Savanna Hoffman
International students are often allowed to work while studying, but the rules vary by country and visa type. In the United States, there are two types of nonimmigrant student visas: F-1 and M-1. Students with an F-1 visa are generally allowed to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during breaks. After their first academic year, they may also be eligible for off-campus employment under certain conditions, such as economic hardship. M-1 visa holders, on the other hand, can only engage in practical training after completing their studies. In the UK, students with a visa for full-time degree-level studies are typically allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacation periods.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | F-1, M-1, J-1, H-1B |
| Work hours | Up to 20 hours per week during term time, up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session |
| Work location | On-campus, off-campus |
| Work type | Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), internship, placement, tutoring, voluntary work |
| Work authorization | Designated School Official (DSO), Employment Authorization Document (EAD), Form I-20, Form I-765, Social Security Number |
| Work eligibility | Enrolled in an academic, language-training, or vocational program, ability to afford school and living expenses, valid F-1 status |
| Work restrictions | Cannot work in a permanent full-time position, cannot work off-campus during the first academic year for F-1 students, cannot work as a border commuter student |
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What You'll Learn
On-campus work
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are permitted to work on campus without having to obtain special approval. However, they must ensure that they remain within the terms and restrictions of their visa.
On-campus employment is defined in 8 CFR 214.2(9)(i) and is subject to two types of limits. The work must take place either at the school or at an educationally affiliated off-campus location. Work at an off-campus location is considered on-campus employment if it is contractually affiliated with the school, such as a research lab. On-campus employment must not displace a US citizen or lawful permanent resident.
F-1 students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full time during annual vacations and school breaks. They should report their work and obtain a certification letter to present to the Social Security Administration to receive a Social Security number.
On-campus employment opportunities may be limited, and students may be required to obtain permission from the International Student Office before accepting any on-campus employment. Students should also be aware that on-campus employment is generally not related to their studies and cannot be relied upon to prove financial resources for the year.
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Off-campus work
International students in the United States on an F1 visa are allowed to work, but only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): This trains students in their field of study and can be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to their field of study. CPT is considered an integral part of the curriculum or educational program. It is usually part-time during the academic year (20 hours per week) and can be full-time during breaks and summer vacation. Students who engage in full-time CPT for 12 months or more will lose their Optional Practical Training (OPT) benefit when they graduate.
- 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 graduation. Students can apply for post-completion OPT up to 90 days before graduation, but it is recommended to apply at least 45 days before graduation. Students on OPT are allowed to accumulate a maximum of 90 days of unemployment while seeking employment.
- Severe Economic Hardship Employment: This benefit is available to students who have completed at least one academic year and can demonstrate severe economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances beyond their control. On-campus employment opportunities must be insufficient or unavailable.
In Canada, international students are allowed to work off-campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit as long as they meet other requirements for working while studying. They must be full-time students at a designated learning institution and ensure that their study permit includes the condition allowing off-campus work. Self-employed students must keep track of their hours and prove that they are complying with the conditions of their study permit.
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Work hour restrictions
The work hour restrictions for international students on a student visa vary depending on the country and type of visa. Here is a summary of the work hour restrictions for some popular study destinations:
Australia
Student visas in Australia are subject to condition 8104 or 8105, which allow limited work. Under these conditions, students can only work after commencing their course and must adhere to the work hour restrictions outlined in their visa conditions. From 1 July 2023, the work hour limit is 48 hours per fortnight (a 14-day period from Monday to Sunday). Additionally, hours worked for mandatory internship subjects that are a requirement of the course do not count towards the visa work hour limits.
Canada
In Canada, international students with a valid study permit can work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. This limit does not include remote work for an employer outside of Canada, which does not count towards the weekly work limit. Students must be enrolled full-time both before and after breaks to work unlimited hours during those periods.
United States
International students in the United States with an F-1 visa can generally work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session and up to 40 hours per week during breaks. Off-campus employment is severely restricted and requires meeting eligibility requirements and obtaining official authorization. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) are two options for off-campus employment related to the student's field of study.
United Kingdom
International students on a Tier 4 visa in the UK can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during academic breaks.
