Lana Oconnell
International students in the United States on an F-1 visa have several options for working during their studies, but strict rules apply. Generally, F-1 students can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during breaks. Off-campus employment is more restricted, and students must meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization to work off-campus. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is one option for off-campus employment, allowing students to gain practical experience in their field of study. CPT is typically part-time (20 hours per week or less) during the academic year and may be full-time during breaks. To work off-campus without CPT, F-1 students must demonstrate severe economic hardship or emergent circumstances, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Work hours without a permit | 24 hours per week |
| Work hours with a permit | Unlimited |
| Work during breaks | Full-time |
| Work off-campus | Not allowed |
| Country | USA |
| Work hours on F1 visa | 20 hours per week |
| Work hours when classes are not in session | 40 hours per week |
| Work off-campus | Allowed under Optional Practical Training (OPT) |
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What You'll Learn
- International students in the US can work on-campus for up to 20 hours a week
- Off-campus work is possible in Optional Practical Training (OPT) status
- Students must meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorisation
- Students in Canada can work off-campus without a work permit, but must meet other requirements
- Students in Canada must be enrolled full-time and meet certain criteria to work 24 hours per week
International students in the US can work on-campus for up to 20 hours a week
On-campus employment is the category most freely permitted by the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Service) regulations, and it does not require USCIS approval. However, on-campus employment opportunities are often limited, and many schools require permission from the International Student Office before accepting on-campus employment. Students may not be permitted to work in their first semester or year, and the work may not be related to their studies.
International students can work full-time on campus during holidays and vacation periods if they intend to register for the next academic semester. This full-time work cannot displace US workers.
Students can also work off-campus in Optional Practical Training (OPT) status during and after their degree. OPT is work authorization that allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year either before or after graduation. This requires prior authorization from the USCIS and the school's International Student Office.
It is important to note that students found working illegally risk losing their F-1 status and having their F-1 visa revoked.
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Off-campus work is possible in Optional Practical Training (OPT) status
International students in the United States on an F-1 visa have strict regulations regarding employment, particularly off-campus work. Off-campus work is possible in Optional Practical Training (OPT) status, but there are several requirements and limitations.
Firstly, to be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year and have active F-1 student status. OPT is temporary employment directly related to an F-1 student's major area of study, allowing them to work in their field of study for up to one year before or after graduation. Students can apply for pre-completion OPT after completing one academic year, and they can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time when school is not in session. For post-completion OPT, students can work part-time (at least 20 hours per week) or full-time. The OPT authorization ends one year after issuance or upon completion of the program, whichever comes first.
To apply for OPT, students must request a recommendation from their Designated School Official (DSO) at their academic institution. The DSO will endorse the student's Form I-20, "Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status", and make the appropriate notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). After receiving the DSO's recommendation, students must file Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," with the required fee and supporting documentation. Students cannot begin their OPT until after their Form I-765 is approved and they receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
It is important to note that working without authorization in the United States can have serious consequences, including removal from the country and re-entry bars. Students must also be mindful of the unemployment limit during OPT, as accruing 90 days of unemployment may result in termination by SEVP officials.
Additionally, certain F-1 students who obtain STEM degrees may be eligible for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT, known as the STEM OPT extension. To qualify, students must have earned a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from an accredited institution certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The practical training opportunity must be directly related to the previously obtained STEM degree. The STEM OPT extension application process involves submitting Form I-765 within specified timelines and providing the required documentation, including the employer's E-Verify information and a copy of the STEM degree.
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Students must meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorisation
International students in the US with an F1 visa are allowed to work but only under certain conditions. 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 classes are not. However, working more than 20 hours per week is a violation of the F1 visa limitations. Students interested in working off-campus must meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorisation.
To be eligible to work off-campus, students must be enrolled for at least one academic year and have active F-1 student status. Students must also have a Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," from the DSO, signed within the last 30 days, certifying that the applicant is a bona fide F-1 student. Students must also have a Social Security Number (SSN), which is a 9-digit number issued to citizens and eligible non-citizens for taxation purposes.
To obtain official authorisation to work off-campus, students must first obtain an internship offer with an international organisation and then work with the DSO to apply for an Employment Authorisation Document with USCIS. The DSO will enter their recommendation into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and print the supporting Form I-20. Students must also ensure they are complying with the conditions of their study permit. For example, students must be full-time students both before and after the break to work unlimited hours during the break.
It is important to note that students found working illegally risk losing their F-1 student status and having their F-1 visa revoked. Therefore, it is crucial for international students to understand the eligibility requirements and obtain official authorisation before seeking off-campus employment.
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Students in Canada can work off-campus without a work permit, but must meet other requirements
International students in Canada can work off-campus without a work permit, but they must meet other requirements. Students must be enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI) and be in their last semester of their study program. Additionally, they must have a valid study permit that authorises off-campus work and confirms their eligibility.
In Canada, international 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 considered a violation of the study permit conditions, which may result in losing student status and future permit approvals. Students must ensure they meet all the requirements for working while studying, as failing to do so may result in having to leave the country.
To work off-campus in Canada, international students must have a Social Insurance Number (SIN), a nine-digit number provided by the Canadian government. Students must also meet specific eligibility criteria outlined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR).
While off-campus work is an option for international students in Canada, it is important to note that restrictions apply to full-time positions (40 hours or more per week). To work full-time, students may need to apply for a work permit or meet additional requirements, such as participating in internships or co-op placements.
In the United States, international students face stricter rules regarding off-campus employment. Students with F-1 status must meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization to work off-campus.
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Students in Canada must be enrolled full-time and meet certain criteria to work 24 hours per week
International students in Canada can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus while their classes are in session. This change came into effect on November 8, 2024, increasing the limit from 20 hours per week. Students must meet specific requirements to be eligible for off-campus work without a work permit. Firstly, they must be enrolled as full-time students at a designated learning institution (DLI). Secondly, they must be in their last semester, not needing a full course load to complete their program.
It is important to note that working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of the study permit conditions. Students who exceed this limit risk losing their student status and may face difficulties in obtaining future study or work permits. Additionally, they may be required to leave the country. The definition of "hours worked" includes any time spent earning wages or collecting a commission, even if the student is on call and not actively working. Self-employed students must also track their hours and ensure compliance with their study permit conditions.
International students in Canada can work remotely for employers outside Canada, provided they adhere to the conditions of their study permit. This type of work does not count towards the 24-hour weekly limit for off-campus work. During scheduled breaks, there is no limit on the number of hours international students can work, but they must be enrolled as full-time students both before and after the break to take advantage of this provision.
While the current limit for off-campus work during regular school terms is 24 hours per week, there are no restrictions on the number of hours international students can work on-campus. However, they must still adhere to their study permit conditions and any relevant provincial laws regarding overtime pay and time between shifts. To work on-campus, international students in Canada typically need a Social Insurance Number (SIN), which is a 9-digit code provided by the Government of Canada.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students enrolled full-time and in valid F-1 status can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the school session, and up to 40 hours per week during breaks.
International students must obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) to work in the US. To apply for an SSN, you will need a letter from your employer stating the job title, work hours, start date, and rate of pay, as well as a letter from your International Student Services Office confirming your eligibility to work, your passport, F-1 visa, and I-94 number.
CPT stands for Curricular Practical Training, which is a type of employment that trains you in your field of study and counts towards academic credit or a degree requirement. CPT authorization specifies whether you are approved for part-time (20 hours per week or less) or full-time employment.
Off-campus employment for international students is limited and usually only allowed in cases of severe economic hardship or emergent circumstances, such as natural disasters or financial crises.
