International Students: Full-Time Work During Covid-19

International students have faced several challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including travel restrictions, online learning, and federal work limits. While some countries like Canada and the UK temporarily lifted work hour restrictions for international students providing essential services during the pandemic, these measures expired and were not reinstated. This has led to frustration among international students who want to work full-time, especially in the healthcare sector, to contribute to the pandemic response and gain valuable experience.

International students working full-time during COVID-19

International students in Canada can work full-time in essential services during COVID-19

International students in Canada have historically been restricted to working a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time. However, in April 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that international students could work full-time if they were providing essential services. This was to help Canada's COVID-19 response in critical areas such as healthcare, critical infrastructure, and the supply of food and other goods.

International students in Canada usually need a valid study permit to work, and during the pandemic, the government kept its borders open for those who held one. Students can still apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) after completing their studies at a Canadian school, and their eligibility will not be affected if they are required to take online courses due to COVID-19.

The full-time work exemption for international students in essential services was only in place until August 31, 2020, and it is unclear whether it has been reinstated since. International students in Canada can usually only work more than 20 hours per week during regularly scheduled school breaks.

International students in Canada can lose their legal status if they work full-time

International students in Canada have historically been restricted to working a maximum of 20 hours per week during the school year. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian government lifted this restriction, allowing international students to work full-time. This was done in recognition of the fact that many international students were studying in health and emergency services-related fields and could help support the country's frontline workers in the fight against COVID-19.

Despite this temporary change, it is important to note that international students in Canada can face serious consequences if they do not abide by the rules and regulations regarding work permits and study permits. Working without a valid permit or violating the conditions of a permit can result in losing student status, being denied future study or work permits, and even having to leave the country.

To maintain their legal status, international students in Canada must ensure they meet the eligibility requirements for working while studying. This includes being a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI), having a valid study permit, and, in some cases, obtaining a work permit. International students can work off-campus without a work permit if they are full-time students, are in their last semester, and do not need a full course load to complete their program.

Additionally, international students should be aware that taking too many online classes, missing a term of school, or studying part-time can disqualify them from obtaining a Post-Graduation Work Permit after graduation. It is crucial for international students to stay informed about the specific rules and regulations that apply to their situation and to consult official government sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

International students can work full-time without a work permit while waiting for a decision on their PGWP application

International students in Canada are usually restricted to working a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian government lifted this restriction, allowing international students to work full-time. This was in recognition of the fact that many international students were studying health and emergency services-related programmes and could help support the country's frontline workers.

International students can also apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) after completing their studies at a Canadian school. If an application for a PGWP is submitted before the expiry date of a student's permit, they are allowed to work full-time without a work permit while awaiting a decision. This is also the case for those who have already graduated and are waiting for their PGWP application to be processed.

If an international student's study permit becomes invalid after they apply for the PGWP, but before a decision is made, they can remain in Canada and continue to work (if they are eligible) under maintained status while awaiting an answer. Students may receive a letter confirming their right to work while their application is processed. The expiry date on this letter does not limit their right to work, but they can request an updated confirmation of their eligibility if their employer requires it.

International students who have graduated from a Canadian programme of study can apply for a PGWP from within or outside Canada. Applicants must have valid status at the time of application. If their study permit has expired or will expire, they may apply for status as a visitor before applying for the PGWP.

International students can continue to work according to their study permit during COVID-19

International students in Canada are usually restricted to working a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian government lifted this restriction, allowing international students to work full-time. This was in recognition of the fact that many international students were studying in health and emergency services and could help support frontline workers. The rule change also acknowledged the financial hardship that many students were facing due to the pandemic.

International students in Canada could continue to work according to the conditions listed on their study permit. Students could also continue to apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) after completing their studies. However, it was noted that it may be difficult to find jobs during the pandemic.

In the United States, the USCIS continued to accept and process OPT and OPT STEM applications during the pandemic. Students needed to be physically in the US to apply for OPT, and this rule did not change due to COVID-19. Students could also do Curricular Practical Training remotely without affecting their F-1 status.

International students in the US faced anxiety and uncertainty about their future during the pandemic. They were encouraged to stay in touch with family and friends and to seek support from university mental health services if needed. They were also advised to improve their skills by taking online courses to increase their chances of getting hired.

International students in Canada can work 20 hours a week off-campus during the academic term

International students in Canada have historically been allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week off-campus during the academic term. This rule was relaxed during the COVID-19 pandemic, with international students permitted to work full-time to support essential services. However, as of April 30, 2024, the pre-pandemic rule limiting students to 20 hours of off-campus work during the academic term is once again in effect.

International students in Canada usually need a study permit to work off-campus. This permit allows them to work up to 20 hours per week off-campus during the academic term and full-time during scheduled breaks, such as winter or summer holidays. Students can work remotely for employers outside Canada without this counting towards their 20-hour weekly limit, but they must still meet the conditions of their study permit.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian government recognised that international students were an essential part of the frontline workforce in healthcare and other essential sectors. To support these sectors, international students were allowed to work full-time, exceeding the usual 20-hour weekly limit. This change was intended to alleviate the strain on certain industries and support Canada's fight against COVID-19.

However, as of April 30, 2024, the Canadian government ended the COVID-era policy, reverting to the previous limit of 20 hours per week for international students working off-campus during their studies. This decision was made to strike a balance between allowing students to work and ensuring their academic success, as studies show that working more than 24 hours per week increases the chances of students dropping out of their programs.

It is important to note that these work restrictions apply specifically to off-campus employment during the academic term. International students in Canada can still work an unlimited number of hours during breaks and summer holidays, as long as they continue to meet the conditions of their study permits.

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