Lana Oconnell
International students in Canada and the US are typically limited to working 20 hours per week during class sessions. In the US, international students with an F-1 visa are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week on-campus when school is in session and up to 40 hours per week during breaks. In Canada, international students are generally allowed to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus without a work permit. However, working more than 24 hours per week in Canada is considered a violation of the study permit conditions, which may result in losing student status and future permit approvals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of hours international students can work in Canada | 24 hours per week |
| Number of hours international students can work in the US | 20 hours per week |
| Work permit requirement for international students in Canada | Not required if meeting other requirements |
| Work permit requirement for international students in the US | Required |
| Work eligibility for international students in the US | On-campus jobs that do not displace US citizens or LPRs |
| Work eligibility for international students in Canada | Off-campus work without a work permit |
| Severe Economic Hardship Employment eligibility for international students in the US | Must have completed at least one academic year and proven severe economic hardship |
| Curricular Practical Training eligibility for international students in the US | Employment that provides training in the student's field of study and fulfills academic credit or degree requirements |
| Optional Practical Training eligibility for international students in the US | Work related to the student's major for up to one year before or after graduation |
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What You'll Learn
International students in Canada can work 24 hours a week
International students in Canada can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus without requiring a work permit. This change came into effect on November 15, 2024, increasing the limit from 20 hours. Students can work more than one job to make up these hours, as long as they continue to meet the conditions of their study permit. Working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of the study permit conditions, which could lead to losing student status and even having to leave the country.
International students can also work remotely for an employer outside Canada, and this does not count towards the 24-hour limit. During breaks, such as summer or winter holidays, there is no limit on the number of hours students can work. However, to work full-time during breaks, students must be enrolled as full-time students both before and after the break.
To be eligible to work off-campus without a work permit, international students must meet certain requirements. They must be enrolled in an academic, vocational, or professional training program lasting at least six months and leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate. Additionally, they must have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) and be full-time students at a designated learning institution (DLI).
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F-1 students in the US can work 20 hours on-campus
International students in the US on an F-1 visa have three main employment-related guidelines. One of the key restrictions is that they may work up to 20 hours per week on-campus while school is in session. During annual vacations or breaks, they may work full-time. This limit also applies during the summer and winter holidays.
F-1 students must not displace a US citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) in their on-campus employment. They must also report their work and receive a certification letter to present to the Social Security Administration to receive a Social Security number.
Failing to comply with these guidelines may result in a violation of status, which could force the student to leave the US. However, some sources suggest that exceeding the 20-hour limit by a small amount may not result in any official consequences, and that the university may overlook minor infractions. Nevertheless, it is recommended to keep hours below 20 to avoid any potential issues.
F-1 students must also demonstrate an ability to afford school and living expenses before entering the US and should not plan to work off-campus. Off-campus employment is only authorized in cases of severe economic hardship after the student has been in F-1 status for at least one academic year or in emergent circumstances, such as natural disasters or international financial crises.
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Severe Economic Hardship Employment is an option
International students in the US with an F-1 visa are generally limited to working 20 hours per week on-campus. Working more than 20 hours a week is considered a violation of their F-1 Visa Limitations, and students risk losing their visa and being forced to leave the country.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. One such exception is "Severe Economic Hardship Employment", which allows students to work off-campus for more than 20 hours per week. To qualify for this, students must meet the following criteria:
- The student must have been in the US with an F-1 visa for at least one full academic year and be in good academic standing.
- They must demonstrate that on-campus employment is unavailable or insufficient to meet their financial needs due to unforeseen circumstances beyond their control. This could include the loss of financial aid or on-campus employment, substantial fluctuations in the value of currency or exchange rate, inordinate increases in tuition or living costs, or unexpected changes in the financial condition of the student’s source of support.
- They must obtain an internship offer with an international organization and then work with the DSO to apply for an Employment Authorization Document with USCIS.
- The DSO must endorse the student’s Form I-20 with a reference to the Federal Register notice that announced the emergency exception before allowing the student to work more than 20 hours a week.
- The student must also file a Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization", and pay a fee to USCIS.
It is important to note that even with this authorization, there are still limits to how much an international student can work. For example, off-campus employment recommendations cannot exceed one year. Additionally, this exception is only granted on a case-by-case basis, and students must provide evidence of their hardship.
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Curricular Practical Training is an option
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are generally limited to working 20 hours per week on-campus while school is in session. However, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an option that allows international students to gain employment training and work in paid internship positions. CPT is a form of employment authorisation that provides international students with the opportunity to work full-time (more than 20 hours per week) or part-time (20 hours or less per week) and earn money in US dollars while gaining work experience in their field of interest.
CPT is available to students who meet the eligibility requirements, which include having a Form I-20 "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status" from the Designated School Official (DSO), who must also authorise the CPT on a part-time or full-time basis in accordance with school policies. The DSO must enter their recommendation into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and print and sign the supporting Form I-20. Additionally, students must obtain an internship offer with an international organisation and work with the DSO to apply for an Employment Authorisation Document with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). CPT is typically required for training that takes place within the United States, and international students can work remotely for an employer outside the US without CPT authorisation.
The CPT authorisation process involves submitting a request through the CPT Employment page, providing details such as the employment start and end dates, and indicating whether the training is full-time or part-time. Students can access their CPT authorisation information through the Student Lists page, Employment Information page, and Current Requests/Authorisation Details page. DSOs can cancel CPT before the start date, and they have the flexibility to edit the authorisation to shorten the CPT end date if needed.
CPT is particularly beneficial for international students as it provides an opportunity to gain practical work experience in their field of study. It is often found in practical courses such as business and engineering, where students can apply their academic knowledge in a real-world work setting. CPT allows students to work off-campus and earn money to support their living expenses, which can be challenging due to the limitations of on-campus employment and the inability to receive federal financial aid.
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Off-campus work in the US has strict rules
The United States has strict rules for international students who want to work during their studies. International students enrolled full-time and in valid F-1 status can generally work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not. Working more than 20 hours per week on-campus is a violation of F-1 Visa Limitations, and students may lose their student status and even be asked to leave the country.
Students in valid F-1 status cannot be employed off-campus without meeting eligibility requirements and obtaining official authorization. Off-campus work is only allowed in specific circumstances, such as curricular practical training, optional practical training, and severe economic hardship employment. To work off-campus, F-1 students must show an ability to afford school and living expenses before entering the US and should not plan to work off-campus. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will only authorize off-campus employment in cases of severe economic hardship occurring after a student's enrollment or in emergent circumstances as defined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
To be eligible for off-campus work, students must have been enrolled for at least one academic year and have active F-1 student status. They must also obtain an internship offer and then work with the DSO to apply for an Employment Authorization Document with USCIS. The DSO will determine the student's eligibility and enter their recommendation into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The student will then receive a supporting Form I-20, which must be signed and presented to the USCIS along with Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization".
It is important to note that the rules and regulations regarding international student employment in the US can be complex and may vary depending on specific circumstances. Students should always consult official government sources and seek advice from their educational institution to ensure they comply with all relevant laws and requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
International students in Canada are allowed to work off campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit, as long as they meet the conditions of their study permit.
International students in the US with an F-1 visa are generally not allowed to work more than 20 hours per week on campus. However, they may work unlimited hours during breaks.
Working more than 20 hours per week may violate the terms of an international student's F-1 visa. This could result in the loss of their student status and their visa being revoked. However, some students have reported that exceeding the limit by a small amount has not resulted in any consequences.
