Employment: On-Campus
Basic guidelines for on-campus employment:
- Students may work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session; student may work full-time during the times when school is not in session, or during annual vacation periods.
- The job must be physically located on the school’s campus or off-campus at the site of an educationally affiliated organization. (For example, Bryn Mawr College).
- Consult with the ISSO before seeking employment on campus.
- Secure the Work Authorization document to present to the Social Security Administration office in order to apply for a Social Security Number. The Document can be found on the ISS website.
- The qualifying work must not displace a U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident.
- Visit the Center for Career and Professional Advising to view available on-campus jobs.
- More detailed information on employment can be found at: https://www.ice.gov/sevis/employment
Employment: Off-Campus
Basic Guidelines for off-campus employment:
- Generally, off-campus employment is employment that is for economic need and does not necessarily have to relate to the student's academic course of study.
- Keep in mind that F-1 students before coming to the U.S. to study, are required to prove their ability to pay the associated fees for studying and living in the States. In other words, F-1 students should not come with the intention of working off-campus to pay the cost of school and living expenses.
- Note that off-campus employment requires authorization by (USCIS) United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. USCIS will review individual cases for off-campus employment for severe economic hardship. This hardship must have taken place after the student completed one full academic year, or in an emergency situation. For example, world events, natural disasters, wars, etc.
- Further information on emergent circumstances and Special Student Relief can be found at: https://www.ice.gov/sevis/employment#_1_1
Consult with the ISSO regarding the application process.
If you plan to work in the U.S.A, you must have a Social Security number. Your social security number is NOT your school identification number. Social security numbers are generally assigned to individuals authorized to work in the U.S. The number is used to report wages, salaries and tips, to determine eligibility for Social Security benefits.
Pre-requisite:
Required Documents:
All documents must be originals. Photocopies will only be accepted IF it is certified by the issuing agency. No photocopies or notarized copies of documents will be accepted! Receipts showing that you have applied for the document will not be accepted!
Bring your completed application packet to the ISSO for review before going to the Social Security Office. An appointment should be scheduled in advance for the revision of your packet.
Once you receive your Social Security Number, memorize it; bring the card to the Registrar and Business Office so your school records can be updated.
Social Security Office Locations:
The following are three addresses of Social Security Administration offices that are located in Philadelphia, Montgomery and Delaware Counties. (The Upper Darby and Philadelphia Offices are most visited by students):
Social Security Administration (Philadelphia County)
1500 John F. Kennedy Blvd., 20th Floor
2 Penn Center, Suite 2000A
Philadelphia, PA 19102-9713
Hours of Operation: Monday – Fridays 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Social Security Administration (Norristown - Montgomery County)
1700 Markley Street, First Floor
Norristown, PA 19401
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Social Security Administration (Upper Darby - Delaware County)
8645 West Chester Pike
Upper Darby, PA 19082-4505
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Directions to other SS offices can be found on SEPTA’s website: http://www.septa.org/
Resources:
Social Security Toll-Free Number
Generally, SSA does not publish the phone numbers of its local offices. You can call the toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). By calling 1-800-772-1213, you can use the automated telephone services to get recorded information and conduct some business 24 hours a day. If you cannot handle your business through the automated services, you can speak to a Social Security representative between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call during the week after Tuesday. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call our toll-free TTY number, 1-800-325-0778, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.