Working Hours For International Students: Rules And Regulations

International students often face strict regulations when it comes to working during their studies. In the United States, F-1 students are generally limited to working up to 20 hours per week on-campus when school is in session, and up to 40 hours per week during breaks. Off-campus employment is highly restricted and usually requires prior approval and a demonstration of economic hardship. In Canada, international students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus without a work permit, but working more than this is a violation of their study permit conditions.

International students in Canada can work up to 24 hours without a permit

International students in Canada can work up to 24 hours a week without a permit. This rule applies to off-campus work, including self-employment and remote work for employers outside Canada. On-campus work does not have a limit on the number of hours students can work.

International students in Canada must meet specific eligibility requirements to work off-campus without a permit. These include being a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI) and being in the last semester of your study program, where you don't need a full course load to complete your program.

It's important to note that working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of your study permit conditions and can result in losing your student status and being asked to leave the country.

Prior to the rule change, international students in Canada were limited to working 20 hours per week off-campus. This limit was increased to 24 hours per week starting in September 2024. The change was implemented to strike a balance between work and academic outcomes for students.

F-1 students in the US can work up to 20 hours on-campus

Firstly, F-1 students can work on-campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week during the school term. This rule ensures that your studies remain the main focus while giving you the flexibility to earn some income. It's important to note that you can work full-time during breaks and annual vacations, but always ensure your total work hours do not exceed 20 per week when school is in session.

Secondly, when it comes to finding on-campus jobs, F-1 students can apply for any qualifying position that does not displace a US citizen or LPR. This means you can look for job openings at your university or college, but be mindful of the type of role you're applying for. Additionally, always report your work to the relevant authorities and obtain a certification letter to present to the Social Security Administration. This is a crucial step to receive your Social Security number and maintain compliance with the regulations.

It's important to understand the eligibility requirements for on-campus employment. As an F-1 student, you must be enrolled full-time and maintain a valid F-1 status. Before starting any job, ensure you have the necessary approval and documentation, including a letter of approval from your Designated School Official (DSO) and employer. Your DSO will guide you through the process and ensure your employment complies with the regulations.

Lastly, remember that off-campus employment for F-1 students is strictly regulated. Generally, off-campus work is only authorized in cases of severe economic hardship or emergent circumstances as defined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). To work off-campus, you must meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization to avoid losing your F-1 student status.

In summary, F-1 students in the US can work up to 20 hours on-campus while school is in session and full-time during breaks. This provides a valuable opportunity for eligible international students to work legally, but always ensure you follow the guidelines, maintain your student status, and prioritize your studies.

Off-campus work for F-1 students is only allowed in emergencies

International students in the US on an F-1 visa have strict regulations regarding employment. F-1 students are generally expected to have sufficient funds to cover their school and living expenses and are not expected to work off-campus.

However, there are some circumstances in which off-campus work is permitted. Off-campus employment is only allowed in emergencies, economic hardship, or severe economic hardship. Emergent circumstances are defined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as world events that affect a specific group of F-1 students, causing them to suffer severe economic hardship. This includes natural disasters, wars, military conflicts, and national or international financial crises. Students must be able to demonstrate that the emergent circumstance has affected their source of support.

To be eligible for off-campus work, F-1 students must have been enrolled for at least one academic year and have maintained their F-1 status. They must also obtain official authorization and meet eligibility requirements. This includes obtaining a Social Security Number and a Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," signed by a Designated School Official (DSO) within the last 30 days. The DSO must endorse the student's Form I-20 with a reference to the Federal Register notice that announced the emergency exception.

F-1 students can also seek off-campus employment through an internship with an international organization. To do so, they must first obtain an internship offer and then work with the DSO to apply for an Employment Authorization Document with USCIS. If the DSO certifies the student's eligibility, they must enter their recommendation into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The DSO must then sign and provide the supporting Form I-20 to the student.

It is important to note that off-campus employment recommendations for emergent circumstances are typically valid for one year. If the student needs to continue working off-campus after this period, they must re-apply.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is allowed for F-1 students

F-1 students are bound by strict rules when it comes to working during their studies in the United States. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of employment authorization that allows F-1 students to gain practical experience in their field of study. CPT is considered an integral part of the established curriculum and can include internships, cooperative education, or other types of required practical training.

To be eligible for CPT, F-1 students must:

• Maintain a full course of study and be physically present on campus during the fall and winter terms.
• Be enrolled full-time, which is typically 12 credit hours for undergraduate students and 8 credit hours for graduate students.
• Have a job offer at the time of application and ensure that the CPT employment does not delay the completion of their academic program.
• Obtain a CPT certification and work with their DSO to apply for an Employment Authorization Document with USCIS.

It is important to note that CPT is only required when the training takes place inside the United States. For example, a summer internship in the student's home country does not need CPT authorization. Additionally, 12 months or more of full-time CPT will make students ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

In terms of working hours, F-1 students are generally allowed to work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and up to 40 hours per week during annual vacations or when school is not in session. This applies to both on-campus and off-campus employment.

Severe Economic Hardship Employment is available for F-1 students

F-1 students are subject to strict rules regarding employment in the United States. Generally, F-1 students must demonstrate their ability to afford school and living expenses before entering the country and should not plan to work off-campus.

However, F-1 students can apply for Severe Economic Hardship Employment if they meet certain requirements. This type of employment authorization allows F-1 students to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session, and it does not have to be related to their major. During summer vacation and winter break, full-time employment over 20 hours per week is permitted.

To qualify for Severe Economic Hardship Employment, students must meet the following criteria:

• Be an F-1 student in good standing who has completed at least one academic year of full-time study
• Be able to maintain full-time enrollment and make normal progress toward their degree while working off-campus
• Have a valid, unexpired passport and Form I-20 from their university
• Provide strong evidence and documentation of severe economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances beyond their control. Examples of unforeseen economic hardship include unexpected medical or dental bills, sudden changes in currency exchange rates, unexpected financial loss of a parent or financial sponsor, unexpected loss of on-campus employment, or related circumstances. Economic hardship that could have been expected or planned for is not considered unforeseen.
• If the student is able to obtain on-campus employment, they must demonstrate that the pay is insufficient to meet their financial needs.

The application process for Severe Economic Hardship Employment is complex and can take 4-6 months to process. Approval is not guaranteed. Students must submit the following documents to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):

• Severe Economic Hardship Request Form
• A personal statement describing the unforeseen hardship situation with supporting documentation (e.g., news articles, letters from home, proof of currency devaluation, etc.)
• Completed Form I-765, using the code (C)(3)(iii) at item 16
• Copy of F-1 visa page or I-797 (if applicable)
• Copy of unofficial transcript
• Two full-face passport-style photos (no older than 30 days)
• Application fee

Frequently asked questions