Douglas Olsen
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are allowed to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the school term time and up to 40 hours per week during holidays and school breaks. Students can only work off-campus in certain circumstances, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, or practicum related to the student's field of study. OPT is work authorization that allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year before or after graduation. To work off-campus, F-1 students must meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization; otherwise, they risk losing their F-1 status.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Work permit | Not required for up to 24 hours per week off-campus |
| Work hours without a permit | Up to 24 hours per week off-campus |
| Work hours with a permit | No limit on-campus; 20 hours off-campus |
| Work during breaks | Unlimited |
| Work eligibility | Full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI) |
| Work eligibility | Last semester of the study program |
| Work eligibility | Don't need a full course load to complete the program |
| Work eligibility | Authorized leave from studies |
| Work eligibility | Switching schools |
| Work eligibility | Valid F-1 status |
| Work eligibility | CPT or OPT |
| Work eligibility | Enrolled for at least one academic year |
| Work eligibility | Active F-1 student status |
| Work eligibility | Social Insurance Number (SIN) |
| Work eligibility | Social Security Number (SSN) |
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What You'll Learn
On-campus work in the US
International students in the US on an F-1 visa 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. However, international students should prioritise their school studies over employment and must not exceed the 20-hour limit, even by one minute, or they risk losing their visa.
On-campus employment is the most freely available option for international students in the US, and it does not require USCIS approval. However, on-campus jobs are limited, and students may need to obtain permission from the International Student Office before accepting on-campus employment. These jobs are also often unrelated to students' studies.
To be eligible for on-campus employment, undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 12.0 credit hours per semester, while graduate students must be accepted into a graduate program and enrolled in at least 9.0 credit hours (unless otherwise authorised by International Services). Students must also present a social security card to the Student Employment office to maintain work eligibility.
International students suffering from "severe economic hardship" may be eligible to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session, and full-time during breaks. To qualify, students must be in valid F-1 status for at least one academic year, provide evidence of economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances, and show that on-campus employment is unavailable or insufficient.
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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. On-campus employment is the most freely available option and does not require approval from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). However, on-campus employment opportunities are limited at most schools.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT is a type of employment for F-1 students that is an integral part of the curriculum or educational program. This may be an internship or any other work experience that is either for credit or required for your degree. CPT 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 Optional Practical Training (OPT) benefit when they graduate.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT is work authorization that will allow you to work in areas related to your major for up to one year either before or after you graduate.
Severe Economic Hardship
F-1 students suffering from "severe economic hardship" as defined by USCIS are eligible to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during breaks. To be eligible, students must provide evidence of economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances beyond their control, show that on-campus employment is unavailable or insufficient, and make a good-faith effort to locate on-campus employment before applying.
Social Security Number
To work in the US, you will need a Social Security Number (SSN). This is a 9-digit number issued to citizens and eligible non-citizens for taxation purposes.
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On-campus work in Canada
International students in Canada are allowed to work on-campus, in addition to off-campus employment, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. There is no limit to the number of hours students can work on-campus, as long as they continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
On-campus work refers to employment within the buildings or grounds of a school's campus. This includes jobs with the school itself, faculty members, student organisations, or private businesses that operate on campus. Students can even work for themselves if they own a business that is physically located on campus. If a school has multiple campuses, students are generally expected to work at the campus where they are enrolled. However, exceptions may be made if a student is a research or teaching assistant, or if the work is tied to a research grant. Students may also work at libraries or research facilities affiliated with the school but located outside the main campus.
To be eligible to work on-campus, international students must be enrolled in a full-time academic, vocational, or professional training program that is at least six months in duration and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate. They must also have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) and a valid study permit that allows them to work on-campus. Students can request to have these conditions added to their study permit if they are eligible to work on-campus.
It is important to note that international students must stop working on-campus if they no longer meet the eligibility requirements, such as dropping to part-time status outside of scheduled breaks or completing their program. Working on-campus provides international students in Canada with the flexibility to work an unlimited number of hours while meeting their academic commitments.
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Off-campus work in Canada
International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week during the regular academic year, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria. This is an increase from the previous limit of 20 hours per week. Students can work full-time during scheduled breaks, such as winter and summer holidays, and this does not count towards their off-campus work limit.
To work off-campus in Canada, international students must ensure they meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Enrolled as a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI), except during the final semester.
- Enrolled in a post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training program.
- Hold a valid study permit that includes the condition that they can work off-campus.
- Comply with all the requirements and conditions of their study permit.
It is important to note that international students cannot work off-campus if they are only enrolled in an English or French as a second language (ESL/FSL) program. Additionally, if they are on authorised leave from their studies or switching schools, they cannot work off-campus until they resume their studies.
International students must also obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work in Canada. They can apply for a SIN by providing their study permit, which should include the necessary conditions or remarks permitting work. If the study permit does not include these conditions, students may request an amendment and then apply for a SIN.
Students are advised to carefully review the rules and regulations that apply to their specific situation and ensure they comply with the conditions of their study permit to maintain their student status and avoid any negative consequences, such as losing their study permit or having to leave the country.
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Work eligibility criteria
To be eligible to work in the United States as an international student, you must meet several criteria. Firstly, you must be enrolled as a full-time student and maintain your F-1 student status. This includes demonstrating English proficiency and having sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies. Obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN) is crucial, as it is required for both on-campus and off-campus employment.
On-campus employment is the most accessible option for international students. However, you may need permission from the International Student Office before accepting on-campus work, and such opportunities might be limited. During the academic year, international students with F-1 status can typically work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week, increasing to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session.
Off-campus employment for international students is highly regulated and restricted. To be eligible for off-campus work, international students must meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization. There are several categories of off-campus employment to consider:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): CPT provides training related to your field of study and can be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other relevant experience. CPT can be part of a work-and-study program, and you must ensure your job offer qualifies and follow the necessary application steps.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): OPT allows you to work in your major field for up to one year before or after graduation (pre-completion OPT or post-completion OPT). To be eligible, you must have been enrolled for at least one academic year and maintain your F-1 status. Post-completion OPT requires applying before graduation, and students can accumulate a maximum of 90 days of unemployment while seeking employment.
- Severe Economic Hardship: In cases of severe economic hardship, F-1 students may be authorized for off-campus employment. This includes emergent circumstances, such as natural disasters, wars, or financial crises, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
It is important to note that working illegally or without authorization can result in the loss of F-1 student status and visa revocation. Always ensure you understand the regulations and have the proper authorizations in place before commencing any employment as an international student in the United States.
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Frequently asked questions
International students in the US with an F-1 visa can work up to 20 hours per week when school is in session and up to 40 hours per week during breaks.
International students in the US need a Social Security Number (SSN) to work. To apply for an SSN, students need a job offer letter, their passport, F-1 visa, I-94 number, Form I-20, and a letter from their International Student Services Office confirming their eligibility to work.
F-1 students in the US are generally not allowed to work off-campus. Off-campus employment is only available to F-1 students who have completed at least one academic year and meet certain eligibility requirements.
International students in Canada were previously limited to working 20 hours per week during class sessions. However, from December 7, 2023, to April 30, 2024, they were allowed to work more than 20 hours per week.
International students in the US typically need an F-1 or M-1 visa. To obtain an F-1 visa, students must be enrolled in an academic, language-training, or vocational program at a school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. They must also have sufficient funds, English proficiency, and maintain a residence abroad.
