Lori Meadows
International students are often restricted by the terms of their visa and the regulations of their educational institution when it comes to working during their studies. In the United States, international students with an F-1 visa are typically allowed to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and can work full-time, without a specified cap on maximum hours, during the summer vacation. In Canada, international students can work off-campus for up to 24 hours a week without a work permit, and they can work remotely for an employer outside Canada while adhering to their study permit conditions.
Characteristics and Values Table
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Work hours without a work permit | 24 hours per week |
| Work hours with a work permit | 24 hours per week |
| Work hours on campus | 20 hours per week |
| Work hours off campus | 24 hours per week |
| Country | United States |
| On-campus work hours during classes | 20 hours per week |
| On-campus work hours during breaks | 40 hours per week |
| Off-campus work hours | 20 hours per week |
| CPT work hours during breaks and summer vacation | Full-time |
| OPT work hours | 40 hours per week |
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What You'll Learn
International students in Canada can work off-campus for 24 hours a week without a permit
Students who are enrolled part-time in their final semester before graduating and who have been continuously enrolled full-time in every other semester are also authorised to work. However, this exception does not apply to students who have taken a leave of absence or have any gaps in their studies.
It is important to note that the 24-hour limit only applies to off-campus work. On-campus work, which includes employment within the buildings or grounds of a school's campus, has no limit on the number of hours students can work. Students can also work unlimited hours remotely for an employer based outside Canada, as long as they comply with the conditions of their study permit.
During scheduled breaks, such as the summer or winter holidays, there is no limit on the number of hours international students can work, as long as they are enrolled full-time in the term before and after the break. However, if a student is not enrolled full-time in the preceding term, they will not be authorised to work full-time during the summer break.
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F-1 students in the US can work on-campus for 20 hours a week
To work on-campus, F-1 students must have a qualifying job that does not displace a US citizen or LPR. The job can be on a campus other than the one the student attends, as long as the other campus is listed on the same Form I-17. Students must talk to their DSO before starting work to ensure the position qualifies as on-campus employment and that the correct employment information is in their SEVIS record. The DSO should keep a copy of the employer's letter, which should describe the type of work, the affiliation to the school, and the number of hours to be worked per week.
During breaks and annual vacation, F-1 students can work on-campus for more than 20 hours a week, up to 40 hours per week. This is also true for students who are employed off-campus with special permission. However, off-campus employment is only allowed in certain circumstances, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is a paid or unpaid internship, job, or other experience that provides training in the student's field of study and counts towards academic credit. OPT allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year before or after graduation. To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled for at least one academic year and have active F-1 status.
F-1 students can also apply for off-campus employment authorization in cases of severe economic hardship, but only after they have been enrolled in an academic program for at least one full academic year.
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CPT: Curricular Practical Training
International students in the United States on an F-1 visa are typically eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which allows them to gain practical work experience in their field of study. CPT is a type of work authorization that permits students to work off-campus in positions that are integral to their degree program. The rules and regulations surrounding CPT can vary, so it is important to consult with your school's international student office to understand the specific requirements and procedures.
During the summer, international students on CPT may have the opportunity to work full-time, which is usually considered to be up to 40 hours per week. This can be a great way to gain valuable work experience and make progress in your career path. To be eligible for full-time CPT during the summer, you must ensure that you are meeting the requirements set by your school and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
These requirements often include maintaining valid F-1 status, being in good academic standing, and having completed at least one academic year of study. Additionally, the work must be directly related to your major field of study and an integral part of the curriculum. Before starting any job, you must receive authorization from your school, which may involve providing information about the employer, job duties, and number of hours worked.
It's important to note that the rules and regulations surrounding CPT can vary depending on your specific situation and your school's policies. Some schools may have additional requirements or limitations on the number of hours worked or the type of employment allowed. Again, consulting with your international student advisor is crucial to ensure that you understand the specific rules that apply to your CPT authorization.
The authorization process for CPT usually involves working closely with your school's international student office. They will guide you through the necessary steps, which typically include providing documentation such as a job offer letter, proof of major or degree requirements, and a detailed description of how the employment relates to your studies. Once your CPT request is approved, your designated school official (DSO) will update your Form I-20 to reflect the authorization.
Remember that maintaining your F-1 student status is crucial during CPT. This includes following the terms and conditions of your CPT authorization, such as working only for the authorized employer and not exceeding the allowed number of hours. Properly reporting your CPT employment and maintaining valid immigration documents are also essential aspects of maintaining your student status.
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OPT: Optional Practical Training
International students in the United States can work part-time, but the terms of their visa, as well as complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), restrict them. Most international students in the US hold an F1 visa, which is the US non-immigrant student visa.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of work authorization that allows international 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). OPT must be completed within 14 months of completing a degree. To be eligible to apply, students must have been enrolled for at least one academic year and have an active F-1 student status. For post-completion OPT, students can apply up to 90 days before graduation, but it is recommended that they apply at least 45 days before graduation to ensure timely processing. Students are allowed to accumulate a maximum of 90 days of unemployment while seeking employment during post-completion OPT.
OPT is distinct from Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is a type of employment that trains students in their field of study and for which they fulfil academic credit or a degree requirement. CPT may be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to the student's field of study. CPT work must be part-time (20 hours per week) during the academic year but can be full-time during breaks and summer vacation. Students who engage in full-time CPT for 12 months or more will lose their OPT benefit when they graduate.
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International students can work full-time during the summer in the US
International students in the US on an F1 visa are allowed to work but only under certain conditions. The United States has strict rules for international students who want to work during their studies. Students with an F-1 visa cannot be employed off-campus without meeting eligibility requirements and obtaining official authorization.
International students with an F-1 visa who are enrolled full-time can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the school year and are generally allowed to work full-time during the summer. However, there is some ambiguity about the number of hours that constitute full-time work. While some sources suggest that full-time work is considered anything over 20 hours per week, others suggest that it is 40 hours per week.
To be eligible for off-campus employment, F-1 visa holders must meet the eligibility requirements and obtain authorization. One way to do this is through Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is employment that trains students in their field of study and can be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience. CPT authorization specifies whether the student is approved for part-time (20 hours per week or less) or full-time employment. While in school, students can only be approved for part-time CPT.
Another option for off-campus work is Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows students to work in their major field for up to one year either before or after graduation. Students must have been enrolled for at least one academic year and have active F-1 status to be eligible for OPT.
In rare cases, F-1 students facing severe and unexpected financial difficulties can apply for Severe Economic Hardship Employment Authorization from USCIS. To be eligible, students must have been in F-1 status for at least one academic year and provide evidence of their financial need.
It is important for international students to carefully monitor their weekly work hours and ensure they do not exceed the limit, as working more hours than permitted would violate their legal status and result in the loss of their right to work in the United States.
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Frequently asked questions
International students in the US can work full-time during the summer. There is no specific cap on the maximum number of hours, but many schools have an internal limit of 40 hours per week.
Most international students in the US hold an F1 visa. Students with an F1 visa are allowed to work but must meet certain conditions and eligibility requirements.
Students with an F1 visa can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the school year and up to 40 hours per week during breaks and summer vacation.
Yes, many schools in the US offer work and study programs that provide immediate employment through CPT (Curricular Practical Training) programs. CPT is a type of temporary work related to the student's major area of study.
International students in Canada can work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit.
