Savanna Hoffman
International students in the US and Canada have the opportunity to work part-time while studying, but they must comply with visa requirements and other restrictions. In the US, international students on an F1 visa can work on-campus without USCIS approval, but opportunities are limited. They can also work off-campus through Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows for 12 months of employment in a field related to their studies. In Canada, international students can work on or off-campus without a work permit, provided they have a valid study permit and are enrolled full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Students in Canada are limited to 24 hours of work per week and may need a co-op permit for internships or co-op placements. Both countries offer pathways to full-time work after graduation, with the US's F1 visa allowing for OPT extensions and Canada offering Post-Graduation Work Programs (PGWP) that can lead to permanent residence.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work permit | Students can work off-campus without a work permit if they meet all other requirements. |
| Work hours | Students can work up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. Working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of the study permit conditions. |
| Study permit | Students need a valid study permit to work in Canada. The study permit will mention whether the student is permitted to work in Canada and the conditions of their employment. |
| Social Insurance Number (SIN) | Students need a SIN to work in Canada. |
| Full-time student | Students must be enrolled full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to work part-time in Canada. |
| Academic breaks | Students can work unlimited hours during academic breaks. |
| Post Graduation Work Program (PGWP) | Students can work in Canada while waiting for their PGWP, as long as they applied for their job before their student permit expired. |
| Permanent residence | International students can gain permanent residence in Canada through the Express Entry immigration system. |
| Taxes | International students are usually considered non-residents for tax purposes, and their employer is required to deduct taxes from their income. |
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What You'll Learn
Work permit requirements for international students in Canada
International students in Canada must meet specific requirements to obtain a work permit. Firstly, it's important to note that eligibility to work during studies will be indicated in the conditions on one's study permit. If eligible for off-campus work, a separate work permit is typically unnecessary. However, for those seeking to work in a designated occupation, such as health services or with children, a medical exam is mandatory before submitting a work permit application.
International students enrolled in English as a Second Language or French as a Second Language programs are generally ineligible for work permits under the Co-op Work Permit Program. However, work permits are obtainable for work related to research, educational, or training programs funded by specific agencies, such as the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) or the National Research Council of Canada (NRC).
To be eligible for a work permit under a co-op or internship program, several conditions must be met. These include possessing a valid study permit and having intended employment that is an essential part of a post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training program. The employment must also be certified as part of the academic program by an official of the institution.
As of November 8, 2024, students will be allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit, provided they meet other requirements for working while studying. Working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of the study permit conditions, which can result in losing student status and future permit approvals.
After completing a study program, there are two primary ways to work full-time. The first is to have applied for a work permit before the study permit expired, and the second is to meet all the requirements for full-time work, as outlined by the relevant authorities.
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Work hour restrictions for international students in Canada
International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit, provided they meet other eligibility requirements. These include being a full-time student at a designated learning institution and being in the last semester of their study program. Students must ensure they meet the conditions outlined in their study permit, as working more than 24 hours per week is a violation that can result in losing student status and being asked to leave the country.
The number of hours permitted to work off-campus has recently undergone changes. Until April 30, 2024, international students could work an unlimited number of hours off-campus, a temporary policy during the COVID era. This was then reduced to 20 hours per week until September 2024, after which the limit will increase to 24 hours per week. It is important to note that these hour restrictions do not apply to on-campus jobs, where students can work unlimited hours.
During scheduled breaks, such as summer and winter holidays, students can work unlimited hours, provided they are full-time students both before and after the break. To work off-campus, students may need to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN), a 9-digit number provided by the Government of Canada.
Students in certain categories, such as ESL students or those taking general interest courses, may not be eligible for off-campus work and may require a work permit to take up employment while studying in Canada. It is important to carefully review the conditions of your study permit and eligibility criteria for off-campus work to ensure compliance with Canadian regulations.
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On-campus job opportunities for international students in the US
International students in the US can work on-campus without requiring additional work authorization or paperwork, making it an appealing option. However, it is important to note that the availability and nature of on-campus jobs may vary across different colleges and universities.
