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. Fill out and bring this form with you.
- 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.
Learn more about Social Security numbers (pdf)