Understanding Work Authorization for Sri Lankan Students in 2026

Understanding the broader landscape of Sri Lankan student mobility helps contextualize these work authorization opportunities:

1. Sri Lankan Students in the United States (2023-2024): According to the Open Doors 2024 Report, there were 3,424 Sri Lankan students enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities in the 2023/24 academic year, representing approximately a 10% year-over-year increase. This growth reflects the continued interest among Sri Lankan families in accessing world-class education and global career opportunities.

2. STEM Participation and Extended Work Benefits: The Open Doors annual release shows that approximately 56% of international students in the U.S. pursue STEM fields. For Sri Lankan students in STEM disciplines—including computer science, engineering, and physical sciences—this means access to a 24-month OPT extension, allowing up to 3 years of post-study work authorization through the USCIS STEM OPT program.

3. Canada’s Growing Appeal: ICEF Monitor reports that the number of Sri Lankan students in Canada increased by 443% between 2019 and 2023, reaching 8,075 students. This dramatic growth reflects Canada’s post-graduation work permit opportunities and pathway to permanent residency, which many Sri Lankan families view as attractive long-term options.

Currency conversions are approximate and based on an exchange rate of LKR 311 per US$1 and CA$1 = LKR 221 as of February 2026.

Understanding Your F-1 Student Visa Status

When you enter the United States on an F-1 student visa, your primary purpose is to complete your academic program. However, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recognizes that practical work experience enhances your education and provides several authorized employment pathways.

For Sri Lankan students, understanding these options from the beginning helps you plan your academic journey strategically, ensuring you can gain relevant experience while maintaining your visa status.

Eligibility and Rules

The most accessible work option for Sri Lankan F-1 students is on-campus employment, which you can begin as soon as you arrive in the United States. USCIS regulations allow you to work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time (typically 40 hours) during official school breaks and holidays.

On-campus positions include:

• University libraries and administrative offices
• Campus bookstores and dining facilities
• Research assistant positions with faculty
• Student affairs and recreational centers
• On-campus commercial businesses (like coffee shops) that serve students

Financial Impact for Sri Lankan Families

On-campus wages typically range from US$12-18 per hour (approximately LKR 3,732-5,598 per hour), which can help offset living expenses. For a Sri Lankan student working 15 hours weekly during the semester at US$15/hour (LKR 4,665), this generates approximately US$900 monthly (LKR 279,900)—a meaningful contribution toward accommodation, food, and personal expenses.

“Even with a full scholarship, you still need to prove financial ability for the visa and living costs. MPOWER helped me cover those living expenses that weren’t included in my tuition scholarship, and the on-campus work I did made a real difference in managing day-to-day expenses.”

— Ajay, Graduate Student, Georgetown University, India

What is CPT?

Curricular Practical Training allows F-1 students to work off-campus in positions directly related to their field of study. This includes internships, co-op programs, and practicum experiences that are integral to your academic curriculum.

For Sri Lankan students, CPT offers valuable opportunities to gain U.S. work experience while still enrolled. However, there’s a critical rule to understand: using 12 months or more of full-time CPT makes you ineligible for OPT (Optional Practical Training) after graduation.

Strategic CPT Use for Sri Lankan Students

Most Sri Lankan students use CPT strategically:

• Part-time CPT during studies: Work 20 hours or less per week to gain experience without consuming OPT eligibility
• Summer internships: Full-time CPT during summer breaks doesn’t count toward the 12-month limit if you return to full-time studies
• Save full-time CPT: Reserve full-time CPT opportunities for after graduation through OPT

CPT Authorization Process

Your Designated School Official (DSO) must authorize CPT before you begin work. Requirements typically include:

1. Completion of one academic year (two semesters)
2. Job offer that relates to your field of study
3. Course registration linking the employment to your curriculum
4. DSO approval and notation on your Form I-20

OPT Overview

Optional Practical Training provides 12 months of work authorization after you complete your degree. For most Sri Lankan students, OPT is the most valuable work authorization opportunity, as it allows full-time employment directly related to your field of study.

Standard OPT: 12 Months

All F-1 students who complete a degree program are eligible for 12 months of OPT work authorization. This period allows you to:

• Work full-time for any U.S. employer in your field
• Gain practical experience applying your academic knowledge
• Build professional networks in the U.S. job market
• Explore potential paths to H-1B visa sponsorship

Application Timeline and Fees

The OPT application must be submitted within 90 days of your graduation date but no earlier than 90 days before program completion. Processing typically takes 3-5 months, so early application is essential.

For Sri Lankan students, the application fee is US$410 (approximately LKR 127,510), which covers the Form I-765 filing with USCIS. Many universities also charge a small processing fee for the DSO recommendation.

STEM OPT Extension: Additional 24 Months

If your degree is in a STEM field designated by the Department of Homeland Security, you can apply for a 24-month extension of your OPT, providing up to 36 months total of post-graduation work authorization.

STEM Fields for Sri Lankan Students

Popular STEM programs among Sri Lankan students that qualify for the extension include:

• Computer Science and Information Technology
• All engineering disciplines (civil, mechanical, electrical, software)
• Mathematics and Statistics
• Physics, Chemistry, and Biological Sciences
• Data Science and Analytics
• Actuarial Science

STEM OPT Requirements

To qualify for the STEM extension:

1. Your degree must be on the official STEM Designated Degree Program List
2. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify
3. You must submit Form I-983 (Training Plan) before your initial OPT expires
4. Your work must directly relate to your STEM degree

Financial Benefits of Extended OPT

For Sri Lankan students in STEM fields, 36 months of U.S. work authorization provides significant financial advantages:

• Entry-level STEM salaries: US$60,000-95,000 annually (LKR 18,660,000-29,545,000)
• Time to repay education loans comfortably
• Opportunity to save for future goals or support family in Sri Lanka
• Extended period to pursue H-1B visa sponsorship

“MPOWER really allowed me to make an impact. The currency devaluation back home made savings almost disappear, but having a USD-denominated loan with fixed rates meant I knew exactly what I needed to earn during my OPT to manage repayment. The Path2Success career support resources helped me land a position quickly after graduation.”

