Full-Time Work Options For International Students

International students often have the opportunity to work part-time or full-time while pursuing their studies. The work arrangement depends on the country and the type of visa or study program. For instance, in Australia, international students with a valid visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight and full-time during university breaks. In Canada, international students can work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week, and there are no limits on work hours during periods when they are not actively enrolled in classes. These work opportunities allow students to earn money, gain practical experience, and build professional networks. It is important for international students to be aware of their work rights and visa conditions, which may vary by country and individual circumstances.

Characteristics and Values of International Students Working Full Time

International students in Australia can work full-time during University holidays

International students in Australia have the same workplace rights as anyone else working in Australia. This means that international students can work full-time during university holidays.

From 1 July 2023, student visa holders can work up to 48 hours every fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during holiday breaks. Postgraduate research students on a student visa can work unlimited hours during their studies.

It is important to check your visa rules to ensure that you are allowed to work. You can do this on the Department of Home Affairs Visa Entitlement Verification Online system (VEVO). If your student visa was granted on or after 26 April 2008, you will automatically receive permission to work with your visa. This applies to both the primary student and any dependent family members travelling on the visa.

The Australian Government's Fair Work Ombudsman can help international students prepare for their new job. They offer a range of free resources and tools, including a Guide to Starting a New Job and the 'Starting a New Job' online course. The Ombudsman can also help if students are having workplace issues, without the risk of their visa being cancelled.

In Canada, international students can work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week

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) who are in their last semester and do not need a full course load to complete their program. Students must ensure they meet other requirements for working while studying, and both they and their employers must confirm that they can work off-campus without a work permit before starting work. Working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of the study permit conditions, which may result in losing student status and being asked to leave the country.

International students in Canada can gain practical experience and develop business contacts by working off-campus. They can work without a work permit if they meet all the requirements, including being a full-time student at a DLI and being in their final semester. Additionally, they must not need a full course load to complete their program. Students can work unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks.

To work in Canada, individuals require a Social Insurance Number (SIN). Students can apply to have the condition of not being allowed to work off-campus removed from their study permit. They must apply to change the conditions on their permit and pay a fee. After changing the conditions, they can apply for a SIN and start working off-campus.

It is important to note that international students in Canada on an authorized leave from their studies or switching schools cannot work off-campus. They can only return to work once they resume their studies. Additionally, international students must comply with all provincial laws on overtime pay and time between shifts while working in Canada.

Postgraduate research students in Australia can work full-time

For postgraduate research students, the workload and duration of the degree will determine whether full-time work is feasible. A PhD is typically a three-year full-time degree, while a Master of Philosophy/Research is usually completed in one to two years full-time. These degrees are also offered part-time, but this option is often only available to domestic students.

Additionally, international students on a student visa in Australia should be aware of their work entitlements. If your student visa was granted on or after 26 April 2008, you will automatically receive permission to work. This permission is electronically held, and you can access it using the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system.

The University of Sydney, for example, offers internship opportunities to domestic and international HDR students through its partnership with Australian Postgraduate Research Intern (APR.Intern). These internships must be at least 3 months long and consist of 60 full-time equivalent days of engagement.

In summary, while postgraduate research students in Australia can technically work full-time, they should carefully consider the demands of their degree and their visa status before making a decision.

International students in Canada can gain experience and increase their employability

To gain this experience, international students in Canada can take on part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer roles while studying. These opportunities allow students to build their resumes, develop valuable soft skills, and expand their professional network. Soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability, are highly valued in the Canadian job market and can set international students apart from their domestic counterparts.

Additionally, international students should focus on improving their language proficiency in English and French, as Canada is a bilingual country. While most international students acquire fluency during their studies, mastering the local accent and spoken fluency can further enhance their employability.

It is important for international students in Canada to be aware of the rules and regulations regarding work permits and visas. To work as a student in Canada, a valid study permit is required, along with full-time enrollment at a designated learning institution for at least six months. Understanding these requirements can help international students legally gain valuable Canadian work experience and increase their chances of finding employment after graduation.

Overall, by gaining Canadian work experience, developing soft skills, and improving language proficiency, international students in Canada can enhance their employability and successfully transition into the Canadian job market.

Part-time employees in Australia get the same minimum entitlements as full-time employees

International students in Australia have the same workplace rights as anyone else working in the country. They are allowed to work part-time or casually to help pay their living expenses while studying. Student visa holders in Australia are eligible to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and full-time during holidays. From 1 July 2023, student visa holders can work no more than 48 hours a fortnight while studying.

In Australia, part-time employees are entitled to the same minimum entitlements as full-time employees, but on a pro-rata basis. This means that part-time workers are entitled to the same benefits as full-time workers, but the amount they receive is proportional to the number of hours they work. For example, a part-time employee who works half the hours of a full-time employee would receive half of the paid sick and carer's leave. Part-time employees are also entitled to 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave, which is not pro-rated.

Full-time and part-time workers in Australia are entitled to four weeks of annual leave for every 12 months worked, as well as 12 months of unpaid parental leave. They can also request up to another 12 months of leave. Additionally, full-time and part-time employees can take paid sick or carer's leave, which includes mental health illnesses and injuries. The number of days of paid sick and carer's leave that employees are entitled to depends on their ordinary hours of work.

It is important to note that there are different rules and entitlements for casual employees in Australia. Casual employees do not receive annual leave, but they are entitled to some types of unpaid leave, such as carer's leave and compassionate leave. They also receive paid family and domestic violence leave. However, casual employees can notify their employer in writing if they intend to change to permanent (full-time or part-time) employment.

Frequently asked questions