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Work permits for international students

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For international students in the U.S. or Canada, the right work permits are essential when you’re applying for jobs or internships. Before you search for opportunities, it’s important to understand the different visa restrictions and legal requirements that allow you to work during your studies. This guide offers a brief overview of the types of work available to international students. It also reviews the visa requirements and work permits for international students in both the U.S. and Canada.

Types of work available to international students

As an international student, you can find different kinds of jobs depending on your visa status and where you study.

  • On-campus jobs: These jobs are often the easiest for international students to get because they don’t require special work permits. Positions may include working at the library, cafeteria, student union or in various academic departments.
  • Assistantships: Graduate students may qualify for teaching or research assistantships, which provide a stipend and tuition assistance. These positions offer valuable academic experience and financial support.
  • Off-campus jobs: Off-campus jobs are usually with businesses outside the school and require proper work permits for international students. Off-campus positions may include part-time work in industries like retail, hospitality and tutoring.
  • Internships:Internships for international students in the USAand Canada offer valuable work experience related to your field of study. They can be paid or unpaid and may require approval from your school. Some internships earn academic credit, helping you build practical skills while fulfilling requirements for your degree.
  • Co-op programs: Many universities offer co-op programs that allow students to work fulltime in their industry while studying. These programs are often paid and provide valuable hands-on experience in your area of study.
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Work permits for international students in the U.S.

International students on an F-1 visa do not need a work permit for certain types of on-campus jobs, such as working in the library, student union or in an academic department. However, you’ll need work authorization for off-campus jobs and internships. There are two types of work permits for international students in the U.S.:

  • Curricular practical training (CPT): CPT work authorization for international studentsallows students to perform work related to their field of study while still enrolled in school. CPT is often used for internships for international students in the USA, and students must get approval from their school before starting work. CPT for international students allows you to work full time or part time.
  • Optional practical training (OPT):OPT jobsmake it possible for international students to take jobs and internships in their field of study, working up to 20 hours per week while they’re in school and up to full time during breaks and for 12 months after graduation. Students in STEM fields can apply for a 24-month extension.

CPT and OPT have different application requirements.

Applying for CPT:

  • Check eligibility: Ensure your academic program allows CPT for international studentsand the job is directly related to your major.
  • Get a job offer: Secure an offer letter from an employer specifying job details, duration and how it relates to your field of study.
  • Check with your Designated School Official (DSO): Submit your job offer letter to your school’s international student office to obtain approval.
  • Get an updated Form I-20: Once approved, your DSO will issue a new I-20 form with the CPT authorization.
  • Start your job or internship: You can begin working only on or after the CPT start date listed on your I-20.

Applying for OPT:

  • Attend an OPT workshop: Many schools require students to attend an informational session before applying.
  • Submit an OPT request to your DSO: Your DSO will review your application and issue a new Form I-20 with an OPT recommendation. It’s important to apply for OPT up to 90 days before completing your degree and no later than 60 days after graduation to avoid missing deadlines.
  • Prepare Form I-765: Complete Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and gather supporting documents like passport copies, I-94 record and photos.
  • File with USCIS: Submit your application and pay the required fee online or via mail.
  • Wait for approval: USCIS processing can take several weeks. You’ll receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if approved.
  • Start working: Once you have the EAD card and your OPT start date has arrived, you can start your job or internship.

Work permits for international students in Canada

In Canada, work permits for international students depend on the type of work you want to do. If you are studying full time at a designated learning institution (DLI), you may be eligible to work without a separate permit. For example, if you have a valid study permit, you don’t need a work permit to take an on-campus job or to work off campus up to 24 hours per week during the academic term or full time during breaks. However, you’ll need a work permit for certain programs.

  • Co-op or internship programs: If your program requires work experience, you’ll need a co-op work permit. This type of work permit for international students allows you to gain practical experience directly related to your academic program. To apply, you must have a valid study permit and a letter from your school confirming that work experience is a mandatory requirement for completing your program.
  • Post-graduation work permit (PGWP): After graduation, you can apply for a PGWP, which allows you to work in Canada for up to three years, depending on the length of your study program. With a PGWP, you can work for any employer, gaining valuable work experience that could help you qualify for permanent residency.
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MPOWER Financing: Find help with international work permits, visas and financing

MPOWER Financing provides financial resources, career services and visa assistance for international students pursuing the dream of studying in the U.S. or Canada. From no-cosigner international student loans,  to scholarships, MPOWER helps make it financially possible for promising international students to further their academic aspirations.

MPOWER students can also take advantage of international student resourcesand visa services that help navigate the complexities of securing work permits for international students. These include:

  • A free visa support letter that shows how much financial support MPOWER will contribute to your education – an important part of the application
  • Personalized mock interviews to help you practice and improve your interview skills
  • Live Q&A webinars where you can ask questions and receive real-time answers from experts
  • Access to consultation with former U.S. visa officers where you can gain insight to enhance your application and get ready for your interview

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FAQs

Can I stay in the U.S. after my OPT expires?

You may have a 60-day grace period to stay, but you must transition to another visa status or leave the U.S. after this period.

Are internships for international students in the USA paid?

Some internships are paid, while others offer academic credit. Be sure to check with your employer and school.

How many hours can I work as an international student in Canada?

You can work up to 24 hours per week during the semester and full time during school breaks.

Do I need a job offer to get a Canadian work permit after graduation?

No, the Post-graduation work permit (PGWP) allows you to work for any employer in Canada.

Where can I find international student job opportunities?

MPOWER Financing offers resources and job search tools to help international students find work opportunities in the U.S. and Canada.

Can I work in Canada while waiting for my PGWP application to be processed?

Yes, as long as you applied before your study permit expired, you can work while waiting for a decision.

Can I change employers with a PGWP?

Yes, the PGWP is an open work permit, allowing you to work for any employer in Canada.

Is volunteer work allowed for international students in the U.S.?

Yes, as long as it’s truly unpaid and does not displace a paid worker.

How can I improve my chances of finding a job in the U.S. as an international student?

Focus on building your resume, networking and taking advantage of career resources provided by your university.

Can international students in the U.S. or Canada work remotely for companies outside these countries?

Generally not. Working remotely for an overseas employer while residing in the U.S. or Canada will likely violate the conditions of your visa.


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