— Rohan, MBA Graduate, Hult International Business School, Pakistan

Unemployment Restrictions During OPT

F-1 students on OPT must be employed or actively seeking employment. USCIS allows a maximum of 90 days of unemployment during your 12-month OPT period (or 150 days total if you have a STEM extension).

For Sri Lankan students, this means:

• Start your job search before graduation
• Document your job-seeking activities
• Accept positions quickly to avoid exceeding unemployment limits
• Use university career services and MPOWER’s Path2Success program for support

Study Permit Work Authorization

Unlike the United States, Canada’s approach to international student employment is more straightforward and generous. When you receive a Canadian study permit, you automatically receive authorization to work off-campus—no separate application required.

Off-Campus Work During Studies

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), study permit holders can work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks.

For Sri Lankan students, this means:

• Immediate work authorization upon arrival (after starting your program)
• Ability to work for any Canadian employer
• No requirement that work relate to your field of study
• Opportunity to build Canadian work experience and professional references

Canadian Wage Context

Off-campus employment in Canada typically pays CA$15-22 per hour (approximately LKR 3,315-4,862 per hour), depending on the province and position. A Sri Lankan student working 20 hours weekly at CA$18/hour (LKR 3,978) generates approximately CA$1,440 monthly (LKR 318,240)—substantial support for living expenses in cities like Toronto or Vancouver.

Many Canadian programs, especially in engineering, business, and technology, include mandatory co-op work terms. Your study permit must explicitly authorize these work placements. When applying for your study permit, ensure:

• Your acceptance letter mentions co-op or internship requirements
• The program is from a designated learning institution
• Your study permit conditions include work authorization

Overview and Eligibility

The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program is one of Canada’s most attractive features for Sri Lankan students. Unlike the U.S. OPT system, the PGWP:

• Allows you to work for any Canadian employer
• Doesn’t require employment in your field of study
• Can lead directly to permanent residency applications

PGWP Duration

Your PGWP length depends on your program duration:

• Programs less than 8 months: Not eligible
• Programs 8 months to 2 years: PGWP matches program length
• Programs 2 years or longer: 3-year PGWP

For Sri Lankan students completing a 2-year Master’s program, this means three years of Canadian work authorization—providing ample time to establish your career and potentially apply for permanent residency through programs like Express Entry.

Application Requirements

You must apply for your PGWP within 180 days of receiving confirmation of program completion. The application fee is CA$255 (approximately LKR 56,355) and processing typically takes 80-180 days, though times vary.

2025-2026 Policy Considerations

Sri Lankan students should be aware that Canada implemented a study permit cap of 437,000 new permits for 2025. However, this cap applies to new study permit applications, not PGWP applications for students already in Canada. Graduate students have partial exemptions, with full exemptions beginning in 2026.

Maximizing Your Work Authorization

For U.S.-Bound Students:

1. Preserve OPT eligibility: Use only part-time CPT during your studies
2. Choose STEM strategically: If you’re flexible about your major, STEM fields offer 36 months of post-graduation work
3. Apply early for OPT: Submit your application 90 days before graduation to ensure timely processing
4. Network actively: Use your OPT period to make connections that could lead to H-1B sponsorship

For Canada-Bound Students:

1. Program length matters: A 2-year program unlocks the maximum 3-year PGWP
2. Provincial considerations: Ontario hosts established Sri Lankan communities and offers strong employment opportunities
3. Work while studying: Take advantage of off-campus work authorization to build Canadian experience and references
4. Plan for permanent residency: Research Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs early

Work authorization significantly impacts your financial planning as a Sri Lankan student. Consider:

Income Potential

• U.S. OPT positions: US$50,000-90,000 annually (LKR 15,550,000-27,990,000) depending on field
• Canadian PGWP positions: CA$45,000-75,000 annually (LKR 9,945,000-16,575,000)
• Part-time work during studies: US$900-1,500 monthly (LKR 279,900-466,500) or CA$1,200-2,000 (LKR 265,200-442,000)

Loan Repayment Strategy

Many Sri Lankan students use MPOWER Financing’s no-cosigner loans to fund their education. With work authorization, you can:

• Begin loan repayment with U.S. or Canadian earnings
• Build credit history in North America
• Reduce reliance on family remittances from Sri Lanka

Work authorization is not just about earning income during and after your studies—it’s a critical component of your overall education strategy. For Sri Lankan students and families making the significant investment in international education, these employment opportunities can transform your return on investment through practical experience, professional networking, and the financial capacity to manage education costs.

The key differences between U.S. and Canadian work authorization reflect broader differences in each country’s approach to international students. The United States offers robust opportunities, particularly for STEM graduates who can access up to three years of OPT work authorization. Canada provides more flexibility with automatic work authorization during studies and a clearer pathway from post-graduation work permits to permanent residency.

Your choice between these destinations should consider not just work authorization rules, but your field of study, career goals, and long-term plans. Whether you intend to return to Sri Lanka with international experience or potentially settle abroad, understanding these work authorization pathways from the beginning helps you make informed decisions and maximize every opportunity your education provides.