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Employment For F-1 Students
International Student Employment
Welcome to the International Student Employment page. This information is meant for La Sierra University international students. It is for general informational purposes only. If you are a La Sierra student and you have further questions about travel and your visa status, please contact the International Student Services Office.
Federal regulations significantly limit the opportunities for international students to pursue employment in the United States. Any work related activity, on or off campus, paid or non-paid, will require appropriate authorization before beginning. Pursuing a work-related activity without proper authorization is considered a violation of status and has serious consequences on your ability to pursue or complete your degree program. Advanced planning and understanding the employment authorization process is crucial to be able to lawfully pursue the activity both during and after completion of your program of study.
F-1 international students, who are maintaining their F-1 student status, are eligible to work on-campus. The employment does not need to be directly related to your program of study and does not need special authorization. You must also follow U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Department of State regulations. We recommend beginning your journey by taking a look at open positions listed on the La Sierra University Employment Opportunities page.
On-Campus Employment Requirements
- You may work on campus on a part-time basis (up to 20 hours per week). Please note that the 20 hours per week limit is inclusive of all employment. For example, if you work 15 hours a week in one job, you may only work 5 hours a week in your second job.
- You may work full-time (up to 40 hours per week) during academic breaks if you are returning to La Sierra University the following term.
- You must continue to maintain your F-1 visa status when engaging in on-campus employment.
Note:
A student who has completed all requirements for the his/her degree is no longer eligible for on-campus employment. A student may only begin or continue on-campus employment provided they intend to enroll for the next regular academic term at the school which issued his/her SEVIS I-20.
- You are not eligible for the federal work-study program. The federal work-study program provides jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay for education expenses. Under the federal work-study program, a percentage of a student's earnings is paid through federal funds, and the remainder is paid by the student's employer.
Benefits of Working
- Earn extra $$
- Work experience looks good on resume
- Meet new people and make friends
- Develop communication skills and various other skills
- Learn to manage your time and juggle many projects at once
- Recommendation letters and personal references for future employment or education
Tips for Securing a New Position
- Don't be afraid to ask questions
- Have confidence
- Approach prospective employers
- Practice answering questions employers might ask
- Good personal hygiene and appropriate dress
Social Security Number (SSN)
A Social Security Number (SSN) is generally assigned to people by the Social Security Administration (SSA) who are authorized to work in the United States. The SSN is a way to report wages to the U.S. government.
Applying for an SSN is free. You are eligible for a SSN only if you are employed or have the appropriate work authorization. If you do not meet one of these criteria, you will not qualify for a SSN.
Steps to obtaining a SSN
Your department must provide you with the Student Employment Authorization form. This will initiate the new hire process. Please bring this form to Human Resources as soon as possible after you have been offered a position.
It is important to remember, that you are not cleared to work and should not begin working until you have clearance from the Human Resources Office.
When you come to the Human Resources Office with your Student Employment Authorization form, please also bring with you the following:
- Your passport
- Your I-20
- Your I-94 card
After completing the required new hire paperwork, the Human Resources office will provide you with the documentation that you need to apply for a SSN.
How to make an SSN appointment
- Click on "Answer a few questions."
- Call +1 800-772-1213 to make an appointment with an agent.
- Alternatively, fill out the SS-5 form and send it with the supporting documents to any SSN office.
Note: You need a U.S. number to receive a response from Social Security.
Taxes
Tax Reporting Requirements
All international students, and their dependents present in the U.S. during any part of the calendar year are responsible for filing annual tax forms. This is a requirement even if you did not work or earn income in the U.S.
Tax Deadlines
The U.S. federal tax year begins on January 1st and ends on December 31st. The tax filing deadline is typically April 15th of each year. This date may change depending on the dates for any official, observed holidays. You should not file your tax return until you have received all forms associated with your taxable income (i.e. Form W-2, etc.). Employers are required to issue Form W-2 by January 31st.
How to File
La Sierra University has teamed up with Sprintax to provide you with easy-to-use tax preparation software designed for non-resident students and scholars in the U.S. Please see the International Student Services Office for more information on Sprintax. The Office of International Student Services and other La Sierra University staff are NOT permitted to assist any student/scholar with any IRS tax form preparation or tax related questions. The information provided is intended for your benefit. Any questions or concerns should be directed to Sprintax, a certified tax preparer or a local IRS field office. The cost for the SpringTax filing is $25.
Beware of Tax Scams
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) urges the public to stay alert for scam phone calls. Click here for more information.
F-2 Visa Holders (F-1 Dependents)
Dependents of F-1 students (F-2 visa holders) may not work in the U.S.