Student and Scholar Nonresident Aliens

International Student Employment

Nonresident Aliens (NRAs) cannot be paid until after they meet with Human Resources to complete new employee paperwork.

After making an appointment, you will be emailed instructions and a password for accessing GLACIER, online tax compliance software. Complete GLACIER before your appointment, and arrive with the following:

  • Social Security number (SSN) if available
  • Passport
  • EAD card
  • Visa type (F-1, J-1, etc.)
  • USCIS form appropriate for visa (I-20, I-797, or DS-2019)

On-campus Employment Rules

An F-1 student can work up to 20 hours per week on campus (including Carnell Hall and Chartwells) when school is in session. A work week begins on Sunday and ends on Saturday. Exceptions to the 20-hour rule can be made for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) when permission is granted before beginning employment.

During summer, winter and spring breaks, students are eligible to work 40 hours a week (or more, if determined by department).

Working even 15 minutes more than 20 hours a week is a violation of your F-1 visa status and carries serious consequences.

Scholars may work 40 hours a week (or more, if determined by department). Scholars are eligible for either hourly or appointed employment.

J-2 visa holders can work 40 hours a week (or more, if determined by department) if they are authorized to work and have an EAD card.

Social Security Numbers (SSNs)

SSNs are only for employed students or scholars. If you are not employed, you are not eligible to have an SSN.

International employees are not required to have an SSN to begin work. Because the process to receive an SSN can take four to eight weeks and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires that all workers be paid, HR issues a temporary SSN to NRAs, valid for 60 days. When the permanent card arrives, the NRA must present it at HR for copying and return the temporary SSN. Download the Social Security Application Packet for NRAs.

Apply for a Social Security number immediately upon beginning employment. Bring the following forms to the local Social Security office: