Lana Oconnell
International students often take up part-time jobs to support their expenses and gain work experience. While the laws and visa requirements differ from country to country, international students in the US and UK can work while studying, with certain limitations. In the US, international students with an F-1 visa can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during classes and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. Off-campus employment is more restricted and generally requires special authorization. In the UK, students on a Student Visa can work part-time during term time and full-time during holidays, with a limit of 20 hours per week for full-time degree programs and 10 hours per week for students enrolled in a course below degree level.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work hours in the US | Up to 20 hours per week during classes; up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session |
| Work hours in the UK | Up to 20 hours per week for students in a full-time degree program; up to 10 hours per week for students enrolled in a course below degree level |
| Off-campus work in the US | Only allowed in specific circumstances, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) |
| Off-campus work eligibility | Must be enrolled for at least one academic year and have active F-1 status |
| Visa requirements for off-campus work | Must obtain official authorization and meet eligibility requirements; F-1 visa holders must demonstrate ability to afford costs of school and living expenses |
| Visa types for off-campus work | F-1 Visa (Academic Student) and M-1 Visa (Vocational Student) |
| On-campus work in the US | Working in university bookstores, cafeterias, or libraries |
| On-campus work in the UK | Library assistant, student ambassador, research assistant, retail, hospitality, and customer service roles |
| Work after graduation | Graduate Route (Post-Study Work Visa – PSW) allows international students to stay and work in the UK for 2-3 years after graduation without employer sponsorship |
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What You'll Learn
- On-campus jobs for international students: Are there any restrictions or requirements
- Off-campus employment for international students: What are the eligibility criteria and authorization process
- Visa considerations for international students seeking front desk roles
- Part-time job opportunities for international students in the US and UK
- Practical training and internships: Curricular vs. Optional
On-campus jobs for international students: Are there any restrictions or requirements?
International students often take up part-time jobs to support their expenses and gain work experience. While the rules vary by country and visa type, this answer will focus on the restrictions and requirements for on-campus jobs for international students in the United States and the United Kingdom.
On-campus jobs for international students in the United States
International students enrolled full-time and in valid F-1 status in the United States can generally work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. To be eligible for on-campus employment, students must have a Social Security Number (SSN) and a valid F-1 visa. Students can apply for an SSN once they have received a letter of approval from their school's Designated School Official (DSO).
On-campus jobs for international students in the US can include working in university bookstores, cafeterias, libraries, and residence halls. For example, a Night Desk Attendant is responsible for signing residents' guests in and out at the main entrance of a residence hall. Other on-campus job opportunities include tutoring, peer mentoring, and teaching assistant positions.
On-campus jobs for international students in the United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, international students on a Student Visa (Tier 4 Visa) can work part-time during term time and full-time during holidays. The number of hours allowed varies depending on the level of study, with up to 20 hours per week for students in a full-time degree program and up to 10 hours per week for students enrolled in a course below degree level.
On-campus job opportunities for international students in the UK can include library assistant, student ambassador, research assistant, and hospitality roles. Some courses may also offer internships or work placements as part of the curriculum, which can be paid or unpaid.
In both the US and the UK, it is important for international students to check the specific regulations and restrictions for their visa type and level of study before taking up any on-campus employment.
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Off-campus employment for international students: What are the eligibility criteria and authorization process?
International students on F-1 visas in the United States are eligible for off-campus employment only after completing at least one full academic year of their program and experiencing an economic hardship that qualifies for the Department of Homeland Security's emergent circumstances. This includes world events like natural disasters, wars, and financial crises, which cause severe economic hardship.
To apply for off-campus employment, students must first explain their economic hardship situation and receive approval from their Designated School Official (DSO). The DSO will then recommend the student and provide an updated Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status."
Within 30 days of receiving the DSO's recommendation, students must file a Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If approved, USCIS will issue a Form I-766, "Employment Authorization Document" (EAD), authorizing off-campus work for one year or until the completion of the student's program, whichever comes first.
It is important to note that off-campus employment must be related to the student's area of study and cannot exceed 20 hours per week when school is in session. Additionally, students must have a Social Security Number to work off-campus and should not plan to rely solely on off-campus employment to support themselves financially.
In Canada, international students can work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit, provided they are full-time students at a designated learning institution and meet other eligibility criteria outlined in Canadian immigration regulations. Students must ensure they comply with the conditions of their study permit, and any self-employed students must keep track of their working hours.
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Visa considerations for international students seeking front desk roles
International students often take up part-time work to support themselves financially during their studies. Working part-time can also provide valuable work experience and help expand social networks. However, visa considerations for international students seeking employment vary depending on the country and visa type.
