Employment Rules for On-Campus Jobs

As an international Coug who’s preparing for a career, you’re in good company! You can find WSU alumni putting their education to work around the world. And just like them, before you graduate you have options to supplement your coursework with a job, an internship, or a volunteer position. We in International Programs are here to help.

You have options

If your I-20 was issued by WSU, you are eligible to work on campus while you attend the university, and many international students have done so successfully.

Check the rules carefully. You will need to comply with strict regulations established by the U.S. government and the state of Washington.

On-campus employment rules

Visa Type	Fall & Spring Semester	Summer	Notes
F-1	20 hours per week when school is in session*	40 hours per week*	Verification of employment is needed to obtain a Social Security card.
F-2	F-2 dependents are not permitted to work	---	---
J-1	20 hours per week when school is in session*	40 hours per week*	Must obtain a letter from the J program sponsor authorizing employment.
J-2	J-2 dependents' work hours are unrestricted	Work hours unrestricted	Must have a valid Employment Authorization Document issued by Immigration Services.

*The state of Washington limits all enrolled students to 516 hours of on-campus employment in 6 consecutive months. Non-student temporary employees are limited to 1,050 hours in a consecutive 12- month period. Please contact WSU Human Resource Services at 1-509-335-4521 for more information about state regulations.

WSU has a wide range of employment opportunities for students. Many campus jobs are compatible with work-study awards. Others may be eligible for co-curricular credit or internship credits. On-campus jobs often give you the ability to schedule work hours around your classes.

Consider a work-study job

If you are eligible for Work-Study, you have the opportunity to gain work experience (often in your area of study) while funding your education.