Douglas Olsen
International students in Canada and the US are subject to work hour restrictions. 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 a violation of the student visa, which may result in losing student status and being asked to leave the country. In the US, international students with an F-1 visa are permitted to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week when school is in session and up to 40 hours per week during breaks. Off-campus employment is limited to specific circumstances, such as curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training (OPT). CPT allows students to gain practical experience related to their field of study, while OPT provides work authorization for up to one year in areas related to their major. To maintain their visa status, international students must adhere to work restrictions and prioritize their education.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Work hours | 24 hours per week off-campus |
| Work hours during breaks | Unlimited |
| Work permit | Not required if meeting eligibility criteria |
| Criteria | Paragraph 186(f), (v) or (w) of the IRPR |
| Criteria for full-time work during breaks | Must be a full-time student before and after the break |
| Country | USA |
| Work hours | 20 hours per week on-campus |
| Work hours during breaks | Unlimited |
| Work permit | Required |
| Work permit type | F-1 visa |
| SSN | Required for on-campus and off-campus jobs |
| CPT | Curricular Practical Training |
| OPT | Optional Practical Training |
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What You'll Learn
- International students in the US can work up to 20 hours per week on-campus when school is in session
- During school breaks, international students in the US can work full-time (up to 40 hours per week)
- F-1 students in the US may work at another campus if it meets certain criteria
- International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit
- Students in Canada can work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks
International students in the US can work up to 20 hours per week on-campus when school is in session
International students in the US on an F-1 visa can work up to 20 hours per week on-campus when school is in session. This is a useful way for international students to help cover the costs of their education and gain valuable work experience. However, working illegally is taken very seriously by the US government, so it is important to follow the rules.
To be eligible for on-campus employment, students must have been enrolled for at least one academic year and have active F-1 student status. Students must also apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) and receive a letter of approval from their Designated School Official (DSO) before they can start working. The DSO will keep a record of the student's employment and ensure that the work qualifies as on-campus employment.
On-campus employment must be with a qualifying employer that does not displace a US citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR). This can include work for an on-campus commercial business, such as a bookstore or cafeteria, as long as the work directly provides services for students. It can also include work with an employer that is contractually affiliated with the school, even if the work site is not located on campus.
During scheduled breaks, such as summer and winter holidays, international students can work full-time on-campus, as long as they will return to school after the break. After completing their degree, students can work full-time (40 hours/week) on Optional Practical Training (OPT) for up to 14 months. OPT is work authorization that allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year before or after graduation.
It is important to note that the rules regarding work for international students can vary depending on the school and individual circumstances. Students should always check with their DSO and International Student Office to ensure they are complying with the relevant regulations.
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During school breaks, international students in the US can work full-time (up to 40 hours per week)
International students in the US on an F-1 visa have several options for working during school breaks and throughout the academic year. While the US government takes working illegally very seriously, there are a number of work authorization processes available for eligible students.
To work full-time during breaks, students must meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR). Students must also have been enrolled for at least one academic year and have active F-1 student status.
To work off-campus, students must apply for a work permit and meet other requirements for working while studying. Students must also apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) and provide their employer with their SSN before they can be paid.
There are several other work authorization options for international students in the US:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): This is employment that trains students in their field of study and can be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to their field of study. CPT can be part-time (20 hours per week or less) or full-time (more than 20 hours per week).
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): OPT allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year either before or after graduation. OPT work must be full-time (40 hours/week) and must be completed within 14 months after the completion of the degree.
- Severe Economic Hardship Employment: This option is available to students who have completed at least one academic year and can prove a severe economic hardship beyond their control.
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F-1 students in the US may work at another campus if it meets certain criteria
F-1 students in the US are subject to strict rules regarding employment during their studies. F-1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year, but they may accept on-campus employment, provided they meet certain conditions and restrictions. After their first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): This includes paid or unpaid internships, cooperative education jobs, practicums, or other experiences related to their field of study. CPT must fulfill an academic credit or degree requirement.
