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Understanding Work authorization for international students

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Jobs and internships offer enormous benefits for international 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 authorization for international students. This guide offers a quick overview of the types of jobs and internships for international students in the USA and Canada and the types of leases and work permits they require.

Types of jobs and internships for international students

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

  1. 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 fulltime 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.
  1. Off-campus jobs are opportunities with local businesses or institutions.
  • U.S.: Off-campus employment is allowed only with authorization through programs 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.
  1. Internships provide opportunities to gain practical experience, build your network and perhaps earn some income.
  • U.S.: CPT work authorization for international students covers internships related to their studies while still enrolled in school. OPT jobs for international studentsprovide permits for jobs or internships in their field of study, before or after graduation.
  • Canada: International students can apply for co-op work permits if their academic program requires an internship or work placement as part of their studies.
  1. Co-op programs in the U.S. and Canada are programs that 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.
  1. Postgraduation employment opportunities enable international students to find work for one to three years after they’ve finished their degrees.
  • U.S.: The OPT program 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) Program allows graduates to work for up to three years, depending on the length of their study program.
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CPT and OPT work authorization in the U.S.

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

CPT authorization

Curricular practical training (CPT) is a type of work authorization for international students that allows you to gain practical experience related to your field of study. A CPT work authorization for international students 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 program. 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 for international studentsprovides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience while ensuring you follow visa regulations.

OPT authorization

Optional practical training (OPT) is another type of work authorization for international students. 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 for international students 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.

PGWP work authorization in Canada

Canada’s post-graduation work permit (PGWP) is a work authorization for international students who have completed eligible programs 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 program 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 program 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.

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Career and visa services with MPOWER Financing

For help finding jobs and internships in the U.S. or Canada, international students can turn to MPOWER Financing. MPOWER is dedicated to helping students from around the world pursue their dream of getting a degree from schools in the U.S. and Canada. Services start with international 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 program, with services designed to help you succeed in completing your studies and building a career. Career services include a customized internship/job search tool for F-1 students, along with application support, a resume 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 authorization for international students in the U.S. and Canada.

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FAQs

How can I find work opportunities as an international student in the U.S. and Canada?

Students can use career services at their school, job portals and professional networking sites. Programs like MPOWER Financing’s Path2Success also provide valuable international student resources for job searches.

What happens if I exceed my allowed working hours in the U.S. or Canada?

Working beyond the allowed hours can result in visa violations, which may lead to serious consequences such as loss of student status or deportation.

Are there international student job opportunities after graduation?

Yes, many students use OPT to gain work experience and seek sponsorship for an H-1B work visa. Networking and using career resources can improve your chances of finding a job.

Can international students in the U.S. work remotely for an employer outside the country?

Generally, students on F-1 visas should not engage in remote work for foreign companies unless it complies with visa regulations. It’s advisable to consult with an immigration advisor before starting any remote job.

Can international students in the U.S. work in unpaid internships?

Yes, unpaid internships may be allowed, but students must ensure the opportunity doesn’t violate labor laws or visa regulations. It’s recommended to get approval from a Designated School Official (DSO).

Is there a limit to the number of hours international students in the U.S. can work during breaks?

During official school breaks, such as summer vacation, F-1 students can work full time without restrictions, as long as they continue their studies in the following term.

Can I extend my work authorization in the U.S. after my OPT period ends?

STEM graduates may apply for a 24-month OPT extension. Other students can explore options such as H-1B sponsorship for continued employment.

Can I work without work authorization?

No, taking a job or internship without proper work permits for international students in the U.S. or Canada can have serious consequences, including visa violations and possible deportation. It’s important to follow the rules and obtain the necessary approval before starting any job.

Can I do multiple internships with CPT?

Yes, but each internship must be approved by your school and be related to your field of study. Your DSO can guide you through the process for each opportunity.


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