Employment as an International Student

Introduction

International students who maintain legal status under the regulations set forth by the U.S. government can generally be allowed to work for wages on campus. Permission to work off campus can also be obtained for the purpose of practical training and in a small number of other situations. Students must always check with an International Student Advisor in the Office of International Studies (OIS) to secure work permission. Students also must complete required paperwork needed for MSUB Payroll Office (I-9 and W-4). Once you have found a job, please submit your Letter of Hire and an International Student Advisor will prepare a letter of support for you to take to the Social Security Administration Office to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).

Employment Expectations

Employers will provide training for student employees and outline their expectations for the job. Employers must follow fair practices and treat employees equally. Student employees are well-advised to arrive to work on-time, notify the employer in advance if illness or some other situation prevents them from working as scheduled, follow rules and regulations, and work to fulfill the responsibilities of the job. Building a reputation as a "good worker" is useful in gaining better positions and positive referrals.

On-Campus Employment

On-campus employment is widely available, and most employers are aware of the need to allow students some flexibility to work around class schedules. Many students work to earn spending money, to pay their living expenses, or to supplement their school funding. Work can also be a good break from studying, help a student make new friends, practice English, or learn new skills. Students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week in most cases during the academic year, and full-time, 40 hours per week, during designated vacation periods and in the summer. Pay ranges from approximately US$8.00 to $10.50 per hour.  Some taxes will be withheld from each paycheck, but students will often be eligible for a full or partial tax refund at the end of the tax year.

To Find a Job

To find a job, students should visit the Career and Employment Services next to the library and read through the on-campus job listings on CareerLink. Jobs classified as "student employment" are potentially open to all students. (Please note that jobs identified as "work study" positions are subsidized by the federal government and available only to qualified U.S. citizens and permanent residents.) Once a possible job is found in the listings, students can speak with the job coordinator in Career Services to get details about how to apply for the position. If you are unsure if the position fits your work requirements, talk to OIP.

Other Ways to Find an On-Campus Job Include

1. Ask professors or others in your major's department about possibilities,

2. Talk with other students to find out about job opportunities,

3. Contact some of the key employers on campus directly:
   • Sodexo Food Services (Miller Dining Hall, Rendezvous Dining Hall, Union Food Market, etc.)
   • Residence Halls
   • Academic Support Center (ASC)
   • MSUB Library
   • Facilities Services
   • Various departments and laboratories

Off-Campus Employment

F-1 students are only able to work off campus if they receive authorization and approval from the Office of International Studies. Working off campus without the proper approval is illegal and will result in a termination of the student's immigration record. Immigration policies permit several off-campus employment authorizations.