Lana Oconnell
International students often take up part-time jobs to support themselves financially while studying abroad. The number of hours that constitute part-time work for international students varies across countries. For instance, in Canada, international students can work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. In the United States, international students with an F-1 visa are generally allowed to work part-time, which is defined as up to 20 hours per week, during the fall and spring semesters. These students can work full-time, or more than 20 hours per week, during annual breaks and when school is not in session.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Canada | Up to 24 hours per week off-campus without a work permit |
| US | Up to 20 hours per week on-campus; up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session |
| US CPT | Up to 20 hours per week or less (part-time); more than 20 hours per week (full-time) |
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What You'll Learn
On-campus work in the US: 20 hours per week
International students in the US on an F1 visa are generally allowed to work on their university campus for up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session, and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not. This is known as Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is employment that trains students in their field of study and for which they can gain academic credit or fulfil part of their degree requirements. CPT is a great way for international students to gain valuable work experience and obtain their master's degree while helping to cover the costs of their education.
To be eligible for CPT, students must first obtain an internship offer with an international organisation and then work with their Designated School Official (DSO) to apply for an Employment Authorization Document with USCIS. The DSO will enter their recommendation into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and print the supporting Form I-20, signing pages 1 and 2, which must then be given to the student. CPT authorization will specify 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.
It is important to note that off-campus employment is only allowed under certain circumstances, such as in cases of severe economic hardship occurring after a student's enrolment in an academic program and after the student has been in F-1 status for at least one full academic year. Students found working illegally off-campus without authorization are at risk of losing their F-1 student status and having their visa revoked.
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Off-campus work in the US: 20 hours per week
International students in the US, particularly those with F1 visas, are subject to strict rules and regulations regarding part-time work. While part-time work is an attractive option for many international students to help cover the high costs of tuition and living expenses, it is important to remember that the US government takes working illegally very seriously. Breaking the rules can jeopardise your student status and may even lead to deportation.
Off-campus work for international students in the US is limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session. This is permitted only in cases of severe economic hardship, as defined by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). To be eligible for off-campus work, F1 students must have been in valid F1 status for at least one academic year (9 months) and provide evidence of economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances beyond their control. Examples of such circumstances include loss of financial aid or on-campus employment, or substantial fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
To work off-campus, F1 students must obtain approval from USCIS before beginning employment. This includes obtaining an internship offer with an international organisation and working with the Designated School Official (DSO) to apply for an Employment Authorisation Document. The DSO will determine the student's eligibility and enter their recommendation into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The DSO will then provide the student with a Form I-20, which must be signed within 30 days, certifying their F1 student status.
It is important to note that off-campus employment authorisation ends one year after issuance or upon completion of the program, whichever comes first. Additionally, students found working illegally off-campus without authorisation are at risk of losing their F1 student status and having their visas revoked.
While the above information provides a general overview of off-campus work permissions for international students in the US, it is always advisable to consult official government sources and immigration attorneys for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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CPT work in the US: 20 hours per week
International students in the US on an F1 visa are allowed to work part-time, but only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). CPT (Curricular Practical Training) is a type of employment that trains students in their field of study, and for which they fulfil academic credit or part of their degree requirement.
CPT work is one way in which international students can work part-time in the US. CPT employment is limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session, and students are allowed to work full-time during holidays and school breaks. CPT authorization is granted by the student's International Student Office, and students can only work for the specific employer and dates authorized. CPT authorization will specify whether the student is approved for part-time (20 hours per week or less) or full-time (more than 20 hours per week). While in school, CPT authorization is only granted for part-time work.
Students must be enrolled for at least one academic year and have active F-1 student status to be eligible for CPT. CPT employment is also contingent on remaining within the terms and restrictions of the student's F1 visa. Students must also have a Social Security Number (SSN) to get a job in the US. This is a 9-digit number issued to citizens and eligible non-citizens for taxation purposes.
It is important to note that the US government takes working illegally very seriously. Students found to be working illegally are failing to maintain their F-1 student status and risk losing their visa and even deportation.
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OPT work in the US: 12 months full-time
International students in the US on an F-1 visa are generally allowed to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. To work on campus, international students must obtain a Social Security Number (SSN).
Off-campus employment is only permitted in certain circumstances, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is training that counts toward academic credit or a degree requirement. CPT can be full-time or part-time, but if a student completes more than 12 months of full-time CPT, they will lose their Optional Practical Training (OPT) eligibility.
OPT is a type of work authorization that allows students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months before or after completing their degree. Students can apply for OPT once they have been enrolled for at least one academic year and have active F-1 status. OPT can be full-time or part-time, but students cannot study at the same time. The 12-month OPT period may be extended by 24 months for students who qualify in STEM fields.
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Work in Canada: 24 hours per week
International students in Canada can work part-time, but there are several conditions that must be met and rules that must be followed.
Firstly, international students in Canada can only work part-time off-campus. There is no limit to the number of hours students can work on-campus. Students can work unlimited hours remotely for an employer based outside Canada, as long as they comply with the conditions of their study permit. This remote work does not count towards the off-campus work hour limit.
As of November 8, 2024, international students in Canada are allowed to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus without a work permit. This is an increase from the previous limit of 20 hours per week. Students must ensure they meet the other requirements for working while studying. For example, you must be a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI) and in your last semester, needing only a reduced course load to finish your program. You must also have been a full-time student in previous semesters.
Students can work more than one part-time job, but they must not exceed the 24-hour limit. Working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of your study permit conditions and may result in losing your student status, not being approved for future study or work permits, and even having to leave the country.
During scheduled breaks, such as summer or winter holidays, there is no limit on the number of hours international students can work.
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Frequently asked questions
International students in the US with an F1 visa are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during the school term.
Yes, students with an F1 visa can work full-time (more than 20 hours per week) during annual breaks and vacation periods.
International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus part-time for up to 24 hours per week.
Students can work remotely for an employer outside Canada without counting towards the 24-hour limit, as long as they meet the conditions of their study permit.
