Ibrahim Gardner
International students often work part-time jobs to manage their daily expenses and academic costs. The number of hours international students are allowed to work varies from country to country. Some countries have strict limits on total work hours, while others offer more flexible rules. For example, in Canada, international students with a valid study visa can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during their academic year and full-time during academic breaks. In contrast, Sweden has no legal limit on study time or work hours for international students, although students are expected to spend at least 40 hours per week on their studies. In the United States, F-1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment, and after the first year, they may engage in off-campus employment under certain conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students working part-time | 63% |
| Countries with the most work hours for international students | Australia, Austria, Belgium, Sweden, Finland, Canada, France, Ireland, Germany |
| Work hours limit in Australia | 40 hours per fortnight during the academic term and full-time during breaks |
| Work hours limit in Austria | 20 hours per week |
| Work hours limit in Belgium | 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks |
| Work hours limit in Sweden | No legal limit on study time or work hours |
| Work hours limit in Finland | 25 hours per week and full-time during breaks |
| Work hours limit in Canada | 24 hours per week of off-campus employment |
| Work hours limit in France | 964 hours annually, averaging 21 hours per week |
| Work hours limit in Ireland | 20 hours per week during the course and 40 hours during specific vacation periods |
| Work hours limit in Germany | 20 hours per week for EU and EEA students; 120 full days or 240 half days per year for non-EU students |
| Work hours limit in the US for F-1 students | 20 hours per week for on-campus jobs; off-campus employment only after the first academic year |
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What You'll Learn
Work permit requirements
International students intending to work in a foreign country must adhere to the work permit requirements of their host country. Here is some information regarding work permits for international students in Canada and the United States.
International students in Canada must meet specific requirements to obtain a work permit. Firstly, a valid study permit is necessary. Additionally, the type of program you are enrolled in determines your eligibility for a work permit. Students enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language (FSL) courses, as well as general interest courses, are not eligible for a work permit under the Co-op Work Permit Program. However, those in academic, vocational, or professional training programs at the post-secondary level or secondary-level programs in Quebec may be eligible. The intended employment must be an integral part of the academic program, as certified by an academic official from the institution.
International students in Canada can work off-campus without a work permit under certain conditions. As of November 8, 2024, students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus without a permit, provided they are full-time students at a designated learning institution (DLI) and meet other requirements. Students in their last semester who don't need a full course load to complete their program can also work without a permit.
If you are seeking a work permit for a designated occupation, such as health services or working with children, a medical exam is required before submitting your application. A medical examination is also necessary for agricultural occupations if you have visited or lived in specific countries for over six months in the past year.
In the United States, international students typically need a student visa to study full-time. The F-1 and M-1 visa categories have specific requirements, including enrolment in an academic, language-training, or vocational program at an approved institution, proficiency in English or enrolment in English proficiency courses, sufficient funds for self-support, and maintaining a residence abroad.
F-1 students cannot work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment with certain conditions. After the first year, they may engage in off-campus employment, including STEM Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT) and severe economic hardship provisions. M-1 students can engage in practical training after completing their studies. Both F-1 and M-1 students must have their off-campus training employment authorized by the Designated School Official and related to their area of study.
Additional Considerations
It is essential to maintain valid immigration status and adhere to the regulations of the host country. Students are responsible for ensuring their immigration documents, such as passports, study permits, work permits, and visas, are accurate and up to date. Work permits may have specific conditions and restrictions that must be respected to avoid negative consequences for future applications or immigration status.
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Work hour limits
The number of hours international students can work per week varies by country and visa status.
In Canada, international students were previously allowed to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week. However, as of November 8, 2024, this limit has been increased to 24 hours per week without a work permit. Students must meet other requirements for working while studying, and they can lose their student status if they work more than 24 hours per week. On-campus employment in Canada has no set limit on work hours.
In the United States, F-1 students can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the school term and full-time during annual breaks. Off-campus employment is generally not allowed for F-1 students, except in cases of severe economic hardship or emergent circumstances as defined by the Department of Homeland Security. F-1 students can begin working up to 30 days before the start of their program and can continue working on-campus during breaks if they are continuing their education at the next program level at the same school.
At the University of Richmond, international students are limited to working no more than 20 hours per week during academic periods and 40 hours during breaks.
