Work Study: International Student Opportunities And Application Process

International students often do not qualify for work-study positions as most of these positions are federally funded and thus only available to students who have completed the FAFSA. However, international students can still work part-time while studying, allowing them to finance their educational expenses and tuition, as well as save money for other expenses. In the US, international students need a Social Security Number to work, but they must secure a job first to apply for one.

International students are eligible for work-study at some universities

International students in the US can benefit from work-study programs at some universities. Work-study programs allow students to work part-time and earn money to pay for their education. While federal work-study is not an option for international students, some universities offer work-study programs through institutional funding. For example, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Mary Washington offer work-study programs to eligible international students through institutional funding.

International students at universities with federal work-study programs may still have opportunities for employment through on-campus jobs. Additionally, international students can seek guidance from the office of career services or the international students' office to review what job opportunities might be available to them.

It is important to note that working while studying can be demanding, and international students should ensure they can manage their schedules effectively. In addition, international students in the US need a Social Security Number to work, but they must first secure a job to apply for one.

While work-study programs can provide financial benefits, they also offer other advantages, such as gaining real-world experience in one's field of study, improving English language skills, and expanding one's professional network.

Work-study is a US government program that allows students to work part-time

While the federal work-study program is generally not available to international students due to its federal funding, there are still opportunities for international students to work part-time while studying in the US. Some colleges and universities offer institutional work-study programs that are funded by the school itself, rather than the federal government, and these may be open to international students. For example, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Mary Washington offer work-study programs specifically for international students.

Additionally, international students may be able to find on-campus employment outside of the work-study program, as many colleges and universities offer a variety of job opportunities for students. These jobs can provide similar benefits to the work-study program, such as flexible hours and the ability to earn money while gaining valuable experience. However, international students should be aware that their ability to work on or off-campus may depend on their visa type, and they may need to obtain a Social Security Number before they can begin working.

To find out more about work-study and other employment opportunities, international students can seek guidance from their school's career services office or international student office. These offices can provide information on the specific policies and procedures related to part-time work for international students.

International students can work on-campus jobs

International students in the US can work on-campus jobs. On-campus work is a great option for international students as it allows them to gain work experience and references for their resumes. International students on F-1 visas can work on campus without requiring additional work authorization. F-1 students can work at any qualifying on-campus job that does not displace a US citizen or LPR, and they can work up to 20 hours per week during the school term and full-time during academic breaks.

There are a variety of on-campus jobs available for international students, including roles in the dining hall, library, athletic facilities, campus offices, and departments. Students can also work as paid research assistants, academic tutors, or take on paid student leadership roles. International students can find on-campus job opportunities through online job portals, university-specific job platforms, career centers, networking events, and job fairs.

While international students are not eligible for federal work-study programs due to their federal funding, some universities offer institutionally-funded work-study programs for international students. These programs provide part-time jobs for students with financial needs, allowing them to earn money to finance their education. International students should check with their university's international student services office or career services office to understand the specific on-campus work opportunities available to them.

It is important to note that the exact policies regarding on-campus work for international students may vary by school, so it is always best to consult with the institution directly to understand their specific requirements and restrictions. Additionally, international students should be mindful of their visa type and any applicable policies related to on-campus employment.

Off-campus work requires a Social Security Number

International students in the United States are often not eligible for work-study programs as most of these positions are federally funded. However, some universities may have programs or policies that allow international students to work in jobs reserved for federal work-study. Additionally, international students can explore various other opportunities for employment while enrolled as a student, including on-campus jobs.

If you are an international student in the US and are offered an off-campus job, you will need to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). Here is a step-by-step guide on how to obtain an SSN for off-campus work as an international student:

Step 1: Obtain Valid Employment Authorization

Before applying for an SSN, you must first obtain valid employment authorization. There are several ways to do this:

• On-Campus Employment: Get a letter from your university department confirming that you have been offered an on-campus job. This letter must be printed on department letterhead and signed by your hiring department.
• Optional Practical Training: Obtain a valid, unexpired Employment Authorization (EAD) card from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, authorizing you to work under F-1 optional practical training or other eligible categories.

Step 2: Submit a Social Security Letter Request

Once you have obtained employment authorization, you can submit a Social Security Letter Request to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) via their online platform. If your employment is based on curricular practical training, optional practical training, international organization employment, or severe economic hardship employment, you may not need an OISS letter.

Step 3: Apply for a Social Security Number

After receiving confirmation from the OISS, you can proceed to apply for your SSN. Visit a local Social Security Administration office in person and bring the following documents:

• OISS On-Campus Employment Authorization/SSN Eligibility Letter (if applicable)
• Employment Authorization (EAD) card (for off-campus employment)
• Valid immigration documents, including a valid passport, I-20 or DS-2019, and an I-94 card or electronic I-94 with the appropriate notation
• Evidence of employment and valid F-1 employment authorization (for J-1 students)

Step 4: Receive Your Social Security Number

The Social Security Administration will verify all your immigration information before issuing your SSN. This process can take 2-4 weeks or more. They will mail your SSN and card to you once everything is verified.

It is important to note that simply having an SSN does not grant you legal authorization to work in the US. You must have separate legal authorization to work, and only then are you required to obtain an SSN. Additionally, some types of employment, such as curricular practical training or optional practical training, may allow you to start working without an SSN, but you should ensure that your employer follows the correct instructions in such cases.

Work-study is one of three types of needs-based financial aid

International students in the US often wonder if they are eligible for work-study programmes. Work-study is one of three types of needs-based financial aid, the other two being grants and scholarships. These types of financial aid are awarded based on the student's need, which is determined by factors such as family size, income, and the number of family members enrolled in post-secondary programmes. Work-study, like grants and scholarships, is financial aid that does not need to be repaid.

In the US, work-study is a federal government programme that allows undergraduate and graduate students with financial needs to work part-time and earn money to pay for their education. However, international students are usually not eligible for these federal work-study programmes as they are only available to students who have completed the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

Despite this, some universities in the US, such as the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Mary Washington, offer work-study programmes to international students through institutional funding. These programmes provide job opportunities for international students to work on or off-campus and finance their educational expenses. Additionally, some schools may have special policies or programmes that allow international students to work in jobs typically reserved for federal work-study.

It is important for international students to review the applicable policies and seek guidance from the relevant university offices to determine their eligibility for work-study programmes and explore alternative employment opportunities while studying.

Frequently asked questions