Ibrahim Gardner
International students often take up employment opportunities during their studies to support themselves financially and gain valuable work experience. Working during the summer of graduation is possible in certain countries, but the rules and regulations vary. For instance, in the United States, international students with an F-1 visa can generally work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during breaks, including the summer. Off-campus work options like Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) are also available for F-1 students, but they require prior authorization and have specific eligibility criteria. In Canada, international students can work off-campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit, but they must meet other requirements, and their study permit must allow it. Understanding the specific rules of the country of residence is crucial for international students seeking employment, especially during the summer of their graduation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Work hours during breaks | Unlimited hours |
| Work hours during classes | Up to 20 hours per week |
| Work hours during breaks without classes | Up to 40 hours per week |
| Work permit | Not required |
| Student status | Full-time student |
| Student visa | F-1 visa |
| Social Security Number | Required |
| Off-campus work | Allowed |
| On-campus work | Allowed |
| Curricular Practical Training (CPT) | Allowed |
| Optional Practical Training (OPT) | Allowed |
| Post-graduation work permit | Allowed |
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What You'll Learn
- On-campus work: International students can work up to 20 hours a week during classes
- Off-campus work: Requires prior authorisation from the International Student Office
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Paid internships that are an integral part of the curriculum
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): Work authorisation for up to a year, related to your major
- Work permits: International students may need a work permit to work full-time after graduation
On-campus work: International students can work up to 20 hours a week during classes
International students in the United States holding a valid F-1 visa are permitted to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session. This is a valuable opportunity for international students to gain work experience and help cover the costs of their education.
On-campus work can include roles such as tutors at the Learning Center, night desk attendants in residence halls, or positions in food services and bookstores. To be a tutor, for example, students must have the academic knowledge for the course they will be teaching and should apply in the spring semester to be a tutor the following year.
To be eligible for on-campus work, international students must have a valid F-1 visa status and be enrolled full-time. Students must also obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) to work on-campus, which is used for taxation purposes. The SSN application process involves completing an online form and presenting original documents, such as a passport and F-1 visa, to the local Social Security Administration Office.
It is important to note that working more than 20 hours per week on-campus may violate F-1 Visa Limitations. Students who exceed this limit should inform their manager or supervisor to avoid potential issues with their immigration status.
In addition to on-campus work, international students in the US can explore off-campus employment options through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT involves training that is an integral part of the student's curriculum or academic program, while OPT allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year before or after graduation.
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Off-campus work: Requires prior authorisation from the International Student Office
International students in the US on an F1 visa are permitted to work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status both during and after completion of their degree. OPT is a temporary form of employment related to a student's field of study, allowing international students to work and stay in the US for 12 months. To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled for at least one academic year and have active F-1 student status.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is another off-campus employment option for F1 students. CPT is defined as "alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school". CPT employment must be an integral part of the student's degree program or a requirement for a course for which they receive academic credit. Prior authorization by the school's International Student Office and notification to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) is required for CPT. Students interested in CPT must make an appointment with the International Student Office to see if they are eligible.
In Canada, international students are allowed to work off-campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. Students must ensure they meet the other requirements for working while studying. To work off-campus, students must have 'May work 24 hours per week off-campus' printed on their study permit.
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Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Paid internships that are an integral part of the curriculum
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an off-campus employment option for international students with F1 status when the practical training is an integral part of the established curriculum or academic program. CPT employment is defined as "alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school". CPT employment may be paid or unpaid.
To qualify for CPT, the work experience must be required for your degree, or academic credit must be awarded. CPT authorization is required when the training is inside the United States. For example, a summer internship in a student's home country does not need CPT authorization. Prior authorization by the school's International Student Office and notification to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) is necessary. Students must have been enrolled in school full-time for one year on valid F1 status (except for graduate students where the program requires immediate CPT).
Students must register for an internship course or a class that requires an internship during the semester they wish to do CPT. Successful completion of the course is required to be considered for future CPT authorizations. Students who are enrolled in degree programs that require an internship or practicum hours to fulfil degree requirements (as stated in the course catalogue) are exempt from registering for an internship course for CPT purposes. Students must also complete all internship courses to be eligible for current and future CPT authorizations.
Students can work remotely at home in the U.S. or abroad if the employer allows it and the student adheres to the in-person requirements of their courses. CPT must be an integral part of the degree program or a requirement for a course for which academic credit is received. Students must maintain full-time enrollment during CPT.
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Optional Practical Training (OPT): Work authorisation for up to a year, related to your major
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of temporary employment authorisation that allows international students in the US with an F-1 visa to work for up to one year in jobs related to their major area of study. This can be done either before or after graduation (pre-completion OPT or post-completion OPT).
To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year and have an active F-1 student status. Students can apply for OPT up to 90 days before their graduation and are recommended to apply at least 45 days before graduation to ensure timely processing.
During the OPT period, students can change jobs, but the work must be a minimum of 20 hours per week, and the job can be anywhere in the United States. Students can accrue no more than 90 days of unemployment while seeking employment during the OPT period.
To apply for OPT, students must request a recommendation from their designated school official (DSO) at their academic institution. The DSO will endorse the student's Form I-20, Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, and make the appropriate notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Students must then file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with the required fee and supporting documentation.
It is important to note that working in the United States without authorization can have serious consequences, including removal from the country and re-entry bars. Therefore, students should ensure they comply with all requirements to maintain their student status and work authorization.
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Work permits: International students may need a work permit to work full-time after graduation
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are permitted to work off-campus in optional practical training (OPT) status both during and after completion of their degree. OPT is a temporary form of employment related to a student's field of study, where eligible students may receive up to 12 months of OPT employment. Students can apply for OPT up to 90 days before their graduation, but it is recommended that they apply at least 45 days before graduation to ensure timely processing.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is another option for F1 students when the practical training is an integral part of the established curriculum or academic program. CPT employment includes internships, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum. CPT must be completed while the student is still enrolled at their college or university, and prior authorization by the school's International Student Office is required.
International students in Canada can work off-campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit, as long as they are a full-time student at a designated learning institution. To work off-campus, international students in Canada must have a Social Insurance Number (SIN). After completing their studies, there are two ways international students in Canada may be able to work full-time: they applied for a work permit before their study permit expired, or they already had a work permit before their study permit expired.
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Frequently asked questions
International students in the US can work during the summer of graduation, but they must meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization. Students with F-1 status can work off-campus through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) if the work is an integral part of their degree program. Students can also work full-time during the summer through Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows students to work in their field of study for up to one year before or after graduation.
CPT is an off-campus employment option for F-1 students when the practical training is an integral part of the curriculum or academic program. CPT employment includes internships, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum. To qualify, the work experience must be required for the degree or academic credit must be awarded. Prior authorization by the school's International Student Office and notification to USCIS are required.
OPT is a form of temporary employment related to a student's field of study. To be eligible, students must have been enrolled for at least one academic year and have active F-1 student status. Students can apply for post-completion OPT up to 90 days before graduation, but it is recommended to apply at least 45 days in advance. Students on OPT must work full-time (40 hours/week) and can accumulate a maximum of 90 days of unemployment while seeking employment.
Besides OPT, international students can explore STEM OPT extensions, H-1B Visa status, or applying for a Green Card. The STEM OPT extension provides an additional 24 months of temporary training in an approved STEM field. To be eligible, students must have a STEM degree and their employer must be enrolled in the E-Verify program. With an H-1B Visa, students can work and live in the US for up to 6 years, but they must be sponsored by a US employer and qualify as an experienced candidate in their field of study.
