Working in the US During College

Choosing to go to college or university in the US is expensive for students from other countries. Costs for travel, tuition, books, room and board, health care, entertainment and transportation can mount up quickly, with few financial aid options available to international students.

To relieve some of the financial burden on their families and communities, many international students consider finding employment while they attend school. Though the amount of money they make may not be substantial, it can be helpful supplemental income.

While student visas do allow foreign nationals to work while in school, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has strict regulations about how much work and what type of work can be done. The following is an overview of legal employment for student visa holders that are enrolled in a college or university. Note that regulations can change over time so students are advised to check the latest details with the USCIS or a professional service specializing in assisting international students in the US.

Visa Restictions

It is important to be very clear about all regulations established by USCIS that apply to student visa holders, and to make sure that any work that is performed does not jeopardize visa status. Representatives in the offices of international services are recommended sources of up-to-date information specific to a region or school.

Here is a summary of these laws according to visa type:

Foreign Student Visa (F-1) Holders

• Most undergraduate and graduate-level students hold a Foreign Student Visa (F-1)
• During the first academic year of study, students are allowed to work only on campus, and no more than 20 hours per week while classes are in session. During school breaks, F-1 holders can work more than 20 hours weekly, including full-time employment
• Once a student has been in F-1 status for two complete academic terms (9 consecutive months), they may seek off-campus employment called Curricular Practical Training (see below)

Other Student Visas

• Students who hold J-1 visas may not accept employment without written permission from the institution or agency that issues the Form IAP-66 or DS-2019 (their visa sponsors)
• Dependents of F-1 students (F-2 visa holders) are not allowed to work for any reason
• Dependents of J-1 students (J-2 visa holders) are able to work only with special permission from the USCIS

Work Opportunities for International Students

Curricular Practical Training

Once they have completed one academic year, international students are eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) which allows them to work off-campus. In order to qualify for CPT, the work opportunity must be directly related to the student's course of study, and the student must be enrolled in a course for academic credit (schools have specific courses that are paired with CPT).

Steps to apply for CPT include:

1. Identify an internship opportunity
2. Receive an offer letter with specifics about the position
3. Fill out the CPT application form (available at the school's office of international services)
4. Have the form signed by an academic advisor
5. Present the form and offer letter to the office of international services

On-Campus Employment

The following kinds of on-campus work are permitted for international students with F-1 status:

• Working for the school's library, computer centers, or housing
• Work required for a fellowship, scholarship or assistantship
• Working on school grounds for an employer that provides direct services to students, such as the school bookstore, travel agency, theater, recreational facilities, cafeteria, etc.

Steps for F-1 visa holders to apply for on-campus employment include:

• Be enrolled in classes
• Apply for a Social Security card (see below) if needed
• Request permission from an international student advisor to work on campus (bring a DS-2019 or I-20, I-94, Social Security card and passport)
• Seek employment

Social Security Numbers and Taxes

Social Security Numbers (SSN) are assigned to all new citizens of the US (usually shortly after birth). The unique numbers are officially used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to worker identification, wage reporting and taxes, and to determine eligibility for Social Security (see below). They are also used as personal identification numbers on applications, credit, security verification, etc. -- although recent changes in US law limit this practice.

The money F-1 students earn is taxed according to federal, state, and local tax laws. The amount of each paycheck reflects these deductions (that may be refunded according to standards established by the government upon receipt of a completed income tax return). Therefore an employer must have an international student's SSN in order to be able to pay them for their work. However, SSNs can only be issued to international students after they have received valid employment offers.

Applications for a social security card can be completed in person at any local Social Security office. It will be necessary to provide:

• A completed SSN form from an employer verifying the offer of employment
• A completed SSN form from an international student services advisor
• A passport with I-94 card
• An I-20 form

Cards are received approximately one month after completing the application. To begin work before receiving a social security card, a student should present a document from the SSA as proof of application.

For more information about SSNs, visit the Internal Revenue Service's website.

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