Douglas Olsen
International students often ask if they are allowed to work while studying abroad. The answer depends on the country. Some countries, like Australia, France, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, and the United States, allow international students to work while studying. However, the rules and working hours vary by country. For example, in Germany, students from other EU countries or Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland have the same rights as German students, while students from other countries can work 120 full days or 240 half days each year. In the United States, international students with an F-1 visa can work up to 20 hours per week on campus and full-time during holidays. International students in Canada are permitted to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus and full-time during academic breaks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Countries allowing full-time work during breaks | United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany |
| Countries allowing part-time work during term-time | Germany, France, Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand |
| Visa requirements | F or M visa for the United States; F-1 or M-1 visa for full-time study; residency card for France; Student Visa for New Zealand |
| Work hour limitations | 20 hours per week in the US, Canada, Ireland, Germany, United Kingdom; 120 full days or 240 half days per year in Germany; 24 hours per week off-campus in Canada from Fall 2024 |
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What You'll Learn
Working full-time in the US
International students in the US are subject to strict rules regarding employment. Students with an F-1 visa are generally allowed to 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 in session. However, off-campus employment is highly restricted and only permitted in certain circumstances.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
One way for international students to gain off-campus employment is through Curricular Practical Training (CPT). CPT is defined as "alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school". To qualify for CPT, the work experience must be required for the student's degree, or academic credit must be awarded. Prior authorization by the school's International Student Office and notification to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) is mandatory. CPT authorization will specify whether the student is approved for part-time (20 hours or less per week) or full-time employment. While in school, students can only be approved for part-time CPT. There is no limit to how long a student can work with CPT authorization, but if they work full-time for 12 months or more, they become ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT is work authorization that allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year either before or after graduation. Students must have been enrolled for at least one academic year and have an active F-1 student status to be eligible for OPT. OPT employment can be full-time or part-time and can occur anywhere in the US. Students who have engaged in 12 months or more of full-time CPT are not eligible for OPT. If a student works part-time on CPT or full-time CPT for less than 12 months, they are still eligible for their allowable OPT.
Severe Economic Hardship
USCIS will authorize off-campus employment 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 full academic year. Approval for off-campus work in these circumstances is decided on a case-by-case basis.
Social Security Number
A Social Security Number (SSN) is required for both on-campus and off-campus employment in the US. The SSN is a 9-digit number used for taxation purposes, and it can be applied for online. Obtaining a Social Security Card may take up to 14 business days, and replacing it if lost is difficult and costly.
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Working full-time in Canada
International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus part-time for up to 20 or 24 hours per week without a work permit. This rule applies to full-time students at a designated learning institution (DLI) who are in their last semester and do not need a full course load to complete their program. Students must not begin working before their study program has started.
To work off-campus, international students must have a Social Insurance Number (SIN), a nine-digit number provided by the Canadian government. To obtain a SIN, students must have one of two conditions printed on their study permit:
- May work 24 hours per week off-campus or full-time during regular breaks if meeting the criteria outlined in paragraph 186(v) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR).
- May accept employment on or off-campus if meeting eligibility criteria, per paragraph 186(f), (v) or (w) of the IRPR, and must cease working if no longer meeting these criteria.
International students can apply to have the condition of not being allowed to work off-campus removed from their study permit. This can be done by applying to change the conditions of their study permit, which comes with a fee.
International students in Canada can also work full-time during academic breaks, including the summer and winter holidays. There is no set number of hours per week that constitutes full-time work, but employers must follow provincial laws on overtime pay and time between shifts.
Working in Canada as an international student can help develop business contacts and gain practical experience for the future. It can also help international students immigrate to Canada after graduation.
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Working full-time in the UK
International students in the UK are allowed to work, but there are several rules and restrictions in place. Firstly, students must be enrolled full-time in a degree programme at an accredited university. Secondly, students can only work if their sponsor has a track record of compliance. Thirdly, students on a Student Visa are only permitted to work a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time and are not allowed to work full-time during this period. However, they can work full-time during official vacation periods, including full-time internships or placements, as long as they are temporary positions.
Students must also be aware of the university's guidance on working restrictions for full-time students, which can sometimes be stricter than the number of hours permitted on a Student Visa. Additionally, there are certain types of work that students are not allowed to do, including self-employment, business activity, professional sportsperson, entertainer, and permanent full-time jobs.
It is important to note that rules and regulations can change, so students should always check the most up-to-date information from official sources.
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Working full-time in Germany
Germany is a popular destination for international students, offering a mix of dynamic cities and historic university towns, high-quality education, and affordable fees. If you're an international student in Germany, you can work while studying, but there are some important rules and regulations you need to know.
Firstly, it's important to understand the different types of employment permits and visas. The Federal Government's portal can provide you with information on the options for working alongside your studies. The Federal Employment Agency (BA) is the point of contact for people seeking information on the labour market and employment. They can help you find training posts or employment. Additionally, the foreigners authority (Ausländerbehörde or Ausländeramt) is responsible for enforcing the Residence Act and clarifying the legal status of immigrants.
As an international student in Germany, you have certain work restrictions. To maintain your student status, you can work full-time outside of the lecture period for up to 182 calendar days (approximately 26 weeks) within one year of employment. During the semester, students are limited to working 2.5 full days per week or 20 hours per week. This limit can be exceeded during semester breaks, but international students must not exceed the annual quota of 140 full days or 280 half days per year. Non-EU students may work up to 120 full days or 240 half days each year and will need permission from the Federal Employment Agency and the foreigners' office to work beyond these limits.
It's worth noting that academic jobs may be categorized differently. For example, a student assistant role at CBS won't count towards the 120-full day limit for international students. Additionally, mandatory internships that are part of your study program are exempted from the 140-full day rule.
While working part-time, you can earn a gross income of up to €6,240 per year or €520 per month without affecting your Bafög (student financial aid). Anything above this amount will be deducted from your Bafög. During semester breaks, you can work full-time temporarily without affecting your Bafög, as long as your total annual income stays within the limit.
Lastly, while many international companies in Germany use English as their working language, proficiency in German can significantly enhance your job opportunities, especially in smaller businesses and local contexts.
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Working full-time in France
International students in France are allowed to work during their studies, regardless of their nationality, degree level, or country of origin. The law in France permits international students to work up to 964 hours per year, which equates to a 60% working week. This is further broken down into 670 hours between September and June and 300 hours from July to August.
There are, however, some conditions that must be met. Students who are not European Union nationals must have a student resident permit or a long-stay visa of at least six months. Additionally, the student's employer must apply for a temporary work permit on the Ministry of Interior website if the number of hours provided in the contract exceeds 964 hours per year. For Algerian students, employers must apply for a provisional work permit regardless of the number of hours worked.
International students in France can work on or off campus, and at their host universities. On-campus jobs include welcoming students at the start of the school year, tutoring, cultural or sporting events, and support for students with disabilities. Off-campus jobs include working in cafes or restaurants, retail, museums or art galleries, bartending, and administration roles.
After graduation, international students can apply for a non-renewable temporary residence permit, which allows them to continue working at 60% of the regular working week while they search for a full-time job. If they secure a job that offers 1.5 times the minimum wage or more, they must change their status from student to employee to work full time.
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Frequently asked questions
International students are permitted to work full-time during academic breaks in Germany, the UK, France, and Ireland. However, during term time, they are only allowed to work part-time.
International students are permitted to work full-time during academic breaks in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. During term time, they are only allowed to work part-time.
To study full-time in the United States, you will typically need an F or M visa, designated for international students. F-1 visa students can work up to 20 hours per week on campus and full-time during holidays.
