International students are struggling to find jobs
Already severely impacted during the health crisis, international students remain in a precarious situation. Temporary relaxations declared by major destinations (such as increasing the weekly working hours) have been replaced by visa restrictions (limitations on family reunification, an increase in the minimum required income, etc.). These complications are compounded by job challenges. Although vital, jobs are becoming scarcer for international students, especially in the most popular destinations.
United Kingdom: Can international students expect major changes?
Can international students hope for an improvement in their situation with the new government? The new Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has fulfilled his promise to end the controversial "Rwanda plan." However, he has also announced a firm stance on immigration issues and plans to reduce net migration. For international students, this indicates that the restrictive reforms of the previous government are unlikely to be repealed.
Currently, they suffer from the effects of restrictive immigration laws and the economic situation while their wages remain low. Nevertheless, the British economy has officially exited recession and is even experiencing stronger growth than expected (+0.6% instead of +0.4% in the first quarter of 2024). Growth is driven by retail, public transport, and health sectors. However, according to economists, the country has lost 2 to 3% of its GDP since 2016 due to Brexit. Some, more alarmist, talk about a 6% drop.
The catering industry, one of the largest employers of international students, illustrates the current difficulties in British growth, which, although progressing, remains fragile. The catering market has yet to reach its pre-pandemic level (-2.6% compared to pre-Covid). Brexit, inflation, and restrictive immigration reforms have deprived it of a crucial expatriate workforce for its growth. The hardest part for international students is navigating the complex visa rules. Many of them can work up to 20 hours per week during the school year and full-time during holidays. However, they must also consider the limits imposed by the government, depending on the type of part-time job. Discouraged businesses prefer to hire British workers, and this is exactly what the government expects.
International students in Canada are in distress
International students in Canada have been sharing their distress on social media. Some have been searching for a part-time job for nearly a year without success. A few weeks ago, a video posted by Mohammad Nishat, an Indian student in Canada, went viral. It shows a hundred international students queuing to apply for a job at a coffee chain. Student associations insist that this is proof of a profound employment crisis with a deeper impact on foreigners.
However, others do not share this analysis, including Earl Blaney, an immigration consultant. He speaks of temporary congestion due to a significant increase in the number of international students, adding to the number of Canadian student-job seekers. Blaney argues, on the contrary, that businesses favor foreigners, whom they can more easily retain. Conversely, Canadians tend to leave their jobs more quickly (just a few months after hiring).
Blaney's analysis, however, is contradicted by the increasing number of international students speaking out about their situation. "This is not the Canada I knew. There were more opportunities 8 years ago," comments one of them on social media. "I have been looking for a student for more than 7 months and have still found nothing." Some opt for a radical decision: returning to their home country or trying their luck elsewhere. But this decision has consequences. These students have already incurred significant expenses to come to Canada, have involved their families, and have taken out loans. This probably explains why many of them remain in Canada, hoping for the government to consider their plight.
United States: Mixed signals for employment
The US job market remains robust. The Department of Labor remains confident despite a decrease in job creation (175,000 in April compared to 315,000 in March). Sectors like transportation, health, social services, and logistics are the largest job creators. Although hiring has slowed, the restaurant and fast-food industry remains a significant student jobs provider.
According to official figures, the restaurant industry created only 6,600 jobs in April, and the agri-food industry created 2,100. Analysts point out that restaurants are creating an average of 10,000 jobs per month this year, down from 26,000 in 2023. This slowdown in the restaurant market began at the end of 2023 and continues this year, directly impacting international students.
Still, the National Restaurant Association reminds us that this industry remains the country's second-largest employer and expects record sales this year (exceeding $1,000 billion). While it concedes a slight market slowdown, it affirms that restaurants and fast-food outlets are hiring: 45% of them are looking for more workers. But at the same time, 98% of businesses believe that the high labor cost makes them less competitive.
Australia: International students do not benefit from economic prosperity
According to figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, net employment increased by 39,700 in May, more than the 30,000 jobs expected. The unemployment rate remains low (4%) and even decreased by 0.1 point between April and May. With many job offers and low unemployment, the Australian job market remains tight, affected by labor shortages.
However, international students do not seem to benefit from the country's economic health, as they find it hard to access the most lucrative positions. They denounce the country's "hypocrisy," closing its doors after facilitating job access during the Covid pandemic. In fact, the government recently introduced restrictions to limit immigration (end of visa hopping, increase in visa fees and financial requirements for applying, etc.).
Many international students struggle to find part-time jobs, especially considering the ultra-competitive Australian job market. Although international students can secure part-time jobs, difficulties mount when they apply for full-time employment despite their qualifications. In 2022, nearly a third of international students with degrees had not found a job six months after graduation. Currently, 40% of graduates are forced to work in low-skilled sectors (restaurants, self-service sales, delivery, etc.).
Student jobs: Are the salaries sufficient?
Whether in Canada, the United States, Australia, or the United Kingdom, the types of jobs accessible to international students are generally the same. The restaurant and large retail sectors remain the primary providers of part-time jobs: waiter, dishwasher, self-service employee, receptionist, delivery person, hotel or hostel employee, kitchen assistant, cleaning agent, etc. Student jobs are also available in personal services (childcare, home tutor...), house sitting (pet-sitter, housekeeper), or leisure centers/attraction parks (animator, translator, guide, etc.). But do the salaries allow for a decent living in the country?
