Ibrahim Gardner
International students' working hours and eligibility vary by country and visa type. For instance, international students in the US with an F-1 visa can work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during classes and up to 40 hours per week off-campus during breaks. In Canada, international students can work off-campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. Students in the US and Canada must apply for employment authorization or a work permit and meet specific eligibility criteria to work legally during their studies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work hours for international students in the US with F-1 status | Up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session, and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session |
| Work hours for international students in Canada | Up to 24 hours per week without a work permit; more than 24 hours per week is a violation of the study permit conditions |
| OPT (Optional Practical Training) in the US | Up to 12 months full-time in total; part-time OPT reduces available full-time OPT by half |
| CPT (Curricular Practical Training) in the US | Part-time (up to 20 hours per week) or full-time (more than 20 hours per week); no limit to how long you can work |
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What You'll Learn
On-campus work in the US
International students in the US on an F1 visa are allowed to work, but only under certain conditions. On-campus work is the most freely available option for F1 students.
On-campus employment is defined as work that takes place on campus or at an off-campus location that is educationally affiliated with the school. Examples of on-campus employment include working at a university bookstore or cafeteria. Active F1 students may apply for on-campus employment up to 30 days before the start of classes. To apply, students must talk to their Designated School Official (DSO). If approved, the DSO will provide a letter of approval. Students then take this letter, along with a letter of approval from their employer, to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). All students who wish to work on campus must apply for an SSN.
There are strict limits on the number of hours international students can work on campus. During the academic year, students can work a maximum of 20 hours per week. However, during breaks when school is out of session, students can work full-time (up to 40 hours per week). Students can work in more than one on-campus job, but the combined hours each week still cannot be more than 20.
Off-campus work in the US
Off-campus employment is only available to F1 students who have completed at least one full academic year of their program of study. Students must also demonstrate an economic hardship that qualifies for the Department of Homeland Security's emergent circumstances. To apply for off-campus employment, students must explain their economic hardship situation and receive approval from their DSO. Once approved, students must file a Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within 30 days of receiving their recommendation. If approved, USCIS will send a Form I-766, "Employment Authorization Document," (EAD) with the dates the student may work off-campus.
There are several options for off-campus employment:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): CPT is training that is a required part of a school's curriculum and relates to the student's major. CPT can include internships, cooperatives, or practicums. CPT may be paid or unpaid.
- 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.
- Severe Economic Hardship Employment: This option is available to students who have completed at least one academic year and can demonstrate a severe economic hardship beyond their control.
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Off-campus work in the US
International students in the US 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). On-campus employment is the most freely available option, while off-campus employment is subject to stricter regulations.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a type of off-campus employment for F1 students when the practical training is an integral part of the established curriculum or academic program. CPT employment may take the form of a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience that is related to the student's field of study. 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 the USCIS are required. CPT employment is typically part-time (20 hours per week) during the academic year but can be full-time during breaks and summer vacation. There is no limit to how long a student can work on CPT, but if they work full-time for 12 months or more, they become ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Optional Practical Training (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 (pre-completion OPT or post-completion OPT). 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 to ensure timely processing. Once on post-completion OPT, students 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 a severe economic hardship caused by circumstances beyond their control, which arose after obtaining F1 status. On-campus employment opportunities must be insufficient or unavailable for this option. USCIS will authorize off-campus employment only in cases of severe economic hardship occurring after a student's enrollment in an academic program and after the student has been in F1 status for at least one full academic year.
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Work permits in Canada
International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. This rule came into effect on November 15, 2024, and applies only to the hours students work off-campus while their classes are in session. During scheduled breaks, such as summer or winter holidays, there is no limit on the number of hours students can work. However, if a statutory holiday falls within an existing break, the rules for working unlimited hours will apply.
On-campus employment is defined as employment within the boundaries of the campus, and the employer can be the institution, a student organization, a private business, or a private contractor providing services to the institution on campus. Students who meet the eligibility requirements to work on-campus can work an unlimited number of hours, but the hours must follow provincial labour standards.