Europe
European countries generally allow international students on visas to work part-time, but the specific hours vary. For example, France, Spain, Denmark, and the UK allow up to 20 hours per week, while Estonia has no work hour restrictions as long as students maintain passing grades.
It is important to note that regulations and visa conditions may change, so students should always refer to official government sources and seek accurate, up-to-date information for their specific destination country.
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Employment authorisation
International students in the United States on F1 visas have several options for employment authorisation. The most freely available option is on-campus employment, which does not require USCIS approval. However, many schools require students to obtain permission from the International Student Office before accepting on-campus employment, and it may not be permitted during a student's first semester or year. On-campus employment opportunities are often limited, and the work may be unrelated to a student's studies.
After their first academic year, F1 students may engage in off-campus employment under certain conditions. Off-campus employment authorisation ends one year after issuance or upon completion of the program, whichever comes first. There are three types of off-campus employment available to F1 students:
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training (OPT) Extension: F1 students may be eligible to work off-campus on a case-by-case basis due to special situations, such as severe economic hardship or special student relief.
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): This is an off-campus employment option when practical training is an integral part of the established curriculum or academic program. To qualify, the work experience must be required for the student's degree, or academic credit must be awarded.
- Employment with a "recognised international organisation": To qualify, an organisation must be on the official State Department list, which includes the Red Cross, African and Asian Development Banks, the World Health Organization, and the World Trade Organization.
F1 students must show an ability to afford the costs of school and living expenses before entering the United States and should not plan to work off-campus. USCIS will only authorise off-campus employment in cases of severe economic hardship occurring after a student's enrollment or in emergent circumstances defined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Emergent circumstances include natural disasters, wars, military conflicts, and international financial crises.
To apply for off-campus employment authorisation, students must submit Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorisation", along with the required fees and photos. Processing can take up to 12 weeks or longer, and students cannot start working until they receive their Employment Authorisation Document (EAD). Students must also have a Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status", signed within the last 30 days by a Designated School Official (DSO) certifying their eligibility.
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Internships
International students can undertake internships in the US, and many companies host internship programs specifically for students, in exchange for university credit. However, it is important to be aware of visa rules and work permit stipulations. Most international students hold an F1 visa, which allows for optional practical training (OPT) during or after their academic program. Students with an F1 visa can apply for internships in the US, with assistance from their accredited university or college.
F1 students must have US work authorization to do an internship, whether virtual or in-person. They can choose between Curricular Practical Training (CPT), a degree-related internship, or Optional Practical Training (OPT), which can be unrelated to their degree. CPT can be paid or unpaid, but students must have completed their first year at university, apply for authorization on their student visa, and receive an updated I-20 form before beginning their internship. CPT is only needed if the internship will take place while the student is physically inside the US. If the internship takes place outside the US, no authorization is needed.
Students coming to the US solely for an internship will likely need to enter on a J-1 visa. J-1 students must be sponsored by an accredited educational or other non-profit institution and may be able to find internship placements through their sponsor. While J-1 students cannot apply for OPT, they can apply for Academic Training (AT) in a field related to their program for up to 18 months after graduating. Visa holders who want an internship in the USA without enrolling in a degree program can apply for a J-1 Intern or J-1 Trainee visa.
International students should research firms that have a history of hiring international interns or have programs designed for international applicants. They should also be aware of the legal requirements related to work authorization, such as OPT regulations, and stay updated on any changes to immigration policies that may affect their ability to work.
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Frequently asked questions
International students with an F-1 visa can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week outside of term time. Off-campus employment is only permitted in specific circumstances, such as economic hardship, and requires authorization.
Off-campus employment with an F-1 visa is restricted to four categories: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), Severe Economic Hardship, and working for a recognized international organization. CPT and OPT are forms of employment that offer training in the student's field of study. To work for a recognized international organization, the organization must be on the official State Department list.
To obtain authorization, students must apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or work with their school's Designated School Official (DSO) to certify their eligibility. The DSO will enter their recommendation into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and provide the student with a Form I-20. The student must then submit Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization", along with the required fee to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
