USA Services Working

Services for Students
Studying in the USA

It may be possible to work during your studies in the USA depending on the type of visa you have. Have a look below at the different types of visa to check your employment status as an international student in the USA:

F-1 status allows for part time, on-campus employment for upto 20 hours per week.

J-1 student status allows for similar employment as the F-1 visa with similar restrictions. However, the exchange visitor program sponsor must give permission.

M-1 visa holders for technical and vocational programs are not permitted to work during the course of their studies. Therefore, M-1 student visa applicants must have evidence that sufficient funds are available to pay all tuition and living costs for the entire period of their intended stay in the USA.

Work Permits

After the completion of your first year of study, you may be allowed to work on- or off-campus under certain circumstances. Please see a welfare or international student adviser to discuss your employment status.

For further information on the rules of student employment for international students provided by the State Department, please visit http://uscis.gov/lpBin/lpext.dll/?f=id&id

Social Security Number (SSN)

If you are going to work in the US, you will require a Social Security number (SSN). However, a Social Security card is not a work permit and it does not mean you are eligible to receive any Social Security benefits.

The following international students are eligible to apply for an SSN.

F-1 students with employment or job offer and employment authorization
J-1 students with employment authorization
J-1 visiting scholars employed by their program sponsor

SSN applications can only be made once you have arrived in the US by visiting a local Social Security office
http://s3abaca.ssa.gov/pro/fol/fol-home.html with the following documents:

F-1 students: passport, I-20, I-94, employer letter with endorsement, employment authorization if employment is off-campus
J-1 students: passport, DS-2019, I-94, employment authorization letter
J-1 visiting scholars: passport, DS-2019, I-94