Job Hunting In Boston: International Student Edition

International students in Boston do have the option to work, but there are a number of rules and procedures to follow, and these vary depending on the student's immigration status. For instance, international students in F-1 and J-1 immigration status are authorised to work on campus during their program of study, but they must obtain a Social Security Number and complete an I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification. Students in other immigration categories may be eligible to work if they have US employment authorisation.

Can international students get a job in Boston?

International students with F-1 and J-1 immigration status can work on-campus at Boston University

There are two main types of on-campus employment positions at Boston University for international students with F-1 and J-1 status. The first type is work that is paid directly by the Student Employment Office (SEO). The second type includes positions such as Orientation Leaders, Community Service Coordinators, and Resident Assistants in the dormitories, which are available to students who have completed their freshman year. It is important to note that Resident Assistant positions are considered 20-hour jobs, which means students cannot accept any additional on-campus employment during regular semesters.

International students with F-1 and J-1 status at Boston University must adhere to the work authorization specified for them, including the dates and hours they are allowed to work. Part-time authorization allows for 20 hours or less of work per week, while full-time authorization permits more than 20 hours of work per week. Certain authorizations, such as F-1 CPT and J-1 AT, are employer-specific, meaning that academic or curricular training can only be conducted at the approved internship or placement site.

J-1 Academic Training (AT) is a benefit of J-1 student status that permits off-campus work, training, or other experiences directly related to the student's field of study and J-1 program objective. To be eligible for AT, students must be primarily in the United States to study and participate in academic training that is directly related to their major field of study. It is recommended to apply for AT before completing one's studies, but if unable to do so, a 30-day "grace period" is granted by immigration regulations after the completion date.

International students must obtain a Social Security Number for tax purposes

International students at Boston University who are seeking employment are required to obtain a Social Security Number for tax purposes. This is a crucial step in the process of securing a job, as it ensures that students can be appropriately compensated for their work and comply with US tax laws.

To initiate the process of obtaining a Social Security Number, international students must first secure a job offer. Once an offer is in place, students can proceed with the necessary steps to acquire their Social Security card and number. This card serves as a crucial form of identification and enables students to navigate the tax system effectively.

It is important to note that international students have specific employment guidelines to follow. These guidelines are established by Boston University, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and their sponsoring agencies. Adhering to these guidelines is essential to maintain lawful immigration status and avoid any penalties. Therefore, students are advised to familiarise themselves with the rules and regulations governing their employment.

To obtain a Social Security Number, international students can take advantage of resources such as the Social Security Administration and the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO). These offices can provide guidance and support throughout the process, ensuring that students complete all the necessary steps correctly. Additionally, students can refer to the Employment Guide for International Students, which offers valuable information on employment-related matters.

Once international students receive their Social Security card and number, they must update their information with Student Payroll. This step ensures that their employment records are accurate and up to date. Students can choose to submit their Social Security Number and BU ID in person at the FirstPoint counter or electronically via a secure email with the subject "SSN Submission". It is important to exercise caution and refrain from sharing government identification through regular email or phone to protect personal information.

International students can find on-campus jobs through the JobX Student Job Board

International students in Boston do have the option to work on-campus. For instance, at Boston University, international students in F-1 and J-1 immigration status are authorized to work on campus during their program of study. International students who meet the eligibility criteria to work on-campus at Boston University may seek positions through the JobX Student Job Board.

The JobX Student Job Board is likely to feature a variety of on-campus job postings that are suitable for international students. These jobs may include positions such as research assistants, teaching fellows, orientation leaders, community service coordinators, or resident assistants. These positions are typically part-time and offer flexible hours that can fit around a student's academic schedule.

In addition to the JobX Student Job Board, international students can also find on-campus jobs through word-of-mouth, job listings posted around campus, or by directly contacting departments that may be seeking student workers. It is important for international students to be aware of the rules and regulations regarding their employment eligibility and to ensure they have the necessary work permissions and authorizations in place before accepting any job offer.

Once an international student has secured an on-campus job, they will need to complete certain steps, such as obtaining a Social Security Number and completing an I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification form. These steps are important to ensure that the student is legally authorized to work in the United States and to facilitate the payment process.

Overall, the JobX Student Job Board is a valuable resource for international students seeking on-campus employment opportunities in Boston. It provides a centralized location for students to find eligible job postings and helps them navigate the employment process, ensuring they comply with all necessary regulations.

International students must complete a Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification

International students at Boston University (BU) must complete a Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification. This process documents a student's identity and employment eligibility and must be completed within three days of the start of employment.

To complete the I-9 verification process, international students must first secure an on-campus job offer. Once this is done, they can proceed to complete Section 1 of the electronic Form I-9. Instructions for F-1 students on how to fill out this section can be found on the BU website. After completing Section 1, students must present their original documents, including their passport, I-20, and I-94, to their hiring manager. J-1 students sponsored by BU will need to present a passport, DS-2019, and I-94 to the ISSO during business hours. The ISSO will then complete Section 2 of the I-9 to confirm employment eligibility.

It is important to note that international students must complete the I-9 process before beginning any on-campus employment. Additionally, students must present proof of continued employment eligibility for the duration of their employment at BU through a process called employment re-verification. This re-verification is required to update the details in the Form I-9 and confirm eligibility for continued employment.

Overall, the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification process is a crucial step for international students seeking on-campus employment at Boston University. By following the outlined steps and presenting the necessary documentation, international students can ensure they are eligible for their desired on-campus jobs.

International students can work off-campus with specific authorisation from ISSO

International students at Boston University (BU) can work off-campus, but they must first receive specific authorisation from the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO). This is because working without the appropriate ISSO or United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) permission is a serious violation of immigration status, which can have steep penalties.

To be eligible to work off-campus, international students must meet the eligibility criteria established by BU, USCIS, and their sponsoring agencies. Students in immigration statuses other than F-1 or J-1 may be authorised for full-time or off-campus employment under certain circumstances but must consult with an advisor at ISSO before beginning work.

International students can find off-campus job opportunities through the JobX Student Job Board, word-of-mouth, or by looking at job listings posted around campus by departments looking for help.

Before starting an off-campus job, international students must complete several key steps. These include finding a job, registering for a full course of study, knowing the conditions of their work permission, and obtaining ISSO work authorisation. Additionally, they must complete an I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification and apply for a Social Security Number if they don't already have one. It is important for international students to understand the U.S. tax system and research any tax treaty benefits available to them.

By following these steps and obtaining the necessary authorisations, international students at BU can work off-campus while maintaining lawful immigration status.

Frequently asked questions