Before working while studying abroad, check the US, Canadian, UK, or Australian hour limits separately for term time, holidays, and work type

There’s no cost involved. You simply need to track your weekly hours yourself. The difficulty lies in employers often claiming “no one checks extra hours,” but you must never believe this.

US F-1 students may work on campus for no more than 20 hours a week during term. Off-campus part-time work approved under paragraph (f)(9) is also limited to 20 hours weekly during term. Eligible holidays may allow full-time work. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and other placements follow their own categories and approved scope; do not apply the above limit to every off-campus job. UK Student visa work rights also depend on the institution and course meeting the rules. A full-time degree-level or higher course sponsored by a higher-education provider with a track record of compliance allows 20 hours a week during term. A full-time below-degree course sponsored by such a provider allows 10 hours. Qualifying short-term study-abroad programs at overseas higher-education institutions also allow 20 hours during term. Other courses, including part-time courses, do not permit work. Self-employment is normally prohibited, as is work as a professional sportsperson or entertainer. The basis is Appendix Student of the UK Immigration Rules, ST26.1, ST26.5, and ST26.8. Eligible students in Canada may work off campus up to 24 hours weekly during regular terms, adding together all off-campus jobs. The basis is IRPR section 186(v). During regularly scheduled school breaks, eligible students may work full-time. Remote work for an employer outside Canada does not count toward this 24-hour cap, but study-permit conditions still apply. For final-term and between-program eligibility, see item 4 (Full-time study, leave, and transfers). Australian student visas allow no more than 48 hours per fortnight while the course is in session. Research master’s and doctoral students and their family members are exempt from this restriction.

8 CFR 214.2(f)(9)、(10). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-214/section-214.2；UK Home Office. Immigration Rules Appendix Student（ST26.1、ST26.5、ST26.8）. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-student；IRCC. Work off campus as an international student. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/work-off-campus.html；IRCC. Can I continue to work during scheduled school breaks? https://www.ircc.canada.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=499；Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. Student visa (subclass 500). https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500

These work conditions were reviewed on 2026-10-21. US off-campus work requires the appropriate prior authorization for its category. Where USCIS authorization is required, work cannot begin while I-765 is pending. CPT is authorized by the school’s designated official and endorsed on I-20; not all off-campus work uses I-765. Canadian permits printed with the old 20-hour weekly limit may still allow 24 hours if eligibility continues; current rules govern. A scheduled break means one arranged by the school, not a self-chosen suspension of classes. The UK self-employment restriction includes private gigs, online shops, and freelancing. Check UK official rules for specific exceptions while switching visa categories.