International Students: Part-Time Study Options Explored

International students in the United States on an F1 visa are permitted to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during holidays and vacations. To work on-campus, students must maintain valid F1 status, not displace a US student, and gain approval from their Designated School Official (DSO). Off-campus work is generally not permitted for international students, but there are two programs that allow students to gain experience in their field of study: Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT). OPT is permitted for up to 12 months full-time in total, while CPT is an off-campus employment option for F1 students when the practical training is integral to the curriculum or academic program.

Can an international student ever go part-time?

Part-time work in the US with an F-1 visa

International students with an F-1 visa are allowed to work part-time on their campus for up to 20 hours a week. This includes working in a university bookstore, cafeteria, or other facilities. To get this type of job, you will need to apply for it up to 30 days before the start of classes. If approved, you will receive a letter of approval from your Designated School Official (DSO), which you will need to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN).

Students with an F-1 visa are also allowed to work full-time during school break periods (up to 40 hours per week). However, they are not allowed to work off-campus during their first academic year. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT Extension. CPT is employment that trains you in your field of study and fulfills academic credit or part of your degree requirement. OPT is work authorization that allows you to work in areas related to your major for up to one year before or after graduation. To be eligible for OPT, you must have been enrolled for at least one academic year and have active F-1 student status.

It is important to note that the US government takes working illegally very seriously, and breaking the rules can lead to deportation. Therefore, international students should always check with their DSO to ensure they are following all the rules and regulations regarding part-time work in the US.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

International students enrolled full-time and holding a valid F-1 visa are permitted to 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. However, strict rules and eligibility requirements govern international students' ability to work off-campus.

One option for international students seeking part-time work in their field of study in the US is Curricular Practical Training (CPT). CPT is defined as employment that trains you in your field of study and for which you fulfil academic credit or part of your degree requirement. CPT may be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to your field of study.

To be eligible for CPT, students must be enrolled for at least one academic year and have active F-1 student status. The CPT authorization process involves meeting with a Designated School Official (DSO) to discuss eligibility and complete the necessary paperwork. The DSO will then provide a letter of approval, which is required to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). CPT can be authorized on a part-time or full-time basis, in accordance with school policies. Students must maintain a full course of study even when CPT is authorized.

It is important to note that CPT authorization is only required when the training takes place inside the United States. For example, a summer internship in a student's home country does not need CPT authorization. Additionally, DSOs can cancel CPT before the start date, and after the start date, they can edit the authorization to shorten the CPT end date.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

International students with F-1 visas are allowed to work on their university campus for up to 20 hours a week. They can also take on off-campus jobs, but this is less common and comes with stricter regulations. One way for international students to work off-campus is through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. OPT is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student's major area of study. Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before or after completing their academic studies.

The OPT application process involves several steps and players. Students must file Form I-765, and their DSO should specify if the OPT is pre-completion or post-completion and whether it is full or part-time. If a student plans to split their OPT time between degree programs, this should be noted in SEVIS. The OPT employment must be a minimum of 20 hours per week, and students can change jobs during their OPT period. Volunteering and unpaid internships can be considered employment for the initial 12-month period of post-completion OPT.

If a student has already received one year of full-time pre-completion OPT, they will not be entitled to any period of post-completion OPT employment authorization. However, if a student has earned a degree in certain STEM fields, they may apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT. Students who file for this extension in a timely manner will be able to continue employment while the extension is pending.

It is important to note that transferring to another school or beginning studies at another educational level will result in the automatic termination of OPT employment authorization. While this will not affect the student's F-1 status as long as they maintain their student status, it does mean they are no longer authorized to work in the United States using that OPT authorization.

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. However, they must meet other requirements, including being a full-time student at a designated learning institution and ensuring that their study permit states that they are eligible for off-campus work. Working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of the study permit conditions, which may result in losing student status and future permit approvals, and may even require leaving the country.

To work off-campus, international students must be enrolled full-time both before and after the break. They cannot work before their first semester and must follow provincial laws on overtime pay and time between shifts.

There are various part-time job opportunities for students in Canada, including in fields such as marketing, healthcare, IT, and communications. Many jobs are also available in the service industry, such as at Tim Hortons.

Part-time study in the US with an F-1 visa

International students with an F-1 visa are allowed to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session and up to 40 hours per week when they are not. However, students with an F-1 visa are not permitted to work off-campus during their first academic year. After the first academic year, F-1 students can engage in three types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT Extension. CPT is training in a student's field of study for which they receive academic credit or fulfil a degree requirement. OPT allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to a year before or after graduation. To be eligible, students must have been enrolled for at least one academic year and have an active F-1 status.

To work part-time in the US with an F-1 visa, students must follow certain rules and regulations. Firstly, they must be enrolled full-time at an accredited academic institution, such as a college or university, that is authorised by the US government to accept foreign students. Secondly, they must ensure their employment does not displace a US citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR). Thirdly, they must report their work and obtain a certification letter to present to the Social Security Administration to receive a Social Security Number (SSN).

To obtain an on-campus job, students must apply for it up to 30 days before the start of classes and talk to their Designated School Official (DSO), who will present them with available job options. The DSO will provide a letter of approval, which is required to get an SSN. The DSO should also help students with the Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status", and Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization".

It is important to note that working illegally can lead to serious consequences, including jeopardising student status and even deportation. Therefore, international students must ensure they comply with all employment regulations and always check with their DSO regarding work opportunities.

Frequently asked questions