Working Part-Time Twice: International Student's Guide To Employment

International students often take on part-time jobs to offset the costs of their education. Working part-time as a student is allowed on most visas, but there are strict rules and restrictions around what is permitted by different governments. For example, in the US, F-1 visa students cannot work more than 20 hours during the school term, while in Canada, students cannot work more than 24 hours per week without violating their study permit conditions.

Characteristics and Values of International Students Working 2 Part-time Jobs

Part-time work in the US

The US government allows international students to work part-time during their studies, but there are strict rules and regulations to follow. These rules are constantly changing, so it is important to stay up to date with the latest information.

F-1 and M-1 visas

The F-1 visa is for academic students enrolled in US universities, colleges, high schools, language training programs, and other academic institutions. F-1 students can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the school term and full-time during school breaks. Off-campus employment must be related to their area of study and authorised by the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS. The DSO will provide a letter of approval, which is required to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN).

M-1 visa holders for technical and vocational programs are not permitted to work during their studies. However, they can work full-time in a practical training role related to their vocation after completing their vocational studies.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT)

CPT is a part of the academic curriculum for international students, providing training in their field of study. OPT allows international students to work temporarily in jobs related to their field of study for up to one year before or after graduation. Students with a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics can request a 24-month extension of post-completion OPT.

On-campus and off-campus jobs

On-campus jobs include working in university bookstores, cafeterias, libraries, or other university facilities. Off-campus jobs must be related to the student's academic course of study and meet eligibility requirements.

Social Security Number (SSN)

A Social Security Number (SSN) is a 9-digit number issued to citizens and eligible non-citizens for taxation purposes. It is required for both on-campus and off-campus employment.

Work visa requirements

International students seeking employment in a foreign country must comply with the work visa requirements of that country. In this regard, the United States and Canada have specific regulations in place for international students.

In the United States, international students on an F-1 visa are generally allowed to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the school term and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. However, off-campus employment is highly restricted and requires authorization. To be eligible for off-campus work, F-1 students must have completed at least one academic year and be in good academic standing. Additionally, they must demonstrate that working will not negatively impact their ability to attend school full-time and that they are experiencing severe economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances. F-1 students can also apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to gain work experience related to their field of study. OPT can be pre-completion or post-completion and allows for up to one year of work authorization.

For those seeking to work in Canada, international students can work off-campus without a work permit under certain conditions. Firstly, they must be a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI) and be in their last semester of study. Additionally, they must ensure that working will not exceed 24 hours per week, as this would violate their study permit conditions and may result in losing their student status. Similar to the United States, international students in Canada need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work, which is a 9-digit number provided by the Canadian government.

It is important to note that work visa requirements may vary depending on the country and the specific circumstances of the international student. Therefore, it is always advisable to refer to the official government sources and immigration services for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Work hours in Canada

International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. This rule applies to full-time students at a designated learning institution (DLI) and came into effect on November 8, 2024. 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.

Students can work an unlimited number of hours if they are on a scheduled break, such as during winter and summer holidays or a reading week. To be able to work full-time during these breaks, students must be full-time students both before and after the break.

To work off-campus in Canada, international students need a Social Insurance Number (SIN). To apply for a SIN, students must have certain conditions printed on their study permit, such as being allowed to work 24 hours per week off-campus or full-time during breaks. Students must also ensure they meet all eligibility criteria, including being a full-time student at a DLI.

Working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of the study permit conditions, and students can lose their student status and may even have to leave the country. Students are responsible for keeping track of their work hours and proving that they are complying with the conditions of their study permit.

International students can also work on-campus in Canada, but the rules and requirements for this type of employment may differ.

Off-campus work

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 requirements. These include being a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI), being in your last semester, and not needing a full course load to complete your program. You can work full-time during scheduled breaks, but only if you were a full-time student up until that break. To work in Canada, you need a Social Insurance Number (SIN), which is a 9-digit number provided by the Canadian government.

In the United States, international students with an F1 visa are allowed to work but only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). F1 students can 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. Off-campus work is not permitted without meeting eligibility requirements and obtaining official authorization. To obtain authorization, students must first obtain an internship offer and then work with the Designated School Official (DSO) to apply for an Employment Authorization Document with USCIS. Students must also have a Social Security Number (SSN) to get a job on or off-campus.

Curricular Practical Training (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. CPT may be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to the student's field of study. Optional Practical Training (OPT) is work authorization that allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year before or after graduation. OPT must be completed within 14 months after graduation, and students must have been enrolled for at least one academic year with an active F1 student status.

In other countries, such as Costa Rica, non-citizens are not allowed to work alongside their studies to protect the employment opportunities of citizens. In Cyprus, only EU students are typically allowed to work up to 20 hours a week, while in Fiji, no international students are permitted to work. In Lebanon, employers must prove that a Lebanese citizen cannot do the job to hire an international student.

On-campus work

International students in the US with valid F1 immigration status are allowed to work on-campus up to 20 hours per week when school is in session and up to 40 hours per week when it is not. This includes during annual breaks. To be eligible, students must prove that working will not affect their ability to attend school full-time and maintain their academic standing. They must also have a Social Security Number (SSN) to get a job on-campus.

On-campus employment includes work performed for on-location commercial firms that provide services for students, such as the school bookstore or cafeteria. It also includes work at an off-campus location that is educationally affiliated with the school. This affiliation must be associated with the school's curriculum or related to contractually funded research projects at the postgraduate level.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an option for F1 students when the training is an integral part of the curriculum or academic program. CPT employment can be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to the student's field of study. Students can also apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work in areas related to their major for up to a year before or after graduation.

International students can also receive a Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) or Research Assistant (RA) award, but they must take the International Teaching Assistant English Evaluation (ITA) test.

Frequently asked questions