Douglas Olsen
International students often need to work part-time to finance their education and living expenses, and it can also be a great way to build a solid résumé and gain experience. However, working part-time as an international student comes with restrictions, which vary depending on the country and visa type. In the US, for example, students with F1 visas are generally allowed to work on their university campus for up to 20 hours a week, but they cannot work off-campus during their first academic year. Students with M-1 visas are allowed to work off-campus, but only if it is related to their area of study and authorised by the Designated School Official.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work opportunities for international students in the US | Yes, but rules must be followed |
| Work hours for F1 visa holders | Up to 20 hours per week during school terms, full-time during breaks |
| On-campus employment | Includes work at the school or affiliated off-campus locations |
| Off-campus employment for F1 visa holders | Requires DSO recommendation and Form I-20 |
| Social Security Number requirement | Needed for on-campus employment |
| Volunteering | Unpaid work option, good for experience |
| Part-time work during studies | Possible, but prepare for interviews and be enthusiastic |
| Summer work | Full-time or part-time hours may be permissible on student visas |
| Internships | Paid off-campus internships available for F1 visa students |
| Work-study positions | Not eligible for international students in the US |
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What You'll Learn
On-campus jobs
International students often work part-time to finance their education and living expenses, gain work experience, and build their resumes. In the US, international students with F1 visas are generally allowed to work on their university campus for up to 20 hours a week when school is in session and up to 40 hours per week during school breaks.
To find an on-campus job, international students can start by checking their university's website, as many universities advertise part-time jobs for students there. They can also consider reaching out to their department or visiting places on campus where they might like to work, such as the library, cafeteria, or campus box office, to inquire about any available positions. It is also recommended that students do their research, as access to on-campus jobs can vary from one campus to another.
International students with F1 visas do not need additional work authorization for on-campus jobs, but they must be enrolled in an academic program full-time to qualify. They can work for a university employer at their school or an affiliated off-campus location, such as a research facility or sports stadium. However, it is important to note that on-campus employment must not displace a US citizen or lawful permanent resident.
While off-campus work is also an option for international students in the US, it typically requires authorization and is subject to additional restrictions. For example, F1 visa students can apply for off-campus employment after completing their first academic year and if they have an economic hardship or special circumstances.
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Off-campus jobs
In Canada, international students can work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during regular breaks if they meet certain eligibility criteria outlined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR). To work off-campus in Canada, international students must have a valid study permit or have applied to extend their study permit before it expired. They must also be enrolled as full-time students and comply with the conditions of their study permit, which may include a limit of 20 hours per week for off-campus work.
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Work visa requirements
International students in the US on F-1 visas are allowed to work part-time under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Students must be in good academic standing and comply with federal laws and regulations when seeking employment.
On-campus employment is defined as work that takes place on campus or at an off-campus location affiliated with the school, such as a university bookstore or cafeteria. F-1 students can work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during school terms and full-time during breaks. To apply for on-campus employment, students must contact their school's Designated School Official (DSO) and may need to apply up to 30 days before the start of classes.
Off-campus employment is more restricted for F-1 students. They cannot work off-campus during their first academic year. After the first year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and severe economic hardship employment. CPT is an integral part of the student's curriculum or academic program, and they must receive a job offer in their major or field of study before submitting a CPT authorization request. OPT is a program that allows international students to work temporarily in jobs related to their field of study, either pre-completion or post-completion. Students with degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics can request a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT. F-1 students may also be eligible for off-campus employment due to severe economic hardship, such as the loss of financial aid or on-campus employment, through no fault of their own. To qualify for off-campus employment, F-1 students must have completed at least one academic year of their program and demonstrate their economic hardship.
In Canada, international students can work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week while studying, as long as they meet the conditions of their study permit. They can work more than one job to make up these hours. After completing their studies, students can work full-time if they meet specific requirements, such as having a valid study permit and receiving written confirmation of completing their program.
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Part-time job benefits
Part-time jobs are a great way for international students to gain work experience in their field of study. This not only helps them build a solid resume but also enables them to gain valuable skills and knowledge that will be beneficial in their future careers. In addition, working part-time can provide much-needed financial support to international students, helping them manage the high cost of living and tuition fees in countries like the US.
International students can find part-time work opportunities both on and off-campus. On-campus employment includes working in university bookstores, cafeterias, and other facilities, while off-campus jobs may be with employers that are contractually affiliated with the school. Students with F1 visas can generally work on-campus for up to 20 hours a week during school terms and full-time during breaks. To work off-campus, F1 students need to seek permission from their Designated School Official (DSO) and may be eligible on a case-by-case basis.
Part-time jobs in restaurants, bars, and cafes in the surrounding towns and cities are also an option for international students. These jobs can help improve language proficiency, build interpersonal skills, and provide opportunities to make new friends. However, the drawback is that the work hours may overlap with early morning lectures or seminars, leading to exhaustion and interruptions in studies.
International students can also explore tutoring, content writing, internships, and research or teaching assistantships as part-time job options. These opportunities allow students to earn competitive wages while gaining valuable work experience and building professional networks. Additionally, some countries offer volunteering positions that provide valuable experience without monetary benefits, which may be suitable for students who do not need to work to support themselves.
Overall, part-time jobs offer international students financial support, work experience, improved language skills, and networking opportunities, contributing to a well-rounded and enriching educational experience. However, it is important for students to be mindful of legal restrictions and visa requirements when seeking employment in their host country.
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Interview preparation
International students often need to work part-time to finance their education and living expenses. Working part-time can also help you build a solid résumé and gain experience in your field of study.
If you are an international student in the US, there are some restrictions on the type of work you can do. Students with F1 visas are generally allowed to work on the campus of their university for up to 20 hours a week. F1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment. After the first academic year, F1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), off-campus STEM jobs, and severe economic hardship off-campus employment. CPT employment must be an integral part of your degree program or a requirement for a course for which you receive academic credit. It must also be directly related to your major or field of study.
To apply for CPT, you must have a job offer and get prior authorization from your school's International Student Office. You must also notify the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). There is no limit to how long you can work on CPT, but if you work full-time for 12 months or more, you are not eligible for OPT. OPT is permitted for up to 12 months full-time in total, and part-time OPT reduces the available full-time OPT by half of the amount of part-time work.
To find a part-time job, you can start by looking for internship opportunities on websites such as connectSC. You can also look for jobs at bars, restaurants, and cafes in the surrounding towns and cities. To prepare for interviews, you can take advantage of academic services that offer support with interview preparation, CV writing, and cover letter writing. Remember to always check with your Designated School Official (DSO) to ensure that you are following all the rules and regulations for international students.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can work part-time in the US, but there are some restrictions. Students with F1 visas can work on campus for up to 20 hours a week during school terms and full-time during breaks. After the first academic year, F1 students may also work off-campus in three types of employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and STEM OPT.
There are many part-time jobs available for international students, including on-campus jobs in bookstores, cafeterias, and other facilities. Off-campus jobs in restaurants, bars, and cafes are also options for international students, as these places often do not require past work experience and can help improve language proficiency.
International students can find part-time jobs by taking advantage of academic services that help with finding part-time work, preparing for interviews, and writing resumes and cover letters. Many employers post internship opportunities online 1-2 semesters in advance, so it is important for students to start their search early.
Yes, international students can work full-time during the summer when classes are not in session. This is usually permissible on student visas, depending on the country.
International students on F1 visas cannot work off-campus during their first academic year. After the first year, off-campus employment must be related to their area of study and must be authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS. Working illegally can lead to problems with student status and potential deportation.