- 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. To be eligible, students must have been enrolled for at least one academic year and maintain active F-1 student status.
- Off-campus employment due to severe economic hardship: USCIS may authorize F-1 students to work off-campus part-time if they face severe economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances beyond their control. This includes loss of financial aid, substantial fluctuations in currency value or exchange rate, unexpected medical bills, or other substantial expenses.
In addition to the above, F-1 students may work at another campus if it meets specific criteria. The other campus must be listed on the same Form I-17, "Petition for Approval of School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Student." F-1 students must also ensure that the new position qualifies as on-campus employment and update their employment information in their SEVIS record.
It is important to note that F-1 students are generally limited to working on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during classes and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. Working more than 20 hours per week on-campus may be permitted in cases of severe economic hardship resulting from emergent circumstances, but this must be approved by the school's Designated School Official (DSO).
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International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit
International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. This rule came into effect on November 15, 2024, increasing the previous limit of 20 hours per week. Students must ensure they meet other requirements for working while studying. These include being a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI) and being in the last semester of their study program.
International students in Canada can also work on-campus without a work permit, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. There is no limit to the number of hours students can work on-campus. On-campus work includes employment within the buildings or grounds of a school's campus, as well as jobs with the school, faculty members, student organizations, or private businesses operating on campus.
It is important to note that working more than 24 hours per week off-campus is a violation of the study permit conditions. Students who do not abide by the rules may lose their student status, face difficulties in obtaining future study or work permits, and even have to leave the country.
Additionally, international students in Canada can work unlimited hours remotely for an employer based outside of Canada, as long as they comply with the conditions of their study permit. This type of remote work does not count towards the 24-hour off-campus work limit.
To be eligible for off-campus work without a work permit, international students in Canada must meet specific requirements. These include being enrolled in an academic, vocational, or professional training program lasting at least six months and leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate. Students must also have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Students can work multiple jobs to make up their 24 hours as long as they continue to meet the conditions of their study permit. It is the responsibility of both the student and the employer to ensure that the student is eligible to work off-campus without a work permit before starting any employment.
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Students in Canada can work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks
International students in Canada can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during their studies. This limit has been increased from 20 hours, allowing students more flexibility to work without compromising their academic performance. However, during scheduled breaks, such as summer and winter holidays, international students are permitted to work unlimited hours.
To be eligible for off-campus work in Canada, international students must meet certain requirements. Firstly, they need to be enrolled in a full-time academic, vocational, or professional training program lasting at least six months and leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate. Secondly, they must possess a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN). Obtaining a SIN requires a request for an amendment to the student's study permit before applying to Service Canada. It's important to note that working off-campus is only permitted if it's stated on the student's study permit.
International students can work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, but they must be enrolled as full-time students both before and after the break. This means that students cannot work before their first semester starts. Additionally, the unlimited hours only apply to breaks scheduled by the student's Designated Learning Institution (DLI), such as summer and winter holidays or reading weeks.
While there is no limit on the number of hours that can be worked during these breaks, students must still comply with the conditions of their study permits. This includes properly tracking their hours, especially if they are self-employed, as hours are defined as any time spent earning wages or on-call. Students can work multiple jobs to accumulate the 24 hours during regular school terms, as long as they continue to meet the conditions of their study permits.
Furthermore, international students in Canada can work unlimited hours remotely for employers based outside of Canada, as this type of work doesn't count towards their off-campus work hour limit. This provides students with even more opportunities to earn income while studying.
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Frequently asked questions
International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit.
International students in the US with an F-1 visa are generally not allowed to work off-campus without official authorization. Students with an F-1 visa can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the school session and up to 40 hours per week during breaks.
Working more than 20 hours on campus is a violation of the F-1 Visa Limitations. Students who violate their visa status may lose their visa status or be asked to leave the country. However, some students have reported that their schools have overlooked minor infractions.
CPT stands for Curricular Practical Training, which is employment that trains you in your field of study and for which you fulfill 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.
OPT stands for Optional Practical Training, which is work authorization that allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year before or after graduation.
