International Students: Understanding Work Hour Limits

how many hours a week can international students work

International students often work part-time to support themselves while studying abroad. The number of hours they can work per week depends on the country they're studying in and the type of visa they hold. For instance, in Canada, international students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus without a work permit, while in the US, F-1 visa holders are limited to 20 hours per week during school terms. International students must carefully adhere to work hour limits to maintain their visa status and avoid penalties, including visa termination and deportation.

Characteristics and Values

Characteristics Values
Maximum working hours for international students in Canada 24 hours per week off-campus
Maximum working hours for international students in the US 20 hours per week on-campus during the school session
Working hours for international students in the US during breaks 40 hours per week
Working hours for BYU international students 20 hours per week
Working hours for BYU ELC international students 20 hours per week, more than 20 hours during breaks

shunstudent

International students in Canada can work 24 hours a week

International students in Canada can work a maximum of 24 hours per week off-campus without needing a work permit. This change came into effect on November 15, 2024, increasing the previous limit of 20 hours. The new cap was introduced to strike a balance between allowing students to work without compromising their academic performance.

International students in Canada can work on-campus and off-campus, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. On-campus work includes employment within the school's buildings or grounds, and there is no limit to the number of hours students can work in these roles. Off-campus work, however, is restricted to 24 hours per week and includes areas outside the educational institution, such as self-employment roles like Uber or DoorDash deliveries.

It's important to note that international students in Canada must be enrolled in a full-time academic, vocational, or professional training program lasting at least six months and leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate. Additionally, they need a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work off-campus.

During scheduled breaks, such as summer or winter holidays, international students in Canada can work unlimited hours. However, to work full-time during these breaks, students must be enrolled full-time both before and after the break.

Working more than 24 hours per week off-campus while school is in session is a violation of the study permit conditions and may result in losing student status and facing potential deportation.

shunstudent

On-campus work in the US for F-1 students

International students in the US with an F-1 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 work is the most freely available option for F-1 students.

Eligibility for on-campus work

To be eligible for on-campus work, F-1 students must:

  • Have a valid I-20
  • Be in good academic standing
  • Maintain their immigration status
  • Have a Social Security Number (SSN)
  • Have a written job offer from an on-campus employer

Working hours for on-campus jobs

During the fall and spring semesters, F-1 students can work on campus for up to 20 hours per week. This is considered part-time work and includes all hours worked in different jobs. For example, if a student works 15 hours per week in an on-campus job and 10 hours per week in an off-campus job, they are considered to be working full-time and require CPT authorization.

During winter and summer breaks, F-1 students can work on campus for unlimited hours. They may also exceed 20 hours of work per week during other breaks and annual vacations.

Finding on-campus jobs

On-campus job openings can be found on the Student Payroll Bulletin Board or through organizations like HTIR Work-Study, which connects students with schools that offer work-study programs.

shunstudent

Off-campus work in the US for F-1 students

International students in the US on an F-1 visa have strict rules regarding employment. F-1 students are automatically permitted to work on-campus, unless they are a border commuter. However, they must ensure that the job qualifies as on-campus employment, and work with a DSO to get certification letters from the DSO and the employer. These letters must be presented to officials at the local Social Security Administration office to get a Social Security number.

Off-campus employment for F-1 students is only allowed in specific circumstances. The work must be related to their area of study, and must be authorised by the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS prior to starting work. The DSO must also sign page one of the Form I-20, which is then given to the student. The student must then send a copy of the Form I-20, along with the Form I-765, to USCIS.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an example of off-campus employment that trains the student in their field of study, and for which they fulfil academic credit or a degree requirement.

International students must carefully monitor their hours to ensure they do not exceed the maximum limit of 20 hours per week while school is in session. Working more than 20 hours a week can lead to visa termination.

shunstudent

ELC students at BYU can work 20 hours a week

The number of hours international students can work per week varies depending on the country and visa status. In the United States, international students with an F-1 visa are typically allowed to work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session. This limit is set by the U.S. Federal code, and exceeding it, even by a small amount, can lead to visa termination. During breaks and annual vacations, F-1 students can work more than 20 hours per week.

ELC students at BYU fall under these guidelines and are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week while enrolled in the ELC program. ELC students need to renew their work permits each semester and are required to present a social security card to maintain their work eligibility. While ELC students are not technically BYU students, they are still subject to the same international student work regulations as other visa holders.

In Canada, international students can work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit, as long as they are enrolled in a designated learning institution and meet other requirements. During scheduled breaks, such as summer or winter holidays, there is no limit on the number of hours international students can work in Canada. However, to work full-time during breaks, students must be enrolled as full-time students both before and after the break.

shunstudent

International students in Canada can work unlimited hours during breaks

International students in Canada are allowed to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus, an increase from the previous limit of 20 hours. This change came into effect on November 15, 2024, and applies only during regular school terms or semesters. It is worth noting that working more than 24 hours per week is considered a violation of the study permit conditions, which may result in losing student status and facing deportation.

During scheduled breaks, such as summer or winter holidays, international students in Canada can work unlimited hours. This flexibility allows students to earn additional income during their time off from academic pursuits. However, it is important to remember that working during breaks does not replace the need for a work permit if one is required for the specific job or role. Students must still ensure they meet all the necessary requirements for working while studying in Canada.

The eligibility criteria for working off-campus without a work permit include being a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI) and being in the last semester of your study program, not requiring a full course load to complete it. Additionally, students on an authorized leave from their studies or switching schools without actively studying are not permitted to work off-campus. They can only resume working once they return to their studies.

While there is no limit to the number of hours international students can work during scheduled breaks, they must still adhere to provincial laws regarding overtime pay and the required time between shifts. It is also important to note that this unlimited work allowance during breaks applies specifically to off-campus employment. On-campus work, which includes employment within the school's buildings or grounds, has no hourly restrictions for students.

In conclusion, international students in Canada enjoy the benefit of working unlimited hours during breaks, providing them with opportunities for financial gain and practical experience. However, it is crucial to remain mindful of the regulations and requirements governing off-campus and on-campus employment to ensure compliance with Canadian laws and to maintain student status.

Frequently asked questions

International students in the US can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and up to 40 hours per week during breaks.

International students in Canada can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus. There is no limit to the number of hours students can work on-campus.

Exceeding the 20-hour limit can lead to visa termination. Students may receive a warning, but it is recommended to not exceed the limit to avoid any issues.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment