Employment

On-Campus Employment

F-1 students may work in any on-campus job (when the payment is from the university) for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and up to 40 hours per week during the following approved breaks only: summer and winter. Students must have a social security number to work.

Off-Campus Employment

F-1 students must have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year before obtaining authorization to work off-campus. Work authorization must be recommended by an international advisor, and in some cases, approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

F-1 students must have approval before working in an off-campus job.

Social Security

If you have an offer of employment, then you will need to apply to the government for a Social Security Number (SSN). It is on you to apply for the SSN and to keep it safe. International Student Services (ISS) can help you understand the application process.

Taxes

All students who have been present in the U.S. within the past calendar year are required by law to file taxes with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), even if you have not been employed. The tax filing deadline each year always falls on or around April 15th.