Working Hours For International Students: Limits And Opportunities

International students often seek part-time employment to support themselves financially while studying abroad. The number of hours they can work is typically limited by their visa status and varies depending on the country and whether the job is on- or off-campus. In the United States, F-1 students are generally restricted to working on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic session and up to 40 hours per week during breaks. In Canada, international students were temporarily allowed to work off-campus for more than 20 hours per week without a work permit due to COVID-19, but this policy expired on April 30, 2024, reverting to the previous limit.

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On-campus employment for F-1 students in the US

On-campus employment is a great opportunity for F-1 students in the US to gain work experience while studying. Here are some important guidelines and instructions for F-1 students regarding on-campus employment:

Firstly, it's crucial to understand the definition of on-campus employment. According to the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), on-campus employment is work that takes place on the school's campus or at an off-campus location that is educationally affiliated with the school. This includes work for an on-campus commercial business, such as a bookstore or cafeteria, as long as it directly provides services to students. However, construction work on campus, for example, does not qualify as on-campus employment. Additionally, F-1 students can work with employers that are contractually affiliated with the school, even if the worksite is off-campus, such as a research lab.

F-1 students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and can work full-time during breaks and annual vacations. It's important to note that working more than 20 hours per week while school is in session is a violation of status, which could result in the student having to leave the United States. To avoid this, students should carefully monitor their work hours and ensure they do not exceed this limit.

To apply for on-campus employment, F-1 students should first consult their Designated School Official (DSO) and ensure they have approval from their school. Additionally, students must have a Social Security Number (SSN) to work on-campus, and they may need to provide a letter of approval from their employer. It's important to initiate this process early, as obtaining an SSN can take some time. F-1 students can begin working on-campus up to 30 days before the start of their program of study, but they should inform their DSO before starting work.

In terms of employment opportunities, F-1 students can apply for any qualifying on-campus job that does not displace a US citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR). Students should prioritize finding employment that aligns with their academic schedule and does not interfere with their studies. It's worth noting that on-campus employment opportunities may be limited, and students must prove their financial ability to pay for tuition and living expenses before entering the United States.

Lastly, F-1 students should be mindful of maintaining their status and good academic standing. Any changes to their status, such as transferring schools or taking an authorized leave from their studies, may impact their employment. Additionally, students should be aware of the regulations surrounding off-campus employment, which differ from those for on-campus employment and have specific requirements outlined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Off-campus employment for F-1 students in the US

F-1 students are not permitted to work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment:

• Severe Economic Hardship: This is a financial condition caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond the student's control that makes it difficult for a student to continue their education in the United States.
• Special Student Relief: This is due to emergent circumstances, such as natural disasters or conflicts.
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT): F-1 students may also be eligible to work off-campus on a case-by-case basis.

For off-campus employment, F-1 students must submit Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization", along with Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status", to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The Designated School Official (DSO) must endorse the student's Form I-20 and certify that the applicant is a bona fide F-1 student. The DSO must also make a recommendation for off-campus employment in the student's SEVIS record before the Form I-765 is submitted.

It is important to note that F-1 students must maintain their status and be in good academic standing. Employment authorization will automatically end if the student does not maintain their status, for example, by working more hours than authorized or engaging in unauthorized employment.

Working in Canada as an international student

International students in Canada can work part-time to gain international experience and cover basic expenses. Working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of your study permit conditions and you can lose your student status. You may also have to leave the country and may not be approved for a study or work permit in the future.

To work off-campus, you must be a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI) and in your last semester, where you don't need a full course load to complete your program. You can work off-campus without a work permit if you meet these requirements. However, you can only start working in Canada when your study program has started. You can't work before you start your studies. If you're on an authorized leave from your studies or switching schools, you can't work off-campus.

There are some international students who are not eligible for off-campus work in Canada. This includes students only enrolled in an English or French as a second language program. These students will need a work permit to work while studying in Canada.

International students can work on-campus without a work permit, with no limit on the number of hours they can work. On-campus work includes jobs with the school itself, faculty members, student organizations, or private businesses that operate on campus.

Students can also work remotely for an employer outside of Canada, as long as they meet the conditions of their study permit. This type of work does not count towards the 24-hour weekly limit for off-campus work.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

International students in the United States are generally limited to working 20 hours per week on-campus. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of employment authorization for international students in the US. It allows students to gain practical experience in their field of study while maintaining their F-1 student visa status. CPT is available to full-time students who are in good academic standing and have been enrolled in their programme for at least one academic year.

To be eligible for CPT, students must meet certain requirements. Firstly, the training must be an integral part of the student's curriculum and directly related to their major area of study. The CPT must also be authorized by a Designated School Official (DSO) at the student's educational institution, who will determine whether the CPT is authorized on a part-time or full-time basis in accordance with school policies. Students must maintain a full course load even when CPT is authorized during the school session. Additionally, CPT can only be authorized for training that takes place in the United States; training in the student's home country, for example, does not require CPT authorization.

The process of applying for CPT involves several steps. Students must first obtain Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," from their DSO, which certifies their status as a bona fide F-1 student. They will then need to submit Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," along with the required fee, to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The DSO will also provide a recommendation for the training opportunity and verify that the student's Form I-983 is complete before submitting it to the student's record. Once USCIS approves the petition, they will send the student an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

It is important to note that CPT authorization has specific start and end dates, and students cannot legally work beyond these dates. Additionally, CPT authorization can be cancelled or edited by the DSO before the start date, and any violations of the terms of CPT authorization may result in termination of employment authorization. Students are expected to maintain their F-1 status and good academic standing throughout their participation in CPT.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Pre-completion OPT can be applied for after a student has been lawfully enrolled full-time for one academic year at a college or university certified by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enrol F-1 students. Students can file for OPT up to 90 days before the program end date and no later than 60 days after the program end date. The OPT application process involves several steps, including filing Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization", with the required fee and supporting documentation. Students may not begin their OPT until the Form I-765 is approved and they receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

Post-completion OPT can be applied for after completing academic studies. The initial post-completion period for which students can apply is 12 months, less any OPT time used pre-completion. The employment authorization will begin on the date requested or the date the employment authorization is approved, whichever is later. Students with degrees in certain Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields may apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT.

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