Office of International Programs (OIP)


On-campus Employment

 


Eligibility Requirements

You may work on campus provided:

  1. You are maintaining F-1 status
  2. You are in good academic standing at SF State (2.0 GPA for Undergraduates and 3.0 GPA for Graduates)
  3. You do not work more than a total of 20 hours per week while school is in session. According to USCIS regulations, you may be employed full time during holidays and vacation periods, including your summer and winter vacation, provided you are eligible and intend to register for the next semester.
  4. You do not displace an U.S. resident.

Note: In any semester in which you have been approved for a Reduced Course Load (RCL) due to Academic Difficulty or Medical Condition, on-campus employment is not permitted. The 20 hour-per-week limit on your employment while school is in session applies to all types of on-campus employment.

Authorization of Eligibility

You must obtain an authorization from OIP (Have your OIP Referral Form signed by an International Student Advisor at OIP) before beginning any on-campus employment.

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Jobs Which Qualify as "On-Campus Employment"

Employment by SF State
On-campus work performed for SF State is usually acceptable, whether it is employment in the library, the computer center or the housing office or work required by a scholarship, fellowship or assistantship. F-1 visa international students are only eligible to work in jobs that are classified as "student assistant" positions (and not "work study" jobs that are part of US federal financial aid programs).

Other Employment on SF State鈥檚 Premises
Work performed on SF State鈥檚 grounds is "On-campus employment" as long as the employer provides direct services to students. Employment in SF State bookstore or cafeteria, both of which provide direct services to students, is acceptable even if the bookstore or cafeteria is operated by a private, commercial firm. Work for a construction company which is erecting a campus building is not acceptable since the construction company does not provide direct student services.

Work Off Campus Which Qualifies as On-Campus Employment

USCIS regulations allow you to work at an off-campus location provided:

  • The location is educationally affiliated with the school
  • The educational affiliation is associated with your school's established curriculum or is related to a graduate level research project which your school has contracted to perform
  • The work is an integral or important part of you program of study. For example, if your field of study is marine biology and your school has an off-campus marine biology research facility, you may work there and that employment will be defined as "on campus".

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School Transfer, and Completion of Study

If you are transferring to another school you may continue on-campus employment at SF State until you move to your new school if you:

  1. Are in lawful F-1 status
  2. Have received an I-20 from a new school where you wish to continue study
  3. Intend to enroll at the new school for the next regular academic term of session

You may begin employment at your new school no earlier than 30 days before the start of classes. You may not be employed on campus after you have graduated from SF State.

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Employment for F-2 Dependents

Immigration regulations prohibit all employment for F-2 dependents (spouses and children of F-1 students).

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Employment Eligibility Verification

When you begin work, you and your employer must complete a form entitled "Employment Eligibility Verification" (USCIS Form I-9). The I-9 must be updated each time you renew your work permission.

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Social Security and Other Taxes

Social Security Taxes. In general, F-1 students who have been in the U.S. less than five years are exempt from Social Security (F.I.C.A.) withholding. Further information may be found in a booklet entitled "Social Security Coverage for Foreign Students & Exchange Visitors", available from your local Social Security Administration office.

Federal, State and Local Taxes. The earnings of F-1 students are subject to applicable federal, state and local taxes, and these amounts should be withheld from paychecks. You must file an income tax return on or before April 15 of each year, which will determine if any of the withheld taxes can be reclaimed.

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A Note of Caution

While USCIS regulations provide a variety of opportunities for you to be employed during your time in F-1 status, working improperly or without authorization is a serious violation of your status. You should therefore consult with your international student advisor before taking up any employment. It is your responsibility to comply with all immigration regulations which apply to F-1 students. Staff in the office of International Programs are responsible for advising and counseling you regarding your responsibilities. If you fail to comply with your responsibilities, you may not be eligible for benefits normally granted to F-1 students.

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Failure to Comply with Employment Regulations

It is your responsibility to comply with all USCIS regulations which apply to F-1 students. If you fail to comply with your responsibilities, you may not be eligible for benefits normally granted to F-1 students and, in some situations; you may be subject to deportation.

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How to Find an On-campus Job

To find an on-campus job, go to Carrer Center website at http://www.sfsu.edu/~career. The list of on-campus jobs is updated often, so be sure to check at least once each day for new listings.

Some Places to Look for Part-Time On-Campus Employment Opportunities:

Please note that inclusion on this list does not mean that the offices are currently hiring students, only that they have previously hired students for part-time positions.

  • Chartwell Dining Services hires students to fill positions in the Residential Dining Halls, and in the snack bars in the residential areas. To apply, visit the location where you would like to work and ask for the manager.
  • The Division of Information Technology (DoIT) hires students on a part-time basis for a variety of positions, including web developer, machine operators, Help Desk consultants, etc. You must have good communication skills in English. To obtain a job application, you may pick one up at the Help Desk located in OLD ADM 110.
  • The J. Paul Leonard University Library
  • The SFSU Bookstore
  • DPRC (Disability Programs & Resource Center)
  • The Learning Assistance Center (LAC) in HSS 348 generally needs tutors in a variety of subjects.
  • Audio-Visual Services hires students to assist with maintenance and delivery of equipment on campus, including overhead projectors and video monitors. Located on the ground floor of the J. Paul Leonard Library.
  • Various faculty members in the Department or Foreign Language & Literatures (HUM 475) often hire international students who are native speakers of languages that are taught at SFSU as "TA's" or teaching assistants.
  • Housing & Residential Services hires students for Resident Assistant and other positions to work in the University's various on-campus housing facilities. Visit the Housing & Residential Services Office located on the ground floor of Mary Ward Hall.
  • The Department of Public Safety (Campus Police Department) also hires students at the beginning of each semester to serve as "student escorts" during the evening hours accompanying students from various campus locations to their car, on-campus residence, etc. Visit their office located in the Corporation Yard on the west side of campus near Lake Merced Blvd. and the student parking garage.
  • Ask your friends who may already be working on-campus! They are also good resources to learn about jobs in the departments/offices where they presently work!
  • A variety of other offices hire students on an occasional basis. Watch for announcements on OIPNEWS (the weekly electronic newsletter for international students), or by visiting an office for which you would like to work.

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What Should I Do with OIP After I Find an On-Campus Job?

Step 1:

Request an "OIP Referral Form".

For regular student assistant positions: Request the form from Office of Student Financial Aid at One Stop
For Auxiliaries: Request the form from your hiring unit

Step 2:

Submit all the documents to OIP

  • OIP Referral Form
  • Photocopies of your most current I-20 (First page only), passport (bio page with expiration date), and I-94

See See document processing time


You must register for a full-time course load (12 units for undergraduate students or 8 units for graduate students) in Spring and Fall (Summer is optional) BEFORE submitting the OIP Referral Form to OIP. Classes in which you are waitlisted do not count toward full-time enrollment.

To learn how to obtain an Social Security Number, visit
Useful Resources > Essential Links for F-1 Students > Social Security Numbers

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