Understanding work authorisation for Pakistani students

Jobs and internships offer enormous benefits for Pakistani students in the U.S. and Canada. In addition to helping you finance your education, these opportunities offer practical experience, help you build a network and give you a feel for the workplace culture in North American companies. However, whether the position is on campus or off campus, you’ll need to make sure you have the right work authorisation. This guide offers a quick overview of the types of jobs and internships for Pakistani students in the USA and Canada and the types of leases and work permits they require.

There are several types of jobs and internships available to Pakistani students in the U.S. and Canada. Each opportunity has specific requirements for work authorisation.

On-campus jobs are positions offered by your college or university.

• U.S.: Students with an F-1 visa can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full time during breaks. Common kinds of on-campus jobs include positions in libraries, cafeterias, administrative offices and campus bookstores.
• Canada: Students with a study permit can work on campus without a separate work permit in roles such as research assistants, administrative staff and residence hall assistants.

Off-campus jobs are opportunities with local businesses or institutions.

• U.S.: Off-campus employment is allowed only with authorisation through programmes like optional practical training (OPT) or curricular practical training (CPT). These jobs must be related to the student’s field of study.
• Canada: Students can work off campus for up to 24 hours per week during the semester and full time during scheduled breaks. Common part-time jobs include work in retail, hospitality and other service industries.

Internships provide opportunities to gain practical experience, build your network and perhaps earn some income.

• U.S.: CPT work authorisation covers internships related to studies while still enrolled in school. OPT jobs provide permits for jobs or internships in the student’s field of study, before or after graduation.
• Canada: Pakistani students can apply for co-op work permits if their academic programme requires an internship or work placement as part of their studies.

Co-op programmes in the U.S. and Canada combine academic study and full-time work related to a degree. Co-ops provide hands-on experience and help students build a network of professional contacts.

Postgraduation employment opportunities enable Pakistani students to find work for one to three years after they’ve finished their degrees.

• U.S.: The OPT programme allows students to work for 12 months (or up to 36 months for STEM graduates) after graduation in their field of study.
• Canada: The post-graduation work permit (PGWP) programme allows graduates to work for up to three years, depending on the length of their study programme.

As a Pakistani student in the U.S. on an F-1 visa, you’ll need to get  work authorisation to take a job or internship.

CPT authorisation

Curricular practical training (CPT) is a type of work authorisation that allows you to gain practical experience related to your field of study. A CPT work authorisation is only available when the job or internship is required as part of your academic curriculum.

How to apply: To apply for CPT, you must have a valid F-1 visa and be enrolled in a degree programme. Your school’s Designated School Official (DSO) can guide you through the process, which includes getting a job offer related to your studies and receiving approval before starting work. CPT provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience while ensuring you follow visa regulations.

OPT authorisation

Optional practical training (OPT) is another type of work authorisation. Unlike CPT, OPT is not tied to your coursework and allows you to work in your field of study while in school or after graduation. OPT-approved jobs provide valuable work experience and can open doors to long-term career opportunities in the U.S.

How to apply: You can apply for OPT up to 90 days before graduation and up to 60 days after completing your degree. The application process involves submitting a request to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), obtaining a recommendation from your school, and waiting for approval before you start working. OPT allows you to work for up to 12 months, with the possibility of a two-year extension for STEM students.

Fee: US$410 (approximately PKR 116,000)

Note: Currency conversions are approximate and based on an exchange rate of PKR 283 per US$1.

Canada’s post-graduation work permit (PGWP) is a work authorisation for Pakistani students who have completed eligible programmes at designated learning institutions (DLIs). The PGWP is an open work permit, meaning you can work for any employer in any location in Canada. To be eligible, you must have completed a full-time programme that lasted at least eight months and that resulted in a degree, diploma or certificate. You must apply within 180 days of receiving your final transcripts and an official confirmation of programme completion.

How to apply: You can apply online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. You’ll need to provide several documents, including your official transcript, a letter of completion from your school and a valid passport. While processing times vary, the good news is that you can work while waiting for the permit if you apply before your study permit expires.

For help finding jobs and internships in the U.S. or Canada, Pakistani students can turn to MPOWER Financing. MPOWER is dedicated to helping students from around the world – including Pakistan – pursue their dream of getting a degree from schools in the U.S. and Canada. Services start with Pakistani student education loans with fixed and competitive interest rates – no cosigner or collateral required. MPOWER also offers a variety of international scholarships and student health insurance solutions designed to make it easier to study abroad.

Every MPOWER student also has access to the Path2Success programme, with services designed to help you succeed in completing your studies and building a career. Career services include a customised internship/job search tool for F-1 students, along with application support, a résumé builder and a directory of F-1-eligible jobs to jump-start your career. You’ll also find visa support and services to help you understand the details of work authorisation in the U.S. and Canada.