Lana Oconnell
International students in the US often seek part-time employment to support their studies and gain work experience. Those with F-1 status, the most common visa type for international students, face strict regulations on off-campus work, with eligibility generally limited to the second academic year and requiring prior authorization. Obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN) is a crucial step in the process of securing employment in the US, but it does not grant work authorization. International students must provide proof of employment eligibility and authorization to apply for an SSN, which is then used for taxation purposes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can an international student work off-campus in the US with an SSN? | Yes, but only after the first academic year and if the work is related to their area of study and authorized by a Designated School Official and USCIS. |
| Requirements for off-campus employment | F-1 status, valid immigration documents (passport, I-20 or DS-2019, I-94 card), evidence of lawful employment (e.g., authorization for CPT or OPT), and a Social Security Number (SSN). |
| How to obtain an SSN | Apply in person at a local Social Security Administration office with the required documents, including evidence of employment authorization and eligibility. |
| Processing time for SSN application | Typically 4-6 weeks, but may vary. |
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What You'll Learn
International students need work authorization to get an SSN
International students in the US who want to work off-campus need to obtain work authorization and a Social Security Number (SSN). While an SSN is not required for non-work purposes, such as obtaining a driver's license or opening a bank account, it is necessary for employment.
To apply for an SSN, international students must provide evidence of valid employment authorization. This can include on-campus employment, off-campus training authorization, CPT (curricular practical training), OPT (optional practical training), international organization employment, or severe economic hardship employment. The specific requirements may vary depending on the student's visa status, such as F-1 or J-1.
For on-campus employment, students need to obtain a letter from their department confirming the job offer. This letter should include details such as the job title and be printed on department letterhead. With this letter, students can then apply for work authorization and subsequently for an SSN.
In some cases, international students may be eligible for off-campus employment, which can also serve as a basis for applying for an SSN. However, specific rules and restrictions apply to off-campus work, and students should carefully review the regulations pertaining to their visa status.
It is important to note that simply having an SSN does not grant authorization to work in the US. The Social Security Administration's publication, "Foreign Workers and Social Security Numbers," provides additional information on this topic. Students should consult their international student office or a similar department for guidance on obtaining work authorization and an SSN.
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F-1 students must provide evidence of lawful employment
International students with an F-1 visa are permitted to work in the US, but their employment options are restricted. F-1 students are typically only authorized to work on their school campus. They may work in any qualifying on-campus job, but it must not displace a US citizen or lawful permanent resident. F-1 students must also adhere to hourly limitations, working no more than 20 hours per week during the school term and 40 hours per week during holiday breaks and vacations.
To apply for a Social Security Number (SSN), F-1 students must provide evidence of lawful employment. This includes obtaining a letter from their college or university department confirming that they have been offered an on-campus job. The letter must be printed on department letterhead, signed by the hiring department, and include the job title. This letter is then presented to the Social Security Administration (SSA) as evidence of authorized employment.
F-1 students can also provide alternative forms of evidence for lawful employment, such as authorization for curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training (OPT). CPT and OPT are forms of off-campus employment that must be related to the student's area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS. To obtain CPT or OPT authorization, F-1 students must file a Form I-765 with USCIS and include supporting evidence, such as the Form I-20 "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status."
It is important to note that simply having an SSN does not grant authorization to work in the US. However, once authorized to work, individuals are required to apply for an SSN. F-1 students must ensure they follow the proper procedures and provide the necessary evidence to maintain lawful employment status and avoid any immigration-related repercussions.
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Severe economic hardship employment
Simply having a Social Security Number (SSN) does not grant an international student legal authorization to work in the US. However, if you are an international student with a valid F-1 or J-1 visa and have been granted legal authorization to work, you are required to apply for and obtain an SSN.
- Loss of financial aid or on-campus employment (if the student is not at fault)
- Substantial fluctuations in the value of currency or exchange rate
- Inordinate increases in tuition or living costs
- Unexpected changes in the financial condition of the student's source of support
- Medical bills
- Other substantial and unexpected expenses
To qualify for off-campus employment under severe economic hardship, the student must demonstrate that on-campus employment is unavailable or insufficient to meet their financial needs. A Designated School Official (DSO) must verify that the student qualifies for off-campus employment and make a recommendation for the same. The student must then file a Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The USCIS officer will make a case-by-case decision on the application and, if approved, the student will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD, Form I-766). The off-campus employment authorization is typically valid for up to 1 year or until the completion of the program, whichever comes first.
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On-campus employment
International students can generally work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and 40 hours per week during academic breaks. On-campus employment includes work performed directly for the school, and on school premises. This might include jobs as a teaching or research assistant, or jobs in the university library, dining facilities, laboratories, and administrative offices. On-campus employment also includes work for on-location commercial firms that provide services for students on campus, and work at off-campus locations that are directly affiliated with the school.
To apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) based on on-campus employment, international students must bring a letter from their department to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). The OISS will issue a second letter to confirm that the student has secured on-campus employment and is a full-time student in good standing. An OISS letter is not required if the student's employment is based on curricular practical training, optional practical training, international organization employment, or severe economic hardship employment.
International students can begin the on-campus job search using online job portals, university-specific job platforms, career centres, networking, and job fairs. It is recommended that students start their job search early, as on-campus positions can be competitive and tend to be more available at the beginning of the year.
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Application process and requirements
International students enrolled full-time and in valid F-1 status can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. However, the United States has strict rules for international students who want to work off-campus. Students with F-1 status cannot be employed off-campus without meeting eligibility requirements and obtaining official authorization.
To be eligible to work off-campus, international students must have been enrolled for at least one academic year and have active F-1 student status. They must also show an ability to afford school and living expenses before entering the United States and should not plan to work off-campus. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will authorize off-campus employment only in cases of severe economic hardship occurring after a student's enrollment in an academic program and after the student has been in F-1 status for at least one full academic year, or in emergent circumstances as defined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Emergent circumstances include world events that cause severe economic hardship, such as natural disasters, wars, military conflicts, and international financial crises.
To apply for off-campus employment authorization, students must follow a specific process:
- Obtain a Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," from the Designated School Official (DSO), signed within the last 30 days, certifying that the applicant is a bona fide F-1 student.
- The DSO should then decide whether to make the recommendation and enter it into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
- The DSO should print and sign the supporting Form I-20 and give it to the student.
- The student should then complete Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," ensuring that the supporting evidence clearly shows their eligibility.
- After obtaining documentation for employment authorization from their ISS adviser or sponsoring agency, students can complete the social security application online and visit their local SSA office to show their documents in person.
- The Social Security Administration will mail the student's Social Security number and card as soon as all their immigration information has been verified, which can take 2-4 weeks or more.
It is important to note that off-campus employment authorization for F-1 students ends one year after issuance or upon completion of their program, whichever comes first. Additionally, on-campus employment at an off-campus location is available to all F-1 students except border commuter students, and this employment must be for an employer educationally affiliated with the student's school.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you need an SSN to work off-campus in the US as an international student. However, simply having an SSN does not grant you legal authorization to work. You must first obtain valid employment authorization and then apply for an SSN.
To apply for an SSN, you must show the Social Security Administration that you are eligible to work in the US. You will need to provide evidence of employment and valid F-1 employment authorization. You will also need to submit a Social Security Letter Request and visit a Social Security Office.
International students enrolled full-time and in valid F-1 status cannot be employed off-campus without meeting eligibility requirements and obtaining official authorization. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in off-campus employment if they have authorization from a Designated School Official and USCIS. This authorization is granted on a case-by-case basis due to special situations such as severe economic hardship.
