First-Year International Student Guide to Working On-Campus

If you are an international student attending a US University on an F-1 Visa, you are eligible to accept an on-campus job and earn a salary!

International students are permitted to work on their university campus to create a source of income, gain professional experience, and build their resumes. Here is a guide to working on campus as a first year international student.

Rules and Requirements for a F-1 Visa Holder to Accept an On-Campus Job

• May work at any qualifying on-campus job that does not displace a U.S. citizen

• May work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session (full-time [20+ hours] during periods when school is not in session or during the annual vacation)

• Should report their work to their university and receive a certification letter to present to the Social Security Administration to receive a SSN

Not complying with these guidelines for on-campus employment may be a violation of your student status that could result in you having to leave the United States. Please click here to read more about these guidelines.

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Top 4 Benefits of Working On-Campus

• Earn a salary to support daily expenses and lifestyle in the United States

• Gain work experience to build your resume for future job applications

• Build personal and professional relationships with co-workers and departments

• Apply for a Social Security Number early in your US career

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Types of On Campus Employment

Here are the most common types of on-campus employment:

Library/Office Assistant

Office and/or library assistants are required to maintain and upkeep administrative work to help with daily operations within the respective spaces. Although assistants do not often require intensive training, you must be prepared to spend a majority of your shift working behind the desk and servicing all students/staff coming by.

Barista

Baristas receive on the job training to ensure they can make drinks, operate the POS systems, take orders, communicate with the kitchen, count change, and interact with customers. Working as a barista can be rewarding, especially through tips from customers, but be ready to spend their entire shift on moving around on your feet, without any rest.

Teaching Assistant (TA)

If you exceed expectations in one of your classes and maintain good relations with your professor, you can request to apply and become a teaching assistant for their class. Teaching assistants often host office hours, help with administrative work in class, proctor exams, host study sessions, and grade assignments. 

Research Assistant (RA)

Although it is less common for a first-year student to work in research, there are many college departments that look for research assistants to work on data collection, data entry, or operations to support research studies. Research positions are often more competitive and require larger, semester-long time commitments.

Tour Guide

All university campuses conduct tours for prospective students and their parents, and look for enthusiastic (current) students to lead the way. Tour guides are employed by the admissions office and undergo extensive training to showcase the university in the best light. As a tour guide. you will spend your entire shift on your feet and require high energy levels.

Each university has their own tool to help students identify career opportunities. Once you access your university’s internal platform (often found on the “job search” section of the university’s website), you can filter your search to find and apply for on-campus opportunities.