Lana Oconnell
International students on F1 visas in the United States are permitted to work, but there are several restrictions and requirements to be aware of. On-campus employment is the most common type of job for international students, with off-campus jobs requiring eligibility and official authorization. Students must also maintain their F1 status to remain employed, and there are limits on the number of hours worked per week. Students can also apply for employment authorization documents (EAD) to work for any employer in the US, and internships are allowed during vacation periods.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | F-1, M-1, J-1 |
| Visa requirements | Enrolled in an academic, language-training, or vocational program; school approved by Student and Exchange Visitors Program; enrolled as a full-time student; proficient in English or enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency; sufficient funds for self-support; intention to maintain residence abroad |
| On-campus jobs | Library, bookstore, dorm, cafeteria, research lab, administrative offices, internships, part-time work |
| Off-campus jobs | Optional Practical Training (OPT), Curricular Practical Training (CPT), STEM jobs, hospitality, teaching, tutoring, content writing, language teaching |
| Working hours | Up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session and full-time during breaks |
| Pay | $7.25 to $15 per hour (federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour) |
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What You'll Learn
On-campus jobs in the US
International students in the US with an F-1 visa are allowed to work on campus. This is the most freely available category of employment, and it does not require USCIS approval. However, although F1 status includes an on-campus employment privilege, on-campus employment opportunities at most schools are limited. Many schools require that students obtain permission from the International Student Office before accepting on-campus employment, and some do not permit such employment in a student's first semester or year.
International students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during academic breaks. They can find on-campus jobs in cafeterias, bookstores, science labs, libraries, residence halls, and food services. These jobs can be found through online job portals, university-specific job platforms, career centres, networking, and job fairs.
Students can also work off-campus in specified training programs after completing their first academic year. This includes programs such as Optional Practical Training (OPT), Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT Extension. OPT allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year before or after graduation. CPT 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 related to their field of study.
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Off-campus jobs in the US
International students in the US on an F1 visa are permitted to work off-campus, but there are several rules and restrictions that must be followed. Firstly, off-campus employment must be authorised by the Designated School Official (DSO) and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The DSO is responsible for maintaining the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and ensuring students meet eligibility requirements.
There are several categories of off-campus employment available to F1 students:
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT is training or employment that is directly related to an international student's field of study. It can include paid or unpaid internships, cooperative education jobs, practicums, or other experiences that are related to the student's major. CPT employment must be an integral part of the degree programme or a requirement for a course for which the student will receive academic credit. Prior to starting CPT employment, students must receive a job offer and obtain authorisation from their school's International Student Office. CPT employment is restricted to a specific employer and set of dates authorised by the school.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT is a form of work authorisation that allows international students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year, either before or after graduation. Unlike CPT, OPT employment is not restricted to a specific employer and can occur anywhere in the US. Students can apply for OPT after being enrolled for at least 9 months, but they must receive their Employment Authorisation Document (EAD) from USCIS before starting work.
Severe Economic Hardship
F1 students who are experiencing severe economic hardship, as defined by USCIS, may be eligible to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the school year and full-time during breaks. This authorisation is typically granted in cases of unexpected financial difficulties, such as natural disasters, wars, or financial crises.
It is important to note that the rules and regulations for international student employment in the US can be complex and may vary depending on the specific circumstances and the student's visa status. Students should always consult with their school's International Student Office and seek official guidance from USCIS to ensure they comply with all requirements.
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Part-time jobs in the UK
International students in the UK often take up part-time jobs to earn some extra money, gain valuable work experience, and fund their living expenses. However, it is important to be aware of your visa conditions and working rights before engaging in any work. Students holding a Tier 4 (general) UK student visa or a Student Visa can generally work part-time during their studies, but there are restrictions on the number of hours worked per week and the type of work undertaken.
On-Campus Jobs
On-campus jobs are a popular choice for international students due to their convenience and flexible scheduling. These jobs may include working in shops, cafes, bars, events, or student support services within the university. Some specific roles that international students can explore on campus include:
- Library assistant
- Teaching assistant
- Lab assistant
- Campus guide
- Campus ambassador
Off-Campus Jobs
Off-campus part-time jobs can provide a good income for international students but may be more time-consuming due to travel. Students often find work in industries that commonly employ part-time workers, such as hospitality, retail, and events. Some specific off-campus part-time job options for international students include:
- Food delivery driver
- Barista
- Home care worker
- Waitress or waiter
- Tutor
- Data entry clerk
- Customer service representative
Work Placement and Internships
Work placements and internships are permitted as part of your course and are a great way to gain professional skills and prepare for working life after graduation. However, these opportunities should not be counted as part of your maximum working hours, and certain restrictions apply to specific industries.
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Working in Canada
As an international student in Canada, you can work on or off campus, even without an official work permit. However, there are some requirements that must be met. Firstly, you must be enrolled as a full-time international student, which means you'll have a valid study permit. Secondly, you can only start working once your studies have started, and once you've finished studying, you'll need a work permit to continue working in Canada.
International students are allowed to work up to 24 hours per week without a work permit, and this applies to both on-campus and off-campus jobs. Working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of your study permit conditions, and you may lose your student status and be asked to leave the country. If you are self-employed, you are responsible for keeping track of your working hours and ensuring you are complying with the conditions of your study permit.
There are plenty of job opportunities for international students in Canada, including high-paying part-time jobs such as:
- Server/bartender
- Sales assistant
- Barista
- Dog walker
- Tutor
- Ride-sharing or delivery driver
- Freelance writer, copywriter, or editor
- Online sales consultant
- Project intern
- Student assistant
Remember to check the specific requirements and regulations for working as an international student in Canada, as there may be additional steps or conditions to meet before starting employment.
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Practical training in the US
Practical training is a valuable way for international students in the US to gain work experience in their field of study. There are two types of practical training available for F-1 students: curricular practical training (CPT) and optional practical training (OPT). CPT is integral to your major and must be part of your program of study, while OPT directly relates to your program of study and can take place during or after your studies.
CPT is an alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that a sponsoring employer offers through cooperative agreements with your college or university. It can be part-time or full-time and is not restricted by a weekly 20-hour work limit. To qualify for CPT, the work experience must be required for your degree, or academic credit must be awarded. Prior authorization by your school's International Student Office and notification to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) is required. You must have been enrolled in school full-time for one year on valid F1 status (except for graduate students where the program requires immediate CPT).
OPT is a form of training, often paid, that directly relates to your program of study. OPT can be applied for during your program of study, known as pre-completion OPT, or after you finish your program, known as post-completion OPT. OPT employment can occur anywhere in the US, but you cannot begin employment until you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS and have been enrolled for at least a year. You can apply for 12 months of OPT at each education level, and if you are an F-1 student earning a STEM degree, you may be eligible for the STEM OPT extension.
M-1 students are only eligible for practical training (PT) after their program completion. PT must directly relate to their program of study and allows them to gain training experience in their vocational field. M-1 students earn one month of PT eligibility for every four months of program enrollment and must obtain authorization from the USCIS before participating.
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Frequently asked questions
International students in the US can work on-campus jobs such as in the dining hall, library, campus offices, bookstores, and science labs. They can also work as research assistants or academic tutors. International students with an F-1 visa can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and 40 hours per week during academic breaks. Off-campus work is highly restricted and must be related to the student's area of study.
International students in the UK can work part-time jobs, often in hospitality, retail, or events. They can also work full-time hours outside of term time. However, they cannot be self-employed or freelance, nor can they be a professional sportsperson or entertainer.
International students in Canada can work off-campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. They must be full-time students at a designated learning institution and meet other requirements. Working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of the student visa and can lead to losing student status.
