Lana Oconnell
International students are generally subject to strict rules and regulations regarding off-campus work in many countries. In the United States, international students with an F-1 visa must maintain their status and be in good academic standing to be eligible for off-campus employment. They must also demonstrate that they are unable to secure on-campus employment or that the pay is insufficient to meet their financial needs. Similarly, in Canada, international students require a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and specific conditions printed on their study permit to work off-campus. This includes eligibility criteria outlined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Work hours | 20 hours per week or full-time during breaks |
| Eligibility | Must be a full-time student, have a valid study permit, and have completed at least one academic year |
| Permit conditions | May work off-campus 24 hours per week or full-time during breaks |
| SIN application | No fee to add conditions to the permit |
| Work eligibility | Must be eligible to work off-campus and meet IRPR criteria |
| --- | --- |
| Country | USA |
| Work eligibility | F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year |
| Off-campus employment | Must show severe economic hardship, be unable to get on-campus employment, or have insufficient pay from on-campus employment |
| On-campus employment | Allowed for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks |
| Curricular Practical Training (CPT) | Must be enrolled full-time for one year on valid F-1 status and must be an integral part of the degree program |
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What You'll Learn
International students in Canada
As of November 8, 2024, eligible international students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during regular academic sessions and work full-time during scheduled breaks, such as winter holidays, spring/summer breaks, and reading weeks. It is important to note that working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of the study permit conditions, which can result in severe consequences.
To work in Canada, international students will need a Social Insurance Number (SIN). They can apply for a SIN online, by mail, or in person at a Service Canada Centre after arriving in Canada. Additionally, students who have worked in Canada must file an annual income tax and benefit return.
It is worth mentioning that the eligibility criteria for working on-campus are different from those for working off-campus. International students can work on-campus without a work permit if they are full-time students and meet other eligibility criteria. There are no restrictions on the number of hours they can work on-campus as long as they continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
Furthermore, after completing their studies, international students may be able to work full-time by applying for a work permit or post-graduation work permit before their study permit expires. They must meet all the requirements to be eligible for full-time work after their studies.
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F-1 visa requirements in the US
International students who wish to study in the United States need to learn about the F-1 student visa application process. The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows entry to the US as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, school, or other academic institution, or in a language training program.
To obtain an F-1 visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program.
- Your school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program (SEVP), Immigration & Customs Enforcement.
- You must be able to show that you can afford the costs of school and living expenses before entering the US.
- You must have a valid passport from your home country, which remains valid for US travel for at least six months after your program completion date.
- You must have a residence in your home country to return to following the completion of your degree.
- You must obtain a Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, from your educational institution.
- You must pay the SEVIS fee and complete the DS-160 visa application.
- You must schedule and attend a visa interview at a US Embassy or Consulate, bringing the required documentation, including your passport, Form I-20, travel itinerary, and visa application confirmation.
It is important to note that F-1 students are generally not allowed to work off-campus during their first academic year. However, after the first year, they may engage in off-campus employment under certain conditions, including Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT provides training in the student's field of study, fulfilling academic credit or degree requirements. OPT allows work authorization in areas related to the student's major for up to one year before or after graduation. F-1 students must obtain authorization from the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS for off-campus employment and maintain their academic standing to remain eligible.
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Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Students must maintain full-time enrollment during fall and winter CPT. Full-time enrollment is 12 credit hours for undergraduate students, 8 credit hours for graduate students, and 6 credit hours for Graduate Student Instructors and Graduate Student Research Assistants. CPT authorization is only required when the training takes place in the United States. For example, a summer internship in a student's home country does not require CPT authorization.
To apply for CPT, students must first take the CPT Certification Course and save their certificate as a PDF. They should then speak with their employer and obtain a Detailed Training Description. Next, students must meet with their Academic or Faculty Advisor to discuss their CPT plans and show them the Detailed Training Description. If the advisor believes the training is integral to the curriculum, they may recommend the student for CPT by completing the Academic/Faculty Advisor Recommendation Form. The advisor may also help the student enrol in a Registrar-designated CPT course (if applicable). Students must then gather all the required documents and submit their CPT application through the M-Passport portal. An International Student and Scholar Advisor will review the CPT application.
DSOs must authorize CPT on a part-time or full-time basis, adhering to school policies. When school is in session, students must maintain a full course of study even with CPT authorization. CPT authorization requires case-by-case approval from USCIS. Approval is not based on the student's choice of employer.
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Severe economic hardship
International students in the United States on an F-1 visa are expected to prove that they can afford school and living expenses and are generally not allowed to work off-campus. However, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may authorize off-campus employment in cases of severe economic hardship. This authorization is granted on a case-by-case basis and is dependent on the student meeting certain criteria.
To qualify for off-campus employment under severe economic hardship, an F-1 student must have completed at least one academic year, be in good academic standing, and be able to demonstrate that they are unable to secure on-campus employment or that the pay from available on-campus employment is insufficient to meet their financial needs. The student must also show that working off-campus will not adversely impact their ability to attend school full-time.
To apply for off-campus employment under severe economic hardship, an F-1 student must obtain a Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," endorsed by a Designated School Official (DSO). The student must then file a Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," along with the Form I-20, and pay a fee to USCIS. If the application is approved, the student will receive a Form I-766, "Employment Authorization Document," from USCIS and can begin working off-campus.
It is important to note that off-campus work authorization for F-1 students is typically granted for one year and may be revoked if the student fails to maintain their status or violates the terms of their authorization, such as working more hours than authorized. Additionally, international students should be aware that working illegally can result in the loss of their F-1 student status and the revocation of their F-1 visa.
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Work permits and visas
International students in Canada and the US need to obtain work permits and visas to work off-campus. The requirements and restrictions vary depending on the country and the type of visa or permit. Let's explore the details for each country.
Canada
In Canada, international students need to ensure their study permit allows them to work off-campus. The permit may include conditions such as "May work 20 hours per week off-campus or full-time during regular breaks" as outlined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. Students can request to add these conditions to their permit if they are eligible for off-campus work without any additional fees. Additionally, a Social Insurance Number (SIN) is required to work in Canada, which international students can apply for.
United States
For international students in the United States, the F-1 visa is the most common type of student visa. F-1 students are generally not allowed to work off-campus during their first academic year. However, they may accept on-campus employment, typically limited to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks and summer vacation. After the first academic year, F-1 students may be eligible for off-campus employment under certain conditions, such as severe economic hardship or specific programs like Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT involves training or internships related to the student's field of study, while OPT allows work related to the student's major for up to one year before or after graduation. To work off-campus, F-1 students must obtain employment authorization from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and maintain their valid F-1 status.
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Frequently asked questions
International students in the US with an F-1 visa are not allowed to work off-campus during their first academic year. After the first year, they may be eligible for off-campus employment under three categories: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and Severe Economic Hardship. CPT and OPT are training and work authorization related to the student's major area of study. Severe Economic Hardship is for students who can prove financial difficulties due to unforeseen circumstances.
To be eligible for off-campus work authorization, international students must be enrolled full-time, maintain good academic standing, and meet eligibility requirements set by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Students must also obtain official authorization and a Social Security Number (SSN) to work off-campus.
International students in Canada must have a study permit and meet specific criteria outlined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) to work off-campus. They can work up to 20-24 hours per week off-campus or full-time during breaks. Students must also obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work in Canada.
