Departments employing international students should keep in mind any immigration restrictions and required authorizations.
Current Students
F and J international students can work on campus with a few restrictions. Immigration regulations limit students to working no more than 20 hours per week during a normal academic quarter. However, they may exceed this limit during university breaks (e.g., winter break) or their annual vacation quarter.
Hiring a Current F-1 Student
An F-1 student can work on campus without authorization from ISS as early as 30 days before the Program Start Date listed on their immigration document (I-20). Their I-20 is their work authorization for on-campus employment, and the student may need to provide this information during the HR process. The Program End Date listed on their I-20 is the last date of employment eligibility.
If an F-1 student does not have a Social Security Number, they will need to apply for a Letter of Support from ISS which they can do in their MyISSS portal. The SSN is not the work authorization for an international student, and they may be able to work without it if allowed by their employer.
Hiring a Current J-1 Student
A J-1 student must request authorization from ISS to work on campus. They can do so by submitting the On-campus Employment request in their MyISSS portal. Once submitted, ISS will issue a letter of authorization which can be used along with their DS-2019 as proof of employment eligibility. J-1 students must report any on-campus employment. The Program End Date listed on their DS-2019 is the last date of employment eligibility.
If a J-1 student does not have a Social Security Number, they can apply for one once authorized for employment by ISS.
Alumni
International students must stop on-campus work once they complete their academic program. The last day of employment eligibility is the Program End Date on their immigration document (I-20/DS-2019). To employ an F or J international student after graduation, the student must obtain post-graduation employment authorization. Students cannot work or volunteer after graduation until authorized.
Hiring F-1 Alumni
F-1 students can be authorized for Post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) which can be used for positions in their field of study. This includes research work, post-doc positions, etc. When approved for OPT, students receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card which serves as their proof of employment eligibility. Students cannot work until they have received the EAD card and reached the start date listed on it.
Hiring J-1 Alumni
J-1 students can be authorized for Post-completion Academic Training (OPT) which can be used for positions in their field of study. This includes research work, post-doc positions, etc. Academic Training is a work authorization processed and approved by the ISS office. The student’s immigration document (DS-2019) will be extended and updated to reflect the employment details.