Every year, thousands of international students lose their visas for breaking rules they didn't fully understand. This guide covers the critical do's and don'ts for student visas in Canada, UK, Australia and USA — the things that actually get students deported.
The most deported-for violation globally: working more hours than your visa allows. Immigration officers monitor tax records, employer records and social media. Getting caught working illegally does not just cancel your visa — it can result in a multi-year ban and deportation.
✅ DO: Work maximum 24 hours per week during academic session. Unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (Christmas, summer). Keep all pay slips. File Canadian taxes even as a student.
❌ DON'T: Accept cash-in-hand work. "Cash jobs" (restaurants, construction, cleaning) that pay off the books are still subject to the 24-hour limit. "I was paid cash" is not a defence if you are found working illegally.
❌ DON'T: Change institutions without updating your study permit. If you leave your DLI and join another without updating IRCC, you are in violation of your permit conditions.
❌ DON'T: Study at a non-DLI institution. Only Designated Learning Institutions are authorised. If your college loses DLI status, you must transfer immediately.
⚠️ WARNING: CBSA does check. Canada Border Services Agency has access to CRA tax records, employment data and can verify your work history at any port of entry.
✅ DO: Work maximum 20 hours per week during term time. Full time during official university holidays. Any job type is permitted — retail, hospitality, office work, all fine.
❌ DON'T: Work more than 20 hours in any single week during term. Even one week of 21 hours is technically a violation. UK Home Office compliance checks are rigorous — universities report students.
❌ DON'T: Work as self-employed or set up a business without permission. Student visas in the UK specifically prohibit self-employment.
❌ DON'T: Miss your CAS expiry. The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) must be used within 6 months. Expired CAS means you cannot enter the UK.
✅ DO: Work maximum 48 hours per fortnight during term. This is 24 hours per week on average. Unlimited during official course breaks.
❌ DON'T: Count your hours loosely. The 48-hour fortnight limit is strictly enforced. Australian Border Force conducts workplace raids — particularly targeting restaurants, farms, and construction sites where student overstaying is common.
❌ DON'T: Fail the Genuine Student (GS) assessment. Australia can cancel your visa if they believe you are no longer genuinely enrolled and studying. Attend all classes. Maintain academic progress.
❌ DON'T: Work off-campus without authorisation (CPT/OPT). F-1 students may only work on-campus for 20 hours/week during term, or off-campus through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) specifically authorised by USCIS. Unauthorised work is an immediate SEVIS termination.
❌ DON'T: Let your I-20 expire. You must maintain a valid I-20. If your programme extends, update your I-20 before the current one expires. An expired I-20 puts you out of status.
❌ DON'T: Transfer schools without authorisation. F-1 students must notify the DSO (Designated School Official) and transfer SEVIS records before attending a new school.