In Australia, international students can work up to 48 hours every 2 weeks.
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Visa requirements
International students who wish to study in the United States will generally need a student visa. There are two non-immigrant visa categories: the F and M visas. The F-1 visa is the most common type of student visa. F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year but may accept on-campus employment. After the first academic 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 training that is related to the student's field of study and for which the student receives academic credit. OPT is work authorization that allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year before or after graduation. In cases of severe economic hardship, USCIS may authorize off-campus employment for F-1 students. M-1 visa holders, on the other hand, may engage in practical training only after they have completed their studies.
To work off-campus, F-1 students must obtain an internship offer with an international organization and then work with the Designated School Official (DSO) to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with USCIS. The DSO will enter their recommendation into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and print the supporting Form I-20, which must be signed and given to the student. The student will then need to file a Form I-765 with supporting documents and fees. Off-campus work authorization requires case-by-case approval from USCIS and any off-campus training employment must be related to the student's area of study.
To work in the United States after graduation, international students may apply for a work visa such as the H-1B visa. To qualify for this visa, students must have a bachelor's degree and their employer must initiate the visa process. The H-1B status is granted for an initial period of three years and can be extended for an additional three years. Another option for international students to work in the US after graduation is to apply for a green card.
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On-campus vs off-campus work
International students seeking employment in the United States must comply with federal laws and regulations. On-campus employment is defined in 8 CFR 214.2(9)(i) and entails two types of limits on the employment. The work must either take place at the school or at an educationally affiliated off-campus location. Work at an off-campus location must be associated with the school's curriculum or related to contractually funded research projects at the postgraduate level.
F-1 students may work on campus at the school they are authorised to attend. They are eligible to work for 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks and summer vacation. To work in the United States, on or off-campus, international students need a Social Security Number. They must also have an offer of employment before they can apply for a Social Security card.
Off-campus employment is authorised in cases of severe economic hardship, occurring after a student's enrolment in an academic programme and after the student has been in F-1 status for at least one academic year. Off-campus employment recommendations cannot exceed one year. Students must file a Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorisation, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
In Canada, international students can work off-campus without a work permit for up to 24 hours per week, provided they meet other requirements for working while studying. These include being a full-time student at a designated learning institution and ensuring that your employer knows that you can work off-campus without a work permit.
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Country-specific rules
The rules for international students seeking employment vary from country to country, and even within countries, there may be different rules for students from different regions. Here is a list of country-specific rules for international students seeking employment:
Canada
International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit, provided they meet other requirements. These requirements include being a full-time student at a designated learning institution, being in the last semester of your study program, and not needing a full course load to complete your program. International students in Canada require a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work.
United States
In the United States, international students on an F-1 visa may not work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment. After the first year, F-1 students may engage in off-campus employment, including STEM Optional Practical Training and severe economic hardship cases. M-1 students may engage in practical training only after completing their studies. Both F-1 and M-1 students must have their off-campus employment authorized by the Designated School Official and USCIS, and the work must be related to their area of study.
Europe
European countries have varying rules for international student employment. EU citizens can work while studying without a student work permit, even full-time. France allows international students to work part-time, up to 964 hours per year, even during their first year or while taking a language course. Germany restricts the number of work hours for non-EU/EEA international students. The UK allows international students on a Tier 4 visa to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during academic breaks. Denmark has similar rules, while Estonia has no work restrictions for international students who maintain passing grades.
Asia
Many countries in Asia, such as Singapore, are popular among international students due to the quality of their universities. However, the article did not specify the work rules for international students in these countries.
Africa
African universities, particularly those in Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa, are attracting more international students. Again, the article did not specify the work rules for international students in these countries.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students need a visa to work in a foreign country. The visa category depends on the country and the type of program the student is enrolled in. For example, in the US, there are two non-immigrant visa categories: F and M visas.
The number of hours international students are allowed to work per week varies by country. For instance, in Canada, international students are allowed to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus without a work permit. In contrast, in Austria, Belgium, and Germany, international students can work up to 20 hours per week.
Yes, there are often restrictions on the type of work international students can do. For example, in the US, F-1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment. Similarly, in Canada, international students must ensure they meet the requirements for working while studying, and the work must be off-campus.
