Permits to work while studying is an option aspired by international students. It lets them earn some extra money to support their education, expenses, and family. Indeed such options are vital to ensure their financial stability. Fortunately, countries like Canada offer ample opportunities in this direction. However, working hours for international students have restrictions per week beyond which there are no permits. It varies from country to country.
The recent announcement by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allowed international students to work off-campus for 24 hours per week while classes are in session should be found in this context. Considering the previous 20 hours per week this offers an opportunity for Canada Student Visa holders to get some extra money.
Within these contexts, here is an exploration to find the countries that allow international students to work the most hours.
Given that the international student holds an F1 student visa, they are permitted to be employed both on and off-campus. Here, on-campus employment allows for a maximum of 20 hours per week.
On Off-campus they are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week when the classes are in session. Meanwhile during designated breaks or when the school is not in session they are permitted to work full time subject to certain conditions.
Thus the US allows work permits for students in a way that allows them to balance work and studies.
Depending on the specific circumstances of students UK grants permission to work 10 or 20 hours per week. However such working hours for international students in the UK are also restricted by the guidelines issued by their respective educational institutions. Other than that the government has clarified that the students are allowed to pursue full-time occupations during vacations or when classes are not in session.
In terms of the work-hour policy for international students, Canada offers opportunities equivalent to other top destinations for international students. The latest in this direction, as mentioned earlier, is the allocation of 24 hours per week of off-campus employment during the school year. This is complemented by an opportunity to pursue full-time employment during the scheduled academic breaks.
The Economic Times reports that international students in France are allowed to work for a maximum of 964 hours per year. This opportunity to work part-time while pursuing education is equivalent to about 21 hours per week.
When it comes to employment within the University environment, the country offers additional opportunities. This includes an opportunity to work for 670 hours from September 1st to June 30th and 300 hours from July 1st to August 31st.
Such opportunities provide the perfect space to balance work and education while adhering to the regulations in France.
The working hours for international students in Australia is a maximum of 48 hours for two weeks. However, there are no restrictions on students on their work when classes are not in session.
In the case of Germany, the work permit for international students provides an opportunity to work for 20 hours per week.
All of the working hours listed above are the maximum limits within which students are expected to work. Speaking specifically of Canada, the latest announcements are expected to boost the earning potential of international students, thus ensuring more financial stability.
By now you might have understood that the working hours for international students in their top destinations are almost on an equivalent scale. Canada student visa however holds an edge with the Canadian government’s policy shifts in favor of the country’s increasing international student populace.
Now that a significant question has been answered, it is time to explore your opportunity to work while studying in Canada. All that is required to pursue this option is a valid study permit and social insurance number, and meet the requirements regarding studies at a DLI and training programs.
In case you feel overwhelmed by these requirements, we at Navigate Migrate are here at your service. With immense experience in serving Canadian migrants, especially international students, we could provide essential insights into off-campus and on-campus work opportunities in Canada. Connect with our professionals for an extended consultation.