Lori Meadows
International students in Canada and the US face strict regulations regarding their eligibility to work during their studies. In Canada, international students are generally limited to working 20 hours per week off-campus, with some sources stating that this limit will increase to 24 hours per week. Students with an F-1 visa in the US are also restricted to working 20 hours per week on-campus, with the opportunity to work unlimited hours during breaks and up to 40 hours per week off-campus if they meet eligibility requirements. Working more than the permitted hours can result in losing student status and future permit approvals. However, some students have reported working more than 20 hours without consequences, and schools may overlook minor infractions due to the financial benefits of international students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Maximum work hours during breaks | Unlimited |
| Maximum work hours during classes | 20 hours per week |
| Work hours to maintain F-1 status | 20 hours per week |
| Work hours without a work permit in Canada | 24 hours per week |
| Work hours with a work permit in Canada | 24 hours per week |
| Work hours for self-employed students in Canada | 24 hours per week |
| Maximum work hours for tutors | 20 hours per week |
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What You'll Learn
Working more than 20 hours is a violation of study permit conditions
International students in Canada and the US face strict rules and limitations regarding working hours and employment eligibility. In Canada, international students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus without a work permit. However, working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of their study permit conditions and can result in losing their student status and future permit approvals. Students are responsible for tracking their working hours, including any time spent earning wages or on-call, and ensuring compliance with their permit conditions.
In the US, international students with valid F-1 status can generally work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during ongoing classes and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. Off-campus employment for F-1 students is typically only authorized in cases of severe economic hardship or emergent circumstances. Working more than 20 hours per week on-campus without authorization is a violation of F-1 Visa Limitations and can put students' immigration status at risk.
To avoid violations, international students should carefully monitor their working hours and comply with the conditions of their study permits or visas. Working remotely for an employer outside of Canada or engaging in Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) can provide opportunities for international students to gain work experience without exceeding the specified working hours.
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Off-campus work rules
International students in Canada are usually allowed to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during regular terms (fall and winter) and full-time during scheduled breaks (spring, summer, winter break, and reading weeks). However, a temporary policy was introduced in November 2022, allowing international students to work off-campus for more than 20 hours per week to address labour shortages in the post-pandemic economy. This policy is set to end on April 30, 2024, and starting September, international students will be permitted to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week.
To be eligible to work off-campus, international students in Canada must be enrolled full-time, with exceptions for breaks or completion of their final term of studies. Additionally, they must possess a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).
It is important to note that the rules for off-campus work may vary depending on the specific institution and program. For example, thesis-based graduate students at the University of Alberta are permitted to work 20 hours per week off-campus year-round, while course-based graduate students can work 20 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks.
International students should consult with their institution and review the Government of Canada's "Work Off-Campus as an International Student" page to ensure they comply with the off-campus work rules and any recent updates.
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On-campus work rules
To be eligible for on-campus employment, F-1 students must maintain their status by enrolling full-time and ensuring their visa is valid. They can work at any qualifying on-campus job that does not displace a US citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR). Additionally, they must report their work and obtain a certification letter to present when applying for a Social Security Number (SSN).
In Canada, international students can work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. They must meet specific requirements, including being a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI) and ensuring their work does not exceed the conditions of their study permit.
It is important to note that the rules and regulations for international student employment vary by country and visa type. While some countries may allow for more flexibility, it is crucial for international students to adhere to the specific guidelines provided by their host country to maintain their visa status and avoid any legal consequences.
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Eligibility requirements for off-campus work
International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit, as long as they meet certain eligibility requirements. These requirements include:
- Being a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI)
- Being in the last semester of your study program, and not needing a full course load to complete your program
- Having a valid study permit, or having applied to extend your study permit before it expired
- Having received written confirmation from your current school that you completed your program
- Having received a letter of acceptance to a new full-time study program at a DLI, which starts within 150 calendar days of receiving confirmation of completion of your previous program
International students in the United States with an F-1 visa have stricter rules for off-campus work. They must meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization to work off-campus. To be eligible for off-campus work, F-1 students must:
- Have been enrolled for at least one academic year and have an active F-1 student status
- Be unable to get on-campus employment, or the pay from available on-campus employment must be insufficient to meet financial needs
- Have a Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," from the DSO, signed within the last 30 days, certifying that the applicant is a bona fide F-1 student
- File a Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," and pay a fee to USCIS within 30 days of receiving the Form I-20
- Receive approval from USCIS, which grants them a Form I-766, "Employment Authorization Document" (EAD)
It is important to note that working more than 24 hours per week in Canada or working without authorization in the United States can result in losing student status and facing other consequences such as having to leave the country.
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Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT authorization is only 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. CPT is available to students enrolled full-time and in valid F-1 status. Students must maintain a full course of study even when CPT is authorized. CPT can be authorized on a part-time or full-time basis, with full-time employment being more than 20 hours per week.
Students interested in CPT must meet with their academic or faculty advisor to discuss their CPT plans and obtain a recommendation. They must also gather all the required documents and submit their application through the designated portal. DSOs can cancel CPT before the start date, and edit the authorization to shorten the end date. CPT authorization is significant as it allows international students to gain practical training as part of their academic program.
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Frequently asked questions
International students in Canada can work more than 20 hours a week during scheduled breaks, such as winter and summer holidays. During term time, students can work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit.
International students in the US can work more than 20 hours a week during breaks and annual vacations. However, this requires authorization from the USCIS and is only permitted in cases of severe economic hardship.
Students who work more than 20 hours without authorization are at risk of losing their student status and may not be approved for future study or work permits. However, some commenters on Reddit claim that their schools overlooked minor infractions.
