Work Permits for International Students in the U.S.

If you’re a student from Nepal planning to study in the U.S. or Canada, you may already know that earning a degree is just one part of the experience. Working while you study can help you afford your expenses, gain valuable job experience, and build a career path that extends beyond graduation. But working legally in another country requires the right type of permit.

Both the U.S. and Canada offer work permits for international students, but the rules can be confusing at first. This article will help you understand how work authorization for international students works, when you can apply and how to stay compliant while building your professional skills abroad.

Understanding the role of a student work permit

A work permit is an official document or authorization that allows you to work legally while on a student visa. These permits are tied to your immigration status, so getting them right is essential. The rules vary by country:

In the U.S., most Nepali students on F-1 visas must apply for curricular practical training (CPT), optional practical training (OPT) or STEM OPT to work legally.
In Canada, international students with valid study permits are allowed to work part time during school and full time during scheduled breaks. Some programs may also require a co-op work permit for certain internships.

These permits let you build work experience that supports your long-term career goals and helps you become more competitive in the global job market.

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Work permits in the United States as a Nepali student

If you’re studying in the U.S. on an F-1 visa, there are three main ways you can get work authorization: on-campus employment, CPT and OPT.

1. On-campus jobs (no separate permit required)

In your first academic year, you can work part time (up to 20 hours per week) in on-campus jobs such as:

Library assistant
Lab technician
Dining hall staff
Administrative helper in academic departments

These jobs do not require CPT or OPT, but you still need to follow the F-1 visa requirements. Talk to your designated school official (DSO) before accepting any role.

2. Curricular practical training (CPT)

CPT for international students allows you to work while enrolled in your degree program if the job is part of your curriculum. You’ll need a job offer and must receive authorization from your school before you can begin working.

CPT may be:

Part time (20 hours or fewer) during the school year
Full time during breaks or if permitted by your academic program

Your job must be directly related to your field of study, and you cannot start until your DSO updates your I-20 form with the CPT authorization. Using more than 12 months of full-time CPT can make you ineligible for OPT later, so use it strategically. Always be sure to follow CPT rules for F-1 visas.

3. Optional practical training (OPT)

OPT allows you to work in the U.S. after you complete your degree, or while you’re still studying. Unlike CPT, you don’t need a job offer to apply.

There are two types:

Pre-completion OPT: Part-time work allowed while still in school
Post-completion OPT: Full-time work allowed after graduation

You can work for up to 12 months under standard OPT. If your degree is in a STEM field, you may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you a total of 36 months of work authorization.

To apply for OPT, you’ll need to:

Request a recommendation from your DSO.
Submit Form I-765 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Wait for your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before starting work.

Understanding these F-1 visa requirements is critical. If you work without proper authorization, it could lead to a visa violation and impact your future in the U.S.

Work permits in Canada

If you’re pursuing a degree in Canada with a valid study permit, you have more flexible options for working during your studies and after graduation.

1. Part-time work during studies

International Nepali students can work up to 24 hours per week off campus during the academic term. You don’t need a separate work permit, as long as your study permit includes a work condition.

Common part-time jobs include:

Retail associate
Restaurant worker
Customer service assistant
Campus support roles

During scheduled breaks (summer, winter or spring holidays), you can work full time.

2. Co-op work permits

Some Canadian degree programs include mandatory work placements or internships. In these cases, you’ll need to apply for a co-op work permit in addition to your study permit.

To be eligible, you must:

Be enrolled full time in a program that requires work experience
Receive a letter from your school confirming the requirement
Submit a co-op work permit application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Co-op permits are usually free and processed along with your study permit if requested at the same time.

3. Post-graduation work permit (PGWP)

After completing your program, you may be eligible for a PGWP, which allows you to work in Canada for up to three years.

Eligibility requirements:

Completed a full-time program of at least eight months
Studied at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
Applied within 180 days of receiving proof of graduation

The PGWP is an open permit, meaning you can work for any employer in any field. This makes it a strong path to long-term work or even permanent residency in Canada.

Tips for Nepali students applying for work permits

For many Nepali students, studying abroad is a major financial and personal investment. Getting a work permit helps reduce the cost burden and opens up valuable job opportunities. Here’s how to make the most of your options:

Understand your visa rules. Learn the difference between CPT, OPT and PGWP early in your academic program.
Start planning early. Some permits, like OPT, require several months to process.
Keep documents up to date. Make sure your passport, visa and enrollment records are always valid.
Get help when needed. University career services and international student offices are there to support you.
Avoid unauthorized work. Never accept a job that isn’t allowed under your current visa status.

Why MPOWER Financing is different

MPOWER Financing provides education loans without requiring a cosigner or collateral, which can be a major advantage for Nepali students. But MPOWER also goes beyond international student loans.

Here’s how MPOWER supports your work goals as an international student:

Student loans for top U.S. and Canadian universities: Funding for eligible programs that qualify for CPT, OPT and PGWP.
No cosigner needed: You don’t have to rely on friends or family to qualify.
Path2Success career support: Access to tools that help you find jobs for international students in the USA and Canada, including resume reviews and employer matching.
Visa support: Guidance through the visa process, including steps for applying for work authorization.

MPOWER helps you not only afford your studies, but also build a strong foundation for your career abroad.

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FAQs

What is a work permit for international students?

A work permit is a type of authorization that allows international students to work legally while studying abroad. In the U.S., it includes CPT and OPT. In Canada, your study permit may allow part-time work, and co-op or postgraduation permits may be needed for internships and full-time work after graduation.

Can I work part time during my studies in the U.S. and Canada?

Yes. In the U.S., F-1 visa holders can work on campus up to 20 hours per week. In Canada, students with a valid study permit can work off campus up to 24 hours per week and full time during breaks, as long as their permit includes a work condition.

How do I get a work permit for internships in the U.S.?

You’ll need curricular practical training (CPT), which requires approval from your university. The internship must be related to your major, and you need a job offer before applying.

What happens if I work without authorization?

Working without proper authorization can lead to visa violations, which may result in losing your student status or being barred from reentry. Always make sure you apply for and receive work approval to follow student visa work restrictions before starting any job.

Can I work after graduation as an international student?

Yes. In the U.S., you can apply for optional practical training (OPT), and STEM graduates can apply for a 24-month extension. In Canada, you can apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), which can last up to three years.

DISCLAIMER – Subject to credit approval, loans are made by Bank of Lake Mills or MPOWER Financing, PBC. Bank of Lake Mills does not have an ownership interest in MPOWER Financing. Neither MPOWER Financing nor Bank of Lake Mills is affiliated with the school you attended or are attending. Bank of Lake Mills is Member FDIC. None of the information contained in this website constitutes a recommendation, solicitation or offer by MPOWER Financing or its affiliates to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments or other assets or provide any investment advice or service.

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What to know about work permits for international students