Lori Meadows
International students are generally expected to be enrolled full-time and are subject to strict rules regarding part-time study and employment. In the US, international students must be enrolled full-time and can only work part-time on-campus if they have an F1 or M1 visa. In Canada, international students can only work off-campus if they have a valid study permit and are enrolled full-time. However, some universities, such as Aberystwyth University in the UK, allow international students to study part-time without requiring a student visa, although they may still need to apply for a Visitor Visa.
Characteristics of international students going part-time
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Working part-time in the US | Allowed on-campus for up to 20 hours a week during classes and 40 hours a week during breaks with a valid visa and good academic standing |
| Working part-time in Canada | Allowed off-campus for up to 24 hours a week without a work permit from November 8, 2024 |
| Working part-time in the UK | Not allowed with a Student Visa for courses requiring placement or work experience; allowed for research courses without a Student Visa |
| Work authorization in the US | Requires a Social Security Number (SSN) and approval from the Designated School Official (DSO) |
| Work authorization in Canada | Requires a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and valid study permit |
| Work authorization process in the US | Discuss with DSO and apply for an Employment Authorization Document with USCIS |
| Work opportunities in the US | On-campus and off-campus jobs, Optional Practical Training (OPT), and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) |
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What You'll Learn
Part-time work in the US
International students in the US often need to work part-time to finance their education and living expenses. However, it is important to remember that the US government takes working illegally very seriously, and breaking the rules can lead to deportation. Therefore, international students must understand the requirements and restrictions concerning their visa.
Most international students in the US hold an F1 visa, which is the US non-immigrant student visa. F1 students are allowed to work in the US, but only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Generally, all employment is contingent on remaining within the terms and restrictions of the F1 visa.
F1 students may work on the campus of their university for up to 20 hours a week while school is in session and full-time during school breaks. To get this type of job, students must apply for it up to 30 days before the start of classes and talk to their Designated School Official (DSO). The DSO will provide a letter of approval, which is required to get a Social Security Number (SSN).
F1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year. After the first year, they may engage in three types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and severe economic hardship off-campus employment. CPT is an off-campus employment option for F1 students when the practical training is an integral part of the established curriculum or academic program. To qualify, the work experience must be required for the student's degree, or academic credit must be awarded. Prior authorization by the school's International Student Office and notification to the USCIS are required. The DSO must also authorize CPT employment, and specify whether the student is approved for part-time (20 hours per week or less) or full-time (more than 20 hours per week) CPT employment. OPT is permitted for up to 12 months full-time in total, and part-time OPT reduces the available full-time OPT by half of the amount of part-time work. Students who have engaged in 12 months or more of full-time CPT are not eligible for OPT. F-1 students may also be eligible for off-campus employment in cases of severe economic hardship occurring after enrollment in an academic program and after the student has been in F-1 status for at least one full academic year.
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Part-time work in Canada
International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit, provided they meet other requirements for working while studying. Students must be enrolled in a full-time study programme at a designated learning institution (DLI) and be in their last semester, not requiring a full course load to graduate. Working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of the study permit conditions and can result in losing student status and future permit approvals.
To work off-campus without a work permit, international students must meet specific requirements. These include being a full-time student at a DLI, being in the final semester, and not requiring a full course load for completion. Students must ensure compliance with their study permit conditions, which may include restrictions on the number of working hours.
If a student's study permit does not allow off-campus work, they can apply to have this condition removed. This process involves a fee and requires submitting a letter explaining the reasons for the request. After changing the conditions, students can apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN), which is necessary for working in Canada.
International students in Canada can work part-time without a work permit, but they must adhere to the specified weekly hour limit and comply with their study permit conditions. It is important for both students and employers to understand and follow these regulations to avoid any legal consequences. Students should also be aware of their eligibility to work during breaks and the impact of their work hours on their student status.
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Part-time work in the UK
International students in the UK are not permitted to undertake any work, including paid or unpaid work, placements, internships, or any other form of work experience. This means that international students cannot obtain a part-time student visa for any course that requires a placement or work experience. However, overseas students can study research courses part-time without a student visa, provided they attend the university for the equivalent of one week per academic year.
International students in the UK are also not allowed to work remotely for an overseas company while in the UK. If they wish to bring family members with them to the UK as visa dependents, they should refer to the relevant UK visa guidelines.
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On-campus jobs
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are allowed to work, but only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions. Students on an F-1 visa may accept on-campus employment, typically for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during academic breaks. However, it is important to note that on-campus employment is limited to work that takes place at the school location or an educationally affiliated off-campus location, such as a bookstore or cafeteria, as long as the work directly provides services for students.
There are several on-campus job opportunities available for international students in the US. Here are some examples:
- Library Assistant: This role involves shelving books, helping visitors find books, providing administrative support to librarians, and assisting with library-based events.
- Research Assistant: Research assistants typically need excellent organisational and interpersonal skills, as well as enthusiasm for the research subject.
- Campus Ambassador: Campus ambassadors promote the university and share their knowledge and experiences with prospective students during campus tours.
- Barista: On-campus cafes often hire international students, offering a great opportunity to meet new people in a fast-paced environment.
- Tutoring or Peer Mentoring: International students can provide unique perspectives and different ways of learning to their fellow students, making this a well-suited role.
- Teaching Assistant: Teaching assistants supervise classroom activities and provide support to students who are struggling. With existing experience, they can also lead classes and mark students' work.
- Front-of-House Assistant: Many universities have restaurants or dining facilities that recruit students for front-of-house roles, such as greeting guests or running food.
In addition to on-campus jobs, F-1 visa students may be eligible for off-campus employment under specific programs, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT), but these options often come with stricter requirements and limitations.
For international students in Canada, the regulations differ. Students are allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit, but only if they meet certain requirements. To work more than 24 hours per week, a work permit is necessary.
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Off-campus jobs
International students in Canada and the United States need to comply with certain laws and regulations when seeking off-campus employment. Here are some key points and instructions for international students seeking off-campus jobs in these countries:
Canada
International students in Canada must ensure they meet the requirements for working off-campus while studying. Students with a valid study permit and enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI) can work off-campus without a work permit for up to 24 hours per week. To work, students must be in their last semester and not need a full course load to complete their program. Students must also ensure they are eligible for off-campus work as per their study permit conditions. If not, they may need to apply for a work permit or change their permit conditions, which requires a fee. Students must also obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work in Canada.
United States
International students in the United States with an F-1 visa must generally refrain from working off-campus during their first academic year. After the first year, F-1 students may engage in off-campus employment under specific circumstances:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): CPT is available for F-1 students who have maintained their status for at least nine months. CPT must be an integral part of the student's curriculum or a requirement for their degree or course credit. CPT employment can include internships, cooperative education, or practicums related to the student's major or field of study. CPT is typically part-time (20 hours per week) during the academic year and can be full-time during breaks and summer vacations.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): OPT allows F-1 students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year before or after graduation. Students can apply for post-completion OPT up to 90 days before graduation.
- Severe Economic Hardship Employment: F-1 students experiencing severe economic hardship may be eligible to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks. To qualify, students must demonstrate their hardship and show that on-campus employment is unavailable or insufficient.
To work off-campus in the United States, international students must obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) and ensure they meet eligibility requirements. Working illegally can result in losing F-1 student status and visa revocation.
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Frequently asked questions
International students with F1 visas are allowed to work on campus for up to 20 hours a week. To work off-campus, students must meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization.
International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. To work off-campus, students must have a valid study permit.
International students can study research courses part-time without a Student Visa. They will be expected to attend university for the equivalent of one week per academic year.
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