rideshare work
- Paid remote internships without CPT
Even if the money is small or the work is “just a side project,” it still counts as unauthorized employment unless tied to a school-approved program.
Stay focused on safe work opportunities
For many Nepali students, the urge to earn money quickly can lead to visa risks, especially when funding is tight. MPOWER Financing helps reduce that pressure by offering no-cosigner student loans that cover both tuition and living expenses.
That means you can say no to risky jobs and instead focus on your studies and approved work opportunities like CPT or on-campus roles.
MPOWER also supports your success through:
- ThePath2Successprogram, which includes internship guidance and visa prep
- Tools to manage your student budget
- International student scholarships for Nepali and other international students
- Transparent, student-first loans with no hidden fees or cosigner requirements
With MPOWER, you have space to prioritize long-term success rather than short-term risk.
How Nepali students can build skills legally
If earning money is not an option yet, there are still smart ways to build experience and prepare for future income:
- Volunteer with nonprofits: If the work is unpaid and meets U.S. labor laws, volunteering can be a good way to build skills.
- Contribute to open-source projects: This is useful for computer science and data science students.
- Take free online courses: Use Coursera, edX or LinkedIn Learning to build skills that employers look for.
- Attend virtual networking events: Meet future employers or mentors who may offer CPT or OPT opportunities.
- Help on campus: Offer help with digital projects through school organizations or academic departments.
