Top Job Opportunities for International Students

If you’re from Nepal and studying in the United States or Canada, one of your biggest goals is likely gaining international work experience. Whether you want to offset living costs, prepare for a future career or explore life abroad after graduation, both countries offer real options for international student employment. The challenge is knowing how to access those opportunities while staying within the rules of your visa.

This guide covers job opportunities for international students, including internships and postgraduation employment. You’ll learn how to apply for work authorization in the U.S. and Canada, what kinds of jobs are allowed during your studies and what to expect after you finish your degree.

Where Nepali students can work during their degree

As an international student, your ability to work while enrolled is limited by your visa. But there are still many ways to gain experience.

On-campus employment

Both the U.S. and Canada allow on-campus jobs for full-time students:

In the U.S., F-1 visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week during school sessions and full time during official breaks. On-campus jobs may include library work, tech support, food service or lab assistance.
In Canada, your study permit allows you to work on campus up to 24 hours a week without a separate work permit. This could be at a bookstore, research office, student help desk or as a teaching assistant.

On-campus jobs are often easier to get for new international students because employers already understand your visa limits.

Internships for international Nepali students in the U.S. and Canada

Internships are one of the most valuable types of work experience. They let you apply your classroom knowledge in real companies or organizations.

In the U.S., most internships for international students are done under curricular practical training (CPT). CPT must relate to your degree and be approved by your school. It can be paid or unpaid, part time or full time, but you need to apply through your designated school official (DSO).
In Canada, some university programs include mandatory internships. If your program has one, you’ll need a co-op work permit in addition to your study permit.

Internships often lead to job offers after graduation, especially if you show strong performance.

International students working while on campus

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Working after graduation: OPT and PGWP

After you finish your degree, you may want to stay longer and gain professional experience. Both countries offer clear paths to work authorization for international students who graduate from approved programs.

Optional practical training (OPT) in the U.S.

If you’re on an F-1 visa, optional practical training allows you to work in a job directly related to your field of study:

Standard OPT: Up to 12 months of work after graduation.
STEM OPT: If your degree is in a qualifying STEM field, you may apply for a 24-month extension.

You must apply for OPT and receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before starting work. OPT jobs for international students in the U.S. span many fields, including engineering, computer science, public health and finance.

Applying early is essential. OPT applications can take weeks or months to process. If you have a job offer, your start date will depend on your EAD card arrival.

Post-graduation work permit (PGWP) in Canada

In Canada, most students are eligible for the post-graduation work permit (PGWP) after completing a program that lasts at least eight months at a designated learning institution (DLI).

The PGWP is an open work permit that allows you to work for any employer.
The length of the permit depends on your program. For a two-year program or longer, you may receive up to three years of work authorization.
You must apply within 180 days of receiving confirmation of graduation.

The PGWP is a valuable tool for Nepali students who want to stay and work in Canada without needing a job offer or employer sponsorship right away.

Graduate jobs in the U.S. and Canada

Graduate jobs in the U.S. for international students and recent Canadian graduates can be competitive, but they offer real growth potential. These jobs often require a master’s degree and may include specialized roles in:

Software engineering or IT systems
Data science and machine learning
Finance and accounting
Architecture and urban planning
Healthcare

As a Nepali student, you’ll want to look for companies that are familiar with work authorization for international students. Many large employers in both countries actively recruit international graduates and may be familiar with OPT, STEM OPT or PGWP requirements.

In both countries, hiring is often self-directed. Unlike Nepal, where job placement can be more centralized or depend on personal referrals, students in the U.S. and Canada are expected to:

Write customized resumes and cover letters
Apply through job portals
Attend career fairs and networking events
Follow up directly with recruiters

This job search culture can be unfamiliar at first, but many universities offer career services to support you with mock interviews, job boards and mentorship.

Nepali students stand smiling in front of a historic university building in Canada.

MPOWER Financing can help with career-focused education

Many Nepali students worry about how to fund their degree and gain real career value from their international experience. That’s where MPOWER Financing fits in. MPOWER provides international student education loans with no cosigner, no collateral and no U.S. credit history required.

Loans are available to students at over 500 approved universities in the U.S. and Canada, especially those with strong international study programs and career placement services.

Here’s how MPOWER’s support aligns with your career goals:

Work-eligible schools: MPOWER works with students at University programs that qualify for OPT and PGWP, so you know your degree can lead to a real job.
Path2Success program: This career support resource connects you with tools for writing resumes, finding internships and preparing for interviews in the U.S. or Canada.
STEM and business focus: Many of the universities attended by MPOWER-supported students offer top programs in tech, health care,and business, fields that are in demand in both the U.S. and Canada.

If your goal is to work abroad, MPOWER can help you start strong with both funding and guidance.

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FAQs

What kinds of jobs can international students do in the U.S. and Canada?

In both countries, you can work on campus during your studies and off campus with the right authorization. Internships, part-time roles and research jobs are common during school. After graduation, programs like OPT and PGWP let you take full-time jobs in your field.

How do I apply for work authorization as a student in the U.S.?

If you’re on an F-1 visa, you’ll need to apply for curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training (OPT). These allow you to work during or after your degree. Talk to your school’s designated school official (DSO) to get started.

What is the difference between OPT and STEM OPT?

OPT gives you up to 12 months of work authorization after graduation. If your degree is in a science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) field, you may be able to^[a] extend that by another 24 months through STEM OPT.

Can I stay in Canada after my studies to work?

Yes. If you complete a qualifying program at a Canadian designated learning institution, you may be eligible for the post-graduation work permit (PGWP). This lets you work for any employer in Canada for up to three years, depending on your program length.

Do internships for international students in the USA require work permits?

Yes. You must apply for CPT if you’re still studying, or OPT if you’re doing an internship after graduation. Even unpaid internships require proper work authorization in the U.S.

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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Finding job opportunities as an international Nepali student