International students can search for on-campus jobs using online portals, university-specific platforms, career centres, networking, and job fairs. They can also learn about job opportunities through word of mouth, seniors, and upperclassmen. Some universities offer institutionally-funded work-study programs for qualifying international students.
On-campus jobs can provide international students with valuable work experience, references, and the opportunity to earn some extra money to offset college costs. Students can work 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 be mindful of the specific rules and regulations regarding on-campus employment, as they may vary from one institution to another.
Examples of on-campus jobs for international students include working in the dining hall, research positions, or administrative roles in university departments like the Office of International Student Affairs. These jobs can be a great way for international students to integrate into campus life, build connections, and gain valuable skills that can enhance their resumes.
Overall, on-campus job opportunities for international students in the US offer a convenient way to gain work experience, earn money, and engage with the campus community while complying with visa regulations.
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Off-campus work options for international students in the US
International students in the US on an F1 visa are permitted to work off-campus, but only under certain conditions and restrictions. Off-campus work options for international students in the US include:
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
F-1 students can work for 12 months, either before or after completing their studies in the US, through the OPT programme. This programme employs students in an area related to their field of study. Students of certain STEM fields may apply to extend their OPT for 24 months. To be eligible for pre-completion OPT, students must have lawfully completed a full year at a US university, seminary or conservatory that has been certified by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT is an off-campus employment option for F1 students when the practical training is an integral part of the established curriculum or academic programme. CPT employment can include work/study, internships, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school. To qualify, the work experience must be required for the degree, or academic credit must be awarded. Prior authorisation by the school's International Student Office and notification to the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) is required.
Severe Economic Hardship
USCIS will authorise off-campus employment for F-1 students who can show that new, unexpected circumstances beyond their control have created a severe economic hardship, such as the loss of financial aid or on-campus employment. The student must have been enrolled for at least one academic year, in good academic standing, and be unable to obtain on-campus employment or receive sufficient pay from it to meet their financial needs.
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Post-graduation work permits in Canada
International students studying in the US can work off-campus in Canada, provided they meet certain requirements. These include having a valid study permit, being a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI), and ensuring that their passport and study permit remain valid for the duration of their stay in Canada. Students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus without a work permit, but working more than 24 hours a week violates the conditions of their study permit, which may result in losing their student status and having to leave the country.
International students who have graduated from a Canadian educational institution may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This permit allows graduates to work in Canada after completing their studies. To be eligible for a PGWP, individuals must meet several requirements:
- Complete a program of study: The program must be at least 8 months long (or 900 hours for Quebec programs) at a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution.
- Maintain full-time student status: Students must maintain their full-time status in Canada during each semester of their study program. Part-time studies are allowed during the final semester.
- Apply within the specified timeframe: The PGWP application must be submitted within 180 days of receiving confirmation of completing the program.
- Valid study permit: The applicant's study permit must be valid at some point during the 180 days after graduation and before submitting the PGWP application.
- Language proficiency: Applicants must provide proof of English or French language skills, with a minimum level of Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 7 in English or Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 7 in French across all four language areas.
- Field of study requirements: There are no specific field of study requirements for graduates with a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree. However, for other programs, there may be specific field requirements linked to occupations in long-term shortage.
It is important to note that graduates can apply for a PGWP from within Canada or outside the country, depending on their circumstances. Additionally, the duration of the PGWP is based on the length of the study program, and it can be extended if the passport expires before the full duration of eligibility.
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Frequently asked questions
No, an international student studying in the US cannot work in Canada. However, if you are an international student in Canada, you may be able to work part-time or full-time depending on your study permit.
A study permit is a document that states whether or not you're permitted to work in Canada. If your study permit mentions that you can work, it will detail the conditions of your employment. You can use these details to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN), which is required to start working in Canada.
Students are allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. Working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of your study permit conditions, and you may lose your student status. During academic breaks, such as summer holidays, students can work unlimited hours.
Yes, international students in the US can work part-time or full-time, but they must adhere to the terms of their visa and the regulations set by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). On-campus employment is the most freely permitted category, and F1 students can work up to 20 hours per week during classes and full-time during holidays.