In the United States, international students with an F-1 visa are generally allowed to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. Off-campus employment is more restricted and generally requires prior authorization. F-1 students may be eligible for off-campus work in cases of severe economic hardship or special circumstances, such as the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs. CPT allows students to gain practical experience in their field of study, while OPT allows students to work temporarily in jobs related to their major for up to one year before or after graduation. To maintain their visa status, F-1 students should not plan to work off-campus and should only accept off-campus employment in authorized situations.
International students in the UK on a Student Visa (Tier 4 Visa) can work part-time during term time and full-time during holidays, up to a specified number of hours per week depending on their level of study. Certain jobs are prohibited for international students on a Student Visa, including self-employment, professional roles, and permanent full-time jobs. Students on a Short-Term Study Visa for courses under six months are typically not permitted to work. After completing their studies, international students in the UK may apply for a Post-Study Work Visa, allowing them to stay and work in any job for up to two years without employer sponsorship.
Therefore, when seeking front desk roles, international students should consider the specific visa regulations of their host country. They should check the eligibility requirements for on-campus and off-campus employment, including any restrictions on working hours and the types of jobs permitted. By understanding the visa considerations, international students can ensure they comply with the rules and maintain their visa status while gaining valuable work experience during their studies.
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Part-time job opportunities for international students in the US and UK
International students in the US and UK can take on part-time jobs to earn some extra money, gain professional experience, and learn more about working life in their host country. However, international students must be careful not to take on too much work, as this could negatively impact their studies.
Part-time job opportunities in the US
International students enrolled full-time and with a valid F-1 status in the US can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during classes and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. Off-campus work is also an option, but eligibility requirements and official authorization are necessary. International students in the US can find part-time work in various sectors, including:
- Food services and bookstores: Kitchen prep, catering servers, pre-pack services, etc.
- Front desk/receptionist roles: Night desk attendants, responsible for signing residents' guests in and out.
- Teaching/research assistant: Tutoring students in various subjects or assisting with research projects, lab equipment maintenance, and collating results.
- Campus ambassador: Promoting the university and interacting with prospective students.
Additionally, international students in the US can explore opportunities like Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT involves training in one's field of study, fulfilling academic credit, or completing a degree requirement. OPT allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to a year before or after graduation.
Part-time job opportunities in the UK
In the UK, international students can find part-time job opportunities both on and off campus. On-campus jobs are often available in shops, cafes, bars, events, and student support services. Off-campus work includes hospitality, retail, events, and seasonal work during holiday periods. International students in the UK can gain professional skills and prepare for working life as graduates by finding work relevant to their studies.
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Practical training and internships: Curricular vs. Optional
International students on F-1 visas in the United States can gain work experience through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). While both CPT and OPT allow international students to engage in meaningful work experiences related to their course of study, there are some key differences between the two.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT is a temporary work authorization for international students on F-1 visas, allowing them to work off-campus during their academic program after one year of full-time study. Prior approval is required, and the work experience must be related to the student's academic program. CPT is typically done on a part-time basis (up to 20 hours per week) during the school year and on a full-time basis during vacation periods. It is tied to a specific employer and job with a set duration and can be a great way to gain professional experience and add real-world value to a degree. To be eligible for CPT, students must have studied as an F-1 visa student for at least one year and be enrolled at a SEVP-certified college or university. They must also secure the training opportunity and ensure it relates directly to their major area of study and is required for graduation. The CPT authorization process can take around 5-10 business days and requires an official offer letter from the employer.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT is work authorization that allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year, either before or after they graduate (pre-completion OPT or post-completion OPT). OPT does not require the training to be a part of the academic program, and students must apply for employment authorization through USCIS, which comes with a fee. OPT can be used to find any job, as long as it is related to the student's field of study. Students can work up to 20 hours per week during the school session and full-time outside of it. For post-completion OPT, students can accumulate a maximum of 90 days of unemployment while seeking employment.
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Frequently asked questions
International students in the US with a valid F-1 visa can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during classes and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. Off-campus employment is only allowed in certain circumstances, such as Curricular Practical Training or Optional Practical Training.
International students in the UK can work part-time during term time and full-time during holidays if they have a Student Visa (Tier 4 Visa). Those with a Short-Term Study Visa for courses under six months are typically not allowed to work.
On-campus jobs for international students in the US include tutoring, peer mentoring, teaching assistant roles, and front-of-house assistant positions in dining facilities.
International students in the UK can take on part-time jobs such as library assistant, student ambassador, research assistant, retail jobs, hospitality roles, and customer service positions.