To work off-campus, international students must be full-time students at a designated learning institution (DLI) and meet other requirements for working while studying. Students and their employers must ensure that they can work off-campus without a work permit before starting work. Working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of the study permit conditions, and students may lose their student status and be asked to leave the country.
After completing their studies, international students may be able to work full-time if they meet certain requirements, such as having a valid study permit that includes authorization to work in Canada and having already worked off-campus during their studies. They must also apply for a work permit or post-graduation work permit before their study permit expires.
Volunteering in Canada may also require a foreign national to have authorization to work or a work permit if the activity meets the IRCC's definition of work.
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CPT and OPT in the US
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) are two pathways for international students on F-1 visas to gain off-campus work experience in their field of study in the United States. While there are similarities between the two programs, there are also key differences that international students should be aware of when determining their eligibility and making their applications.
CPT is a temporary work authorization that allows international students on F-1 visas to work off-campus during their academic program after one year of full-time study. CPT must be integral to the student's major and the experience must be a required part of their program of study. The duration of a CPT internship is determined by the employer and academic program, and there is no limit to the number of CPT internships a student can undertake. CPT can be full-time (up to 40 hours per week) or part-time (up to 20 hours per week), and students must maintain a full course of study when CPT is authorized during the school session. CPT requires a signed cooperative agreement or a letter from the employer, and students can earn college credit for their CPT internship, depending on their school. CPT authorization is only required when the training takes place inside the United States.
OPT is also a temporary work authorization that allows F-1 students from accredited colleges or universities to gain practical work experience related to their field of study. OPT can be completed before or after graduation. Students can apply for 12 months of OPT at each education level, and OPT must relate to the student's major or course of study. OPT approval requires a completed Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," to be mailed to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), along with a filing fee. OPT approval can take over 90 days, so students are advised to apply as early as possible. Once approved, students will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and can start their OPT program. While school is in session, students on OPT are limited to working 20 hours per week.
It is important to note that 12 months or more of full-time CPT makes students ineligible for OPT, but part-time CPT does not affect OPT eligibility. Additionally, international graduates with a qualifying STEM degree are eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, allowing them to work and stay in the US for up to three years after graduation.
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International organizations
International students often have to balance their academic and financial commitments, and working while studying can help them achieve this. The rules regarding the duration of work differ across countries and the type of employment.
In the United States, international students on F1 visas can work for a "recognized international organization" as per the International Organization Immunities Act. Examples of such organizations include the Red Cross, African and Asian Development Banks, the World Health Organization, and the World Trade Organization. To be eligible, students must have been in valid F1 status for at least one academic year and be in good academic standing. They must first obtain an internship offer from one of these organizations and then apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with USCIS. There is no limit to how long students can work under this arrangement.
In Canada, international students can work off-campus without a work permit for up to 24 hours per week. They must be full-time students at a designated learning institution and meet other eligibility criteria. During regular breaks, such as summer and winter holidays, they can work unlimited hours. To work off-campus with a work permit, students must meet specific criteria, including having a valid study permit and receiving written confirmation of completing their previous program.
In Australia, international students have the same workplace rights and protections as other workers. From 1 July 2023, they can work up to 48 hours every fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during holiday breaks, except for PhD and master's by research students.
Additionally, some schools in the United States offer work-study programs that allow international students to work full-time during breaks and after completing all coursework. CPT programs provide opportunities for students to gain practical experience in their field of study, and OPT allows them to work in areas related to their major for up to one year before or after graduation.
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Frequently asked questions
International students enrolled full-time and in valid F-1 status can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not. For off-campus employment, students must meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization.
Students must obtain an internship offer with an international organization and apply for an Employment Authorization Document with USCIS. Students must also have been in valid F1 status for at least one full academic year and be in good academic standing.
International students in Canada are allowed to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus without a work permit. There is no limit to the number of hours students can work on-campus.
Students must be enrolled in an academic, vocational, or professional training program that is at least six months long and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate. They must also have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).
