On-Campus Employment

Employment

There are strict limitations placed on the F-1/J-1 students’ eligibility to work. Working without authorization is a serious violation of status and can lead to the termination of a student’s SEVIS record.

F-1/J-1 students may work on campus. On-campus employment may only occur between the program start and end dates on a Form I-20 or DS-2019. Students can work part-time (19 hours maximum a week) while school is in session and full-time (25 hours maximum a week) during school breaks.
F-1 students can only work off-campus if they are eligible and authorized for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) in advance. J-1 students must be eligible and authorized for Academic Training (AT). All other work (whether paid or unpaid) is unauthorized and a violation of F-1/J-1 student status. Engaging in unauthorized off-campus work is grounds for termination of an F-1/J-1 student’s visa status.
Students working on-campus or authorized to work off-campus in a paid position must apply for a Social Security Number by filling out an application with the Social Security Administration. It may take a few weeks to obtain a Social Security Number and card. Learn more about applying for a Social Security card here (link to info below) If you have any questions about these guidelines or your immigration status, the University DSO and PDSO are here to help

Additional resources can be found on the DHS website: studyinthestates.dhs.gov

Social Security Number (SSN) Application Procedure for F-1 Students

Obtain evidence of employment and valid F-1 employment authorization. To apply for a Social Security Number (SSN), you must first obtain valid employment authorization. Authorization can be based on one of the following. Make sure that you meet the eligibility requirements for F-1 employment.

On-Campus Employment: obtain a letter from the department confirming that you have been offered an on-campus job. The employment letter must be an original copy printed on department letterhead, signed by your hiring department, and include the following information:
- Your job title (e.g., research assistant, library assistant, proofreader, etc.)
- Your estimated or actual start date
- Estimated or actual number of hours per week you are expected to work
- Your supervisor’s title and phone number
Curricular Practical Training: obtain an updated Form I-20 from the PDSO showing that you have been authorized to engage in F-1 Curricular Practical Training (employment based in an academic internship / fieldwork / practicum)
Optional Practical Training or other off-campus employment: obtain a valid, unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services authorizing you to work under F-1 optional practical training, international organization employment, or severe economic hardship employment.

Reach out to the PDSO. If you are requesting a SSN based on on-campus employment, you must bring your employment letter to the PDSO. The PDSO will issue a second letter to confirm that you have secured on-campus employment and that you are a full-time student in good standing. A letter from the PDSO is not required if your employment is based on curricular, practical training, optional practical training, international organization employment, or severe economic hardship employment.

Applying for a SSN more than 30 days prior to the start of your on-campus employment, CPT authorization, or the beginning date of your EAD card, is generally not recommended. The Social Security Administration has rejected applications submitted more than 30 days before the start of employment as too early. When you submit your application, your documents will be reviewed by an SSA examiner. Once your application is accepted, ask for an application receipt so that you can show your employer that you have applied for a SSN. You can expect to receive your SSN within 4-6 weeks, although processing times vary.

SSN/TIN is Required for Student Workers

No student may begin work as a student worker until he/she has completed all of the required paperwork and has valid Social Security Number (SSN)/Tax Identification Number.

Where to Find Available On-Campus Positions

The University, on average, has about 180-200 student workers each semester. On-campus positions are not guaranteed, but there are many different types of positions, including but not limited to:

Admissions Ambassador
Athletics
Resident Assistant
Peer Tutor
Teacher Assistant
Orientation Leader

To view the available positions:

Log in to MyUSJ, then click on: Student > Student Resources Page > Career Development > Student Employment Information

On-Campus Employment

Employment

Social Security Number (SSN) Application Procedure for F-1 Students

1. Obtain evidence of employment and valid F-1 employment authorization.

2. Reach out to the PDSO.

3. Visit a Social Security Office to apply for a SSN.

SSN/TIN is Required for Student Workers

Where to Find Available On-Campus Positions