International Students: Can They Deliver Food And Study?

International students often take up part-time jobs to supplement their income, and food delivery services like Uber Eats and DoorDash offer flexible hours and the ability to earn money while studying. However, it is important to note that work regulations for international students vary by country and visa type. For instance, in the UK, students on full-time degree courses with a Student visa are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time, but gig-economy jobs are not permitted. In contrast, international students in the US with a B-1/B-2 visa or the Visa Waiver Program are not allowed to work for food delivery apps. Therefore, it is crucial for international students to understand the specific work regulations and laws of their host country before taking up any employment.

Characteristics and Values

International students on a T4 visa can work up to 20 hours a week

International students in the US on a T4 visa can work up to 20 hours a week. However, there are specific rules and criteria that must be followed. Firstly, it is important to understand the different types of employment available to international students: on-campus and off-campus. On-campus employment is generally more accessible for international students, as it does not require USCIS approval and can include work at on-campus commercial businesses, such as bookstores or cafeterias, as long as the work directly provides services for students.

For F-1 visa holders, on-campus employment is limited to 20 hours per week during school sessions and full-time during school breaks. It is important to note that on-campus jobs may not always be related to a student's field of study. Additionally, some schools require permission from the International Student Office before accepting on-campus employment, and it may not be permitted during the first semester or year.

Off-campus employment is more restricted and typically only available to F-1 students who have completed at least one academic year and meet certain economic hardship criteria. To work off-campus, the job must be physically located at an educationally affiliated organization or a company that contracts with the school to serve students directly. For example, an F-1 student can work for a food service company contracted by the school, but only at the school facilities and not at any off-campus locations.

It is crucial for international students to comply with federal laws and regulations when seeking employment in the US. Working illegally can lead to severe consequences, including jeopardizing student status and potential deportation. Therefore, it is essential to consult with the designated school official (DSO) and the International Student Office to understand the specific rules, criteria, and available job opportunities.

Students on a Student Visa cannot work for gig-economy companies like Uber

International students on a Student Visa are often faced with challenging situations, such as an unfavourable exchange rate, and may need to find a job to support themselves. Working in the gig economy may seem like a convenient option due to its flexibility. However, it is important to note that gig-economy companies like Uber consider their drivers to be self-employed. This type of work is typically not open to students on a Student Visa.

Students on a Student Visa have specific regulations regarding their work permissions. In the UK, for example, international students with a Student Visa are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacation periods. However, this does not include self-employed positions, which are typically off-limits to those on a Student Visa.

In the United States, F-1 students are generally expected to demonstrate their ability to afford school and living expenses before entering the country and are advised not to plan to work off-campus. Off-campus employment is only authorized in cases of severe economic hardship or emergent circumstances, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These circumstances include natural disasters, wars, and international financial crises.

While food delivery services like Uber Eats and DoorDash offer flexible hours and the ability to earn money while studying, international students must carefully consider their visa restrictions before taking on such work. It is crucial for students to understand their visa regulations and ensure they do not violate any terms by working in the gig economy.

To work legally in the food delivery sector, international students may need to change their visa status or explore other options, such as graduate routes or on-campus employment, depending on their specific situation and location. It is always advisable to seek official guidance to ensure compliance with visa requirements.

International students can work on-campus for a company that contracts with the school

International students in the US on an F-1 visa are allowed to work on-campus, as long as they are enrolled full-time in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate. The school must also be authorised by the US government to accept foreign students.

On-campus employment is defined as work that takes place at the school location or for an employer that is contractually affiliated with the school. This includes on-campus commercial businesses such as a bookstore or cafeteria, as long as the work directly provides services for students. For example, an F-1 student can work for a food service company contracted by the school, but only at school facilities, not at any off-campus locations.

F-1 students may also work for a company that is not located on campus, but is contractually affiliated with the school, such as a research lab. However, they cannot work for a company that does not have a contract with the school, even if the work location is on school property. For instance, an F-1 student cannot work for a construction company on campus.

There are several guidelines and restrictions regarding on-campus employment for F-1 students. They may work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during annual vacations or when school is not in session. To receive a Social Security number, F-1 students must report their work and obtain a certification letter from their employer. Additionally, on-campus employment must not displace a US citizen or lawful permanent resident.

It is important to note that international students should seek guidance from their school's International Student Office before applying for or accepting any employment, as their status is always contingent on the school's support.

Off-campus employment is only authorized in cases of severe economic hardship

International students on an F-1 visa in the United States are usually expected to work on-campus jobs. However, off-campus employment may be authorized in cases of severe economic hardship. This authorization is granted on a case-by-case basis by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and is dependent on several factors.

Firstly, the student must have been in F-1 status for at least one full academic year and must be in good academic standing. They must also demonstrate that they are unable to secure on-campus employment or that the pay from available on-campus jobs is insufficient to meet their financial needs. Severe economic hardship may include unforeseen circumstances beyond the student's control, such as the loss of financial aid or on-campus employment (if not their fault), substantial fluctuations in the exchange rate or value of the currency, unexpected increases in tuition or living costs, or changes in the financial state of the student's source of support.

To apply for off-campus employment authorization, the student must receive a recommendation from their Designated School Official (DSO) on the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (Form I-20). They must then file a Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," and pay a fee to USCIS. If approved, the student will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD, Form I-766) and a letter notifying them of the decision. The authorization is typically granted for one year or until the completion of the student's program, whichever comes first, and may be renewed if the student maintains their status and good academic standing.

It is important to note that off-campus employment authorization does not change the student's F-1 status, and they must continue to meet the requirements of their visa, including maintaining a full course of study. Additionally, off-campus employment must be for an employer educationally affiliated with the school, and border commuter students are generally not eligible for off-campus work authorization.

Part-time jobs help international students manage the cost of living

International students often take on part-time jobs to help manage the cost of living. Working in the gig economy or as a freelancer can be appealing due to the flexibility of such roles. However, international students on a Student Visa are not permitted to work for companies like Uber or Deliveroo, as they are considered self-employed.

International students on a Student Visa in the UK are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacation periods. In the US, F-1 students can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during vacation periods, but the job must be located on the school's campus or off-campus at an educationally affiliated organization. For example, an F-1 student can work for a food service company contracted by the school, but only at school facilities, not at off-campus locations.

There are various part-time jobs that international students can consider, such as working as a food runner, barista, usher, department assistant, or research assistant on-campus. These roles can provide international students with the opportunity to earn money and gain work experience while maintaining their studies.

It is important for international students to carefully manage their time to ensure that their part-time work does not negatively impact their academics. Additionally, students should be aware of the specific visa requirements and regulations related to employment in their host country to ensure compliance.

Frequently asked questions