United Kingdom: Wages lag behind the cost of living
In an open letter, former Prime Minister Tony Blair urged Starmer to launch a "Plan" to "control" immigration, which, in this opinion, is the best way to promote the employment of Britons—a view shared by the Labour Party.
However, international students hope the improved economic situation will facilitate their hiring and wages. Depending on their sector, they can earn between 10-12 pounds sterling (call center worker, receptionist, housekeeper) to 20 pounds sterling per hour (waiter, tutor). The average wage is 10 pounds sterling per month. But many students struggle to cope with the constantly rising cost of living while wages do not keep up. They need, on average, 582 pounds sterling each month. The challenges are even greater for foreign graduates, who, according to analysts, are facing the "worst economic market" in years, with 30% fewer job offers.
At the same time, they also face a persistent housing crisis despite a decrease in inflation (although food prices remain high). The housing crisis mainly affects younger people (25-34 years). In England, rents range from 580 pounds per month (northeast) to 1123 (southeast). In Greater London, they amount to 1752 pounds. Rent is one of the main expenses for international students, who also have to pay for recent fee increases, such as health tax surcharge, visa, and school fees.
Canada: Salaries are not keeping up with housing prices
In Canada, the hourly wage is at CAD 17.36. Student job wages vary according to students' level of education. For example, doctoral students can earn between CAD 29.99 and CAD 37.53. The weekly working hours, limited to 20 hours per week, will be extended to 24 hours per week in the fall, although students are encouraged to focus on their studies primarily. The increase in the salary level required to qualify for a student permit goes in this direction. Since January 1, applicants must have at least CAD 20,635 (compared to CAD 10,000 previously) to apply for a visa, considering the rise in the cost of living, notably in terms of rent prices.
Nevertheless, many international students are far from reaching these salary levels. They also must make do with 10 to 12 hours of weekly work, earning, on average, CAD 1,300 monthly (hourly rate of CAD 17.36; working 20 hours/week). At the same time, the average rent has jumped to CAD 2,200, with a more significant rise in rental housing (+13.7%). No province is spared from these increases. Saskatchewan records the highest rise (+21.4%), and the income derived from student jobs is quickly engulfed in housing. Things are more complicated for those who work only 10 hours per week, as they cannot afford the exorbitant rents along with other expenses (food, school supplies, clothing, etc.).
United States: Variable salaries and rising cost of living
Depending on where you reside, the minimum wage can vary from half to double. In Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Kansas, it is USD 7.25 per hour, but it is above USD 10 per hour in the most popular cities: USD 12/h in Florida, USD 15/h in New York, USD 15.50/h in California, USD 17/h in Washington DC. However, in the United States, the employment of American citizens is prioritized. The visa system also constrains international students: only F-1 or M-1 visa holders can work on their campus (in cafes, at the library, etc.) or in specific sectors. In any case, they are not allowed to work off-campus until after their first year.
Rising real estate prices in the USA keep inflation and living costs high. Prices are soaring in major American cities. In New York, for example, you must earn at least USD 100,000 annually to afford housing, transportation, and food. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York is above USD 3,700 dollars monthly. Rents are also soaring in Boston (USD 3,300) and in Washington DC (above USD 2,200). Rents are cheaper in Los Angeles (USD 2,100), Miami (USD 2,058), and Atlanta (USD 1,550). The cost of living is skyrocketing on the east and west coasts, especially in California and Massachusetts, as well as in Hawaii. Still, it remains more reasonable in the central regions (Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas...).
Australia: Rent prices rise along with minimum wage
In Australia, students have to cope with rising fees and the high cost of living at a time. Since July 1, student visa fees have risen to AUD 1,600, up from AUD 170 previously. The government frames its measure as part of its immigration rationalization plan and says it wants to restore higher education's "integrity". International students can still work part-time during their studies and full-time during school holidays.
The good news is that the minimum wage has increased since July 1. Students can now earn AUD 24.10 per hour, which is more than the minimum wage in other major destinations. But inflation still weighs on finances, especially on rents. The country expects a 7% to 10% increase this year. Unsurprisingly, the increase is more significant in major cities. So expect to pay, on average, USD 745 Australian in Sydney, USD 650 in Canberra, and USD 630 in Perth and Brisbane.
Student jobs around the world
Overall, international students face numerous challenges, from coping with restrictive immigration reforms to meeting new legal requirements. Although countries continue to display their willingness to recruit foreign talent, it's unclear whether student jobs are part of the picture. In Australia or Canada, voices are raised to denounce the glass ceiling that prevents international students from accessing positions related to their degrees. Stuck in low-paying jobs, they are unable to present an attractive CV.
In the United Kingdom, the new government does not make people forget the far right's historic breakthrough, which will definitely weigh in on the debate. This breakthrough is part of the far right's progression in Europe and a rise in conservative immigration plans. The impact of the various immigration reforms on the presence of international students in major expatriation countries remains to be seen.
