Work Rights on a Student Visa
For many Nepali students planning to study abroad, finding study abroad jobs are the first and foremost concern. While international students are allowed to work while studying abroad, the rules depend heavily on the destination country and the type of student visa. Legal part-time jobs for international students, permitted work hours, and eligibility criteria vary from country to country, so it is important for students to be aware of those rights.
In this guide, we discuss the countries where most students are currently studying and those planning to study in the near future. We will go through work rights for undergraduate and postgraduates, their visa rules according to the latest updates from official channels and also what a Nepali student can expect after reaching their dream country.
1. United Kingdom (UK)
- Most students with a UK Student visa are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time.
- During official holidays (such as summer or winter breaks), students may work full-time.
- Both paid and unpaid work count toward the permitted work-hour limit.
- Self-employment, freelancing, and running a business are not permitted under standard student visa conditions (UKCISA, 2025).
Where Nepali Students Can Search for Part-Time Jobs in United Kingdom (UK)
- StudentJob UK
- Indeed UK
- Adzuna
- Reed
- WhatJobs
These platforms are commonly used by international students for part-time jobs in the UK, including on-campus roles, hospitality, retail, and tutoring.
Types of Jobs
- On-campus roles (library assistant, admin), hospitality, retail, tutoring, research assistantships.
2. Australia
Student Visa Work Conditions
- On an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500), international students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight (approximately 24 hours per week) while their course is in session.
- During official semester breaks, students are permitted to work unlimited hours (Australian Department of Home Affairs, 2025).
Job Types
- Hospitality, retail, warehouse support, delivery services, campus roles.
Where Nepali Students Can Search for Part-Time Jobs in Australia:
- Seek Australia
- Indeed Australia
- LinkedIn Jobs
- Backpacker Job Board
Nepali students studying in Australia frequently use these sites to find student jobs in hospitality, retail, warehouse, and campus roles that comply with visa work-hour limits.
3. United States (USA)
Work Rights for F-1 Students
- Students on an F-1 visa may work on-campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session.
- During official breaks, on-campus work hours may be extended.
- Off-campus work is strictly dependent on immigration authorization (CPT/OPT) and unauthorized off-campus work is a violation.
- Off-campus employment requires specific authorization such as CPT (Curricular Practical Training) or OPT (Optional Practical Training) and is subject to additional conditions (USCIS, 2025)
On/Off-Campus Work Breakdown
- On-Campus: Typical part-time jobs in libraries, cafeterias, labs.
- Off-Campus: Usually permitted after one academic year and only with authorization.
4. Canada
Current Work Rights (Subject to IRCC Updates)
- Students holding a valid Canadian study permit may work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during regular academic sessions (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).
- During scheduled breaks (such as summer or winter holidays), students may work full-time.
- On-campus work may allow more flexible hours depending on institutional guidelines (IRCC, 2025).
Types of Jobs
- Library assistant, hospitality, tutoring, research roles, student ambassadors.
Student Tip:
Always check your study permit details to confirm off-campus eligibility and restrictions.
Where Nepali Students Can Search for Part-Time Jobs in Canada
- Indeed Canada
- Job Bank Canada
- Workopolis
- LinkedIn Jobs
International students in Canada often rely on these sites for off-campus work during academic sessions and full-time work during breaks, following the study permit rules.
5. New Zealand
New Rules & Work Hours
- Eligible international students are permitted to work up to 25 hours per week during academic terms, effective from 3 November 2025.
This policy change aims to support international students with living costs and make New Zealand a more attractive study destination (Immigration New Zealand, 2025).
Job Types
- Retail, hospitality, campus support roles, tutoring.
Student Tip
New Zealand’s increased work hours make it a competitive study destination for students planning part-time work alongside studies.
Where Nepali Students Can Search for Part-Time Jobs in New Zealand
- Trade Me Jobs
- Student Job Search (SJS)
- Seek New Zealand
- Indeed New Zealand
- LinkedIn Jobs
With the updated 25-hour work week rule (as of November 2025), these portals are highly used by students for part-time roles in retail, hospitality, campus support, and tutoring.
6. Finland
Work Rights and Work Hours
- International students in Finland may work up to an average of 30 hours per week during the academic year, depending on residence permit conditions.
- Students may exceed weekly limits occasionally as long as the annual average does not exceed 30 hours per week.
- Full-time work is generally permitted during official holiday periods (Finnish Immigration Service, 2025).
Student Tip
Since European visa conditions often differ widely, consult official Finnish Immigration Service or the official websites like migri.fi for further details.
Where Nepali Students Can Search for Part-Time Jobs in Finland
- LinkedIn Jobs
- Indeed Finland
- TE-Palvelut (Official Finnish Employment Service)
- University career portals / student unions
International students in Finland use these platforms to find part-time jobs, internships, and student roles in line with their residence permit and visa regulations.
For Nepali students studying overseas, part-time work is not only a source of income but also a way to settle into a new academic and social environment. Knowing the correct work permissions and preparing early for job searches can make the transition smoother after arrival. Across destinations like the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Finland, students gain access to structured employment pathways designed specifically for international learners. These roles often help students adapt to workplace culture, build confidence, and gain local exposure that complements their academic qualifications, making the overall study abroad experience more balanced and sustainable.
References
Australian Department of Home Affairs. (2025). Student visa (subclass 500): Visa conditions.
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/already-have-a-visa/check-visa-details-and-conditions/see-your-visa-conditions?vcid=21
Finnish Immigration Service. (2025). Working and internships during studies.
https://migri.fi/en/working-and-internships-during-studies
Immigration New Zealand. (2025). Working on a student visa.
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/study/once-you-have-a-student-visa/working-on-a-student-visa/
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. (2025). Work off campus as an international student.
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/work-off-campus.html
UK Council for International Student Affairs. (2025). Student work.
https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student-advice/working/student-work/
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. (2025). Students and employment.
https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/students-and-exchange-visitors/students-and-employment
