
International students seeking summer employment face a variety of options and requirements that differ based on their location and visa status. In the United States, F-1 students can seek summer internships or training, but must first obtain authorization from their Designated School Official (DSO) and ensure they meet eligibility requirements. Similar procedures apply for M-1 students. In Canada, international students can work off-campus without a work permit for up to 24 hours per week, provided they meet certain criteria. Various online job platforms offer summer job opportunities specifically for international students, with positions ranging from research assistants to summer analysts.
Characteristics of international students having summer jobs
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country | United States, Canada |
| Visa type | F-1, M-1 |
| Work type | On-campus, off-campus |
| Work hours | Full-time, part-time |
| Work permit | Required, not required (Canada) |
| Work eligibility | Authorized by DSO, USCIS |
| Work conditions | Related to the field of study, economic need |
| Work requirements | Social Security Number, Form I-20, Form I-765 |
| Work opportunities | Internships, practical training, tutoring, research |
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What You'll Learn
- F-1 student visa holders in the US can work off-campus in cases of economic hardship
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a form of paid or unpaid internship
- Students in Canada can work off-campus without a permit for up to 24 hours per week
- On-campus jobs in the US require a Social Security Number (SSN)
- Students in the US can work on-campus full or part-time during summer vacation

F-1 student visa holders in the US can work off-campus in cases of economic hardship
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are usually expected to be able to afford school and living expenses without working off-campus. However, there are provisions for off-campus employment in cases of severe economic hardship.
To be eligible for off-campus employment, an F-1 student must have been enrolled for at least one academic year, be in good academic standing, and be unable to secure on-campus employment or have their financial needs met by on-campus employment. They must also be able to demonstrate that working will not adversely impact their ability to attend school full-time.
Economic hardship is defined as a financial condition caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond the student's control, such as the loss of financial aid or on-campus employment through no fault of the student, substantial changes in the exchange rate or value of currency, inordinate increases in tuition or living costs, unexpected changes in the financial state of the student's source of support, medical bills, or other substantial and unexpected expenses.
To apply for off-campus employment, an F-1 student must first obtain a recommendation from their Designated School Official (DSO) on their Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (Form I-20). They must then submit an Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765) to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and pay the associated fee. If approved, the student will receive an Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766) and a letter notifying them of the decision. The off-campus employment authorization is valid for up to one year or until the completion of the program, whichever comes first.
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Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a form of paid or unpaid internship
International students with F-1 status are subject to strict rules regarding employment during their studies. Generally, F-1 students are not allowed to work off-campus without prior authorisation.
To apply for CPT, students must first obtain an internship offer and then work with their DSO to apply for an Employment Authorisation Document with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The DSO will review the student's circumstances and make recommendations. Students must also complete Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorisation", and pay the associated fee. CPT authorisation may be cancelled by the DSO before the start date, or the end date may be shortened after the CPT has begun.
It is important to note that CPT is distinct from Optional Practical Training (OPT), which is work authorisation for up to one year in areas related to the student's major, either before or after graduation. F-1 students may also be eligible for off-campus employment authorisation in cases of severe economic hardship after enrolment in an academic program, provided they have been in F-1 status for at least one full academic year.
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Students in Canada can work off-campus without a permit for up to 24 hours per week
International students in Canada are permitted to work off-campus without a work permit for up to 24 hours per week. This rule applies to students who are full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI). However, it is important to note that working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of the study permit conditions, which may result in losing student status and future permit approvals.
To be eligible for off-campus work without a permit, international students must meet several requirements. Firstly, they must be enrolled in a full-time study program at a designated learning institution. Secondly, they must have a valid study permit or have applied for an extension before it expired. Additionally, they must have received written confirmation of completing their previous program and a letter of acceptance into the new full-time study program at a DLI. It is also essential that the new program commences within 150 calendar days of completing the previous program.
International students in Canada can also work remotely for employers outside Canada, provided they comply with the conditions of their study permit. However, if they want to work more than 24 hours a week, they will need to apply for a work permit. This can be done by changing the conditions of their study permit, which requires a fee. They must apply for this change before applying for a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
It is important to note that students cannot work before their studies commence. The ability to work during studies will be explicitly stated in the conditions of the study permit. Therefore, it is crucial for international students in Canada to carefully review their permit conditions and ensure they meet all requirements before starting any off-campus work.
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On-campus jobs in the US require a Social Security Number (SSN)
International students in the US with an F-1 visa are allowed to work on-campus without USCIS approval, but they must obtain permission from their school's International Student Office. On-campus jobs are the most freely available to international students, but opportunities are often limited.
To work on-campus, international students require a Social Security Number (SSN). This is a 9-digit number issued to citizens and eligible non-citizens for taxation purposes. To obtain an SSN, students must complete an online application and take their original documents to the local Social Security Administration Office. This typically includes a passport, F-1 visa, I-94 number, and Form I-20.
There are various on-campus jobs available for international students, including working in university stores, cafes, and dining facilities. Students can also find employment as tutors or teaching assistants, providing valuable academic support to their peers.
While on-campus jobs offer a great opportunity for international students to improve their language skills and earn money, they may not provide sufficient income to cover all expenses. Additionally, international students must ensure they meet eligibility requirements and obtain the necessary authorizations, as working without authorization is illegal and can result in the loss of their student status.
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Students in the US can work on-campus full or part-time during summer vacation
International students in the US with an F-1 visa can work full or part-time on campus during the summer vacation. However, they must ensure they follow the rules and maintain their student status by speaking with their Designated School Official (DSO) to confirm their eligibility. Students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester and up to 40 hours per week during the summer vacation.
There are various on-campus jobs available for international students, including working in university-branded supermarkets or stores as sales assistants, or in on-campus cafes as baristas. Students can also find jobs as tutors or peer mentors, helping fellow students with their course content, reading, or assignments. Another option is to work as a teaching assistant, supervising classroom activities and supporting students who are struggling.
Students can also look for jobs within university restaurants and dining facilities, where they may be recruited as front-of-house assistants or runners. Additionally, some students may be interested in curricular practical training (CPT), which can be authorized by the DSO and must be part of the student's academic program and integral to their major field of study. CPT can include internships, cooperative education jobs, practicums, or other experiences related to the student's field of study.
It is important to note that international students generally cannot work off-campus without meeting eligibility requirements and obtaining official authorization. Students must have a very good level of English to secure on-campus jobs, and they may need to provide documentation such as a passport, F-1 visa, I-94 number, and Form I-20 to confirm their eligibility to work.
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Frequently asked questions
International students with an F-1 visa can work in the US during the summer, but they must first obtain authorization from their Designated School Official (DSO). Students must also ensure they are eligible for off-campus employment and have obtained a Social Security Number (SSN).
A DSO is a Designated School Official who is authorised to maintain the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). They are responsible for reviewing a student's circumstances and making recommendations regarding off-campus employment.
A Social Security Number is a 9-digit number issued to citizens and eligible non-citizens in the United States. It is required to get a job on or off-campus, and an employer cannot pay an employee until they have provided their SSN.
CPT is a full-time or part-time training opportunity that can be authorised by a DSO. It must be part of the student's academic program and be integral to their major field of study. CPT may be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to the student's field of study.
As of November 8, 2024, international students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. Students must ensure they meet other requirements for working while studying, such as having a valid study permit and being enrolled as a full-time student.































