Employment
It is essential that you understand and comply with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) restrictive employment regulations. Ignorance of the regulations does not excuse a student from the serious ramifications of unauthorized employment, which may result in deportation. You must obtain appropriate employment authorization before you engage in any type of employment.
Definition of Employment
"Employment" is any work performed or services provided (including self-employment) in exchange for money or other benefits or compensation (i.e. free room and board in exchange for babysitting).
Social Security Number
Individuals who are authorized to be employed in the U.S. must have a Social Security Number (SSN) in order to be paid. Prior to applying for a SSN, you must have the following documents:
- Letter verifying an offer of employment with OISS stamp
- I-20
- Valid passport
- Visa, and
- I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
Application should be submitted to a Social Security Administration Office.
Lewiston Social Security
Office Phone: 877-405-9796
1617 19th Avenue
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 am ~ 4 pm
Lewiston, ID 83501
Since F-2 dependents are not authorized to engage in employment in the U.S., they are not eligible to apply for a SSN.
On-Campus Employment
If your I-20 was issued by WSU, you may work part-time (20 hours per week or less) on the WSU campus during fall and spring semesters. On-campus employment is incident to status. If you are not in lawful F-1 status, you are not eligible for on-campus employment.
On-campus employment includes teaching and research assistantships; therefore, graduate students on half-time teaching or research assistantships may not be employed elsewhere on campus for additional hours. During annual vacation periods (i.e. summer break), students are allowed to work full-time on-campus. The State of Washington limits the total number of hours in a calendar year for temporary employees. Check with WSU Human Resource Services if you wish to work in excess of 20 hours per week during summer, winter or spring vacation to determine your eligibility.
Practical Training
Practical Training authorization permits an F-1 student to be employed temporarily at a job related to the students major field of study on-campus or off-campus. There are two types of practical training: curricular and optional. To be eligible for curricular and/or optional practical training, you must have been in lawful F-1 status for one academic year.
Severe Economic Hardship
USCIS may grant off-campus employment authorization to an F-1 student as a result of a severe economic hardship caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond the students control. To qualify for this type of work authorization, students must have been in F-1 status for one full academic year (two semesters). Students should be able to document that the unforeseen circumstances occurred after they arrived in the US.
Authorization is granted in increments of one year at a time, or until the completion of the student's program. It allows for students to work anywhere in the US, and employment does not need to be related to the field of study. Employment is limited to 20 hours per week when school is in session, but can be full-time during breaks.
Required documents:
- Completed Form I-765
- Copy of I-20 with recommendation from OISS
- Letter explaining unforseen hardship situation
- Check for $380 application fee*
- 2 passport photos
- Copies of passport ID pages, US visa stamp, front and back of I-94 card
To learn about the process, and get the necessary recommendation, please go to OISS, Bryan Hall 108 to meet wtih an advisor. Call 509-335-4508 to schedule an appointment, or come during walk-in hours: Monday to Thursday 1 - 4 pm, Friday 1 - 3 pm.
* It is possible to request a fee waiver by completing the Form I-912.
Employment Regulations
DHS does not permit individuals in F-2 status to be employed under any conditions. Employment is defined as the rendering of services, part- or full-time, for financial or other compensation, including self-employment.
Page Updated: April 11, 2011