Savanna Hoffman
International students often have to work part-time to support themselves while studying abroad. The number of hours they can work depends on the country they are studying in and their visa type. For example, in the United States, international students with an F-1 visa can work up to 20 hours per week during school and up to 40 hours per week during breaks. In Canada, international students could work up to 40 hours per week, but this has been reduced to 24 hours per week. In the UK, a student visa permits full-time degree-level students to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacation periods.
Characteristics and Values Table for International Students' Work Hours
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Maximum work hours during academic periods | 20 hours per week |
| Maximum work hours during breaks | 40 hours per week |
| Work hours limit in Canada | 24 hours per week |
| Work hours limit in Canada without a work permit | 24 hours per week |
| Work hours for F-1 students during school term | 20 hours |
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What You'll Learn
Maximum work hours for international students in the US
International students in the US on an F1 visa are allowed to work but only under certain conditions. The US has strict rules for international students who want to work during their studies, and any employment is contingent on remaining within the terms and restrictions of their visa. Students found working illegally risk losing their visa and their F-1 student status.
During the first academic year, F-1 students can only work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session, and up to 40 hours per week during breaks. Students can work in more than one on-campus job, but their combined hours each week still cannot be more than 20.
After the first academic year, F-1 students are allowed to do Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is training that is a required part of a school's curriculum and relates to the student's major. CPT can be full-time with no hourly limit each week. However, CPT authorization will specify whether the student is approved for part-time (20 hours per week or less) or full-time employment, and the student can only work for the specific employer and for the specific dates authorized. While in school, CPT can only be approved for part-time work. Students can also do Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to work in areas related to their major for up to one year either before or after graduation. Pre-completion OPT allows for up to 20 hours of work per week, while post-completion OPT allows for both full-time and part-time hours.
To work off-campus, F-1 students must obtain official authorization and meet eligibility requirements. Off-campus employment is only authorized in cases of severe economic hardship occurring after a student's enrollment in an academic program and after the student has been in F-1 status for at least one academic year, or in emergent circumstances as defined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Students must provide evidence of economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances and show that on-campus employment is neither available nor sufficient.
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Maximum work hours for international students in Canada
International students in Canada have traditionally been allowed to work up to 20 hours a week during regular school terms or semesters. However, in April 2024, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced a change to this policy, increasing the maximum number of hours that international students can work off-campus to 24 hours per week. This change was made to strike a balance between work and study for international students and to align with the policies of other countries.
It is important to note that working more than 24 hours per week as an international student in Canada is a violation of study permit conditions and can result in losing student status and future permit approvals. Additionally, this 24-hour limit only applies to off-campus work, as there is no limit to the number of hours students can work on-campus.
During scheduled breaks, such as summer and winter holidays, international students in Canada can work unlimited hours, both on and off-campus, as long as they are full-time students before and after the break. This unlimited work option also applies to remote work for employers based outside Canada, as it does not count towards the off-campus work hour limit.
While the new 24-hour cap aims to prevent international students from working full-time, some critics argue that it still undermines the purpose of a study permit by providing an unofficial work visa. Additionally, international students in Canada can explore other opportunities, such as paid co-ops or internships, which can provide higher earnings to offset living and educational expenses.
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Maximum work hours for international students in the UK
International students in the UK are allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time if they are studying for a qualification at degree level or above. This includes both paid and unpaid work and any time spent on a work placement or internship that is not an assessed part of their course. This rule applies to students on a Student Visa, who are also not permitted to engage in business activity, including setting up a business or working for a company in which they hold shares.
Students studying below degree level are permitted to work up to 10 hours per week during term time. All international students should check their work restrictions on their biometric residence permit (BRP) and with their college or university to ensure they do not exceed the maximum number of working hours and that their work does not affect their progress on their course.
There are no limits on earnings or working hours during vacations and after studies. However, it is important to note that work restrictions for term time still apply during official vacation periods if a student is undertaking full-time work, including full-time internships or placements that are not part of their course.
International students can usually do a work placement as part of their course even if they are not permitted to take employment. A work placement must be assessed and considered an integral part of the course. Volunteering is also an option for international students, but it is important to note that the Home Office differentiates between "volunteering" and "voluntary work", with the latter being considered unpaid employment and subject to the same restrictions as paid work.
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Maximum work hours for international students in Australia
International students in Australia have the same workplace rights and protections as anyone else working in the country. However, international students on a student visa are restricted to casual or part-time employment while studying, as full-time employment, which requires 38 hours per week, exceeds the allowable work hours for visa holders.
From 1 July 2023, international students on a student visa can work up to 48 hours every fortnight during term time, with unlimited hours during holidays and semester breaks. A fortnight is a 14-day period that starts on a Monday and ends on a Sunday. Students who have started a master's degree by research or a doctoral degree have no work hour limits.
If you are an international student working in Australia, it is important to understand your workplace rights regarding pay, working conditions, and health and safety. You are entitled to at least the minimum wage and regular pay slips. Your employer is also responsible for maintaining a safe working environment, free from harm and discrimination.
If you think you are not being treated fairly at work, you can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for help without fear of your visa being cancelled.
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Maximum work hours for Indian students
The maximum number of hours that international Indian students can work depends on the country they are studying in. Here is a list of the maximum number of hours per week that international students can work in several countries:
Australia
International students in Australia can work up to 48 hours per fortnight (every two weeks) during their academic session and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Postgraduate research students may work unlimited hours once they start their master's or doctoral degree.
Canada
In Canada, international students can work up to 24 hours per week during the academic session without a work permit. They can work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.
Germany
International students in Germany can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic session and full-time (up to 40 hours per week) during semester breaks. They are generally allowed to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year.
New Zealand
International students in New Zealand can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic session and full-time during scheduled breaks. This applies to students enrolled in full-time programs of at least two years in duration or those studying courses that lead to qualifications under the Long-Term Skill Shortage List.
United Kingdom
In the UK, international students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic session and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.
United States
International students with an F-1 visa in the US can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic session and up to 40 hours per week during school breaks.
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Frequently asked questions
International students enrolled full-time and in valid F-1 status can work up to 20 hours per week on-campus when classes are in session and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not.
Canada has recently reduced the maximum number of hours international students can work from 40 to 24 hours per week.
International students in the UK are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term-time and full-time during vacation periods.
This depends on the country in which they are studying. In the US, they can work 20 hours per week, and in Canada, they can work 24 hours per week.
