Working As An International Student: What You Need To Know

International students often have the opportunity to work part-time while studying, but the rules differ from country to country. In the United States, international students with an F1 visa are allowed to work but only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Students in valid F-1 status can generally work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during classes and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. Off-campus employment is only available to F-1 students who meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization.

Am I allowed to work as an international student?

On-campus employment

International students in the United States with an F-1 visa are permitted to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week when school is in session and up to 40 hours per week during school breaks. To be eligible for on-campus employment, students must be enrolled full-time and maintain valid F-1 status. Students intending to work on-campus must also apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).

F-1 students can begin the on-campus employment application process up to 30 days before the start of classes by speaking to their Designated School Official (DSO). The DSO will provide a letter of approval, which, along with a letter of approval from the employer, is required to apply for an SSN. The DSO is responsible for keeping records of the student's employment and ensuring that the work qualifies as on-campus employment.

F-1 students are not permitted to work off-campus during their first academic year, except in cases of severe economic hardship or emergent circumstances as defined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Emergent circumstances include world events such as natural disasters, wars, and financial crises, which cause students to suffer severe economic hardship.

Off-campus employment

To apply for off-campus employment, students must first explain their economic hardship situation and receive approval from their Designated School Official (DSO). The DSO will then provide an updated Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status." Students must then file a Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within 30 days of receiving their recommendation. If approved, USCIS will send a Form I-766, "Employment Authorization Document" (EAD), which will specify the dates that the student may work off-campus. This authorization is typically valid for one year or until the completion of the program, whichever comes first.

There are several types of off-campus employment available to F-1 students, including Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is a required part of the school's curriculum and relates to the student's major. It can take the form of a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience in the student's field of study. OPT allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year before or after graduation. Students can engage in part-time or full-time OPT, but the total amount of OPT time is limited.

It is important to note that off-campus employment for international students in the US is subject to complex guidelines and restrictions. Students must maintain their F-1 status and follow all regulations to avoid legal issues and potential revocation of their visa. Additionally, a Social Security Number (SSN) is required for off-campus employment, and students can only apply for an SSN once they have a job offer.

Work visas

International students in the UK are usually allowed to work, but the number of hours they can work depends on their visa status, course type, and whether they are studying full- or part-time. Students on a Student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations and work placements. However, those on a Student visa for a part-time course do not have the right to work, paid or unpaid, in the UK.

Once a course has officially finished, a student can work for up to four months or until their Student visa expires, whichever is sooner. After this, they will need to apply to change their visa status if they wish to take on a permanent full-time job in the UK.

There are several options for those looking to switch to a different visa, including the Graduate visa and the Skilled Worker visa. The Graduate visa allows international students to work, or look for work in any sector, at any level, and does not require employer sponsorship. The Skilled Worker visa may be an option for those who have received a qualifying job offer from a sponsoring employer.

Student eligibility

To be eligible for off-campus employment, F-1 students must explain their economic hardship situation and receive approval to work from their Designated School Official (DSO). If approved, the DSO will recommend the student and provide an updated Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status." The student must then file a Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) within 30 days of receiving their recommendation. It is important to note that F-1 students cannot begin working while their Form I-765 is pending with USCIS.

Additionally, F-1 students must have remained enrolled for at least one academic year, be in good academic standing, and have active F-1 student status to be eligible for off-campus employment. For post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), students can apply up to 90 days before graduation, but it is recommended to apply at least 45 days in advance to ensure timely processing. OPT is permitted for up to 12 months full-time and part-time OPT reduces the available full-time OPT by half.

In India, international students are only allowed to take paid internships and work placements as part of their course. EU students studying in Cyprus are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week, but non-EU citizens are usually not granted employment rights. It is important to remember that working without a valid visa or permit can have serious consequences, and students should consult their university's career services or international student office for specific guidance on their employment rights and eligibility.

International work rights

International students' work rights vary depending on the country and type of visa. For instance, in the United States, international students enrolled full-time and in valid F-1 status can generally work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week when school is in session and up to 40 hours per week when it is not. Off-campus employment is only available to F-1 students who meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization. These requirements include having completed at least one full academic year of their program of study and experiencing an economic hardship that qualifies for the Department of Homeland Security's emergent circumstances.

Students in the US on an M-1 visa may engage in practical training only after they have completed their studies. F-1 students may also be eligible to work off-campus on a case-by-case basis as a result of special situations such as severe economic hardship or special student relief.

In India, international students are only allowed to take paid internships and work placements as part of their course. In Costa Rica, international students are not allowed to work alongside their studies to protect the employment opportunities of Costa Rican citizens. In Cyprus, EU students are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week, but non-EU citizens are usually not granted employment rights. In Fiji, no international students are permitted to work.

International students should always check the specific work rights and visa requirements of their host country to avoid working illegally, which could result in serious consequences.

Frequently asked questions