On-Campus Employment and Social Security Numbers for International Students
On Campus Employment for F-1 and J-1 Students
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has limited part-time employment for international students as follows:
- During the academic term, international students can work no more than 20 hours a week.
- During the break periods, including the summer semester, international students can work no more than 28 hours a week.
Steps to On-Campus Employment for International Students
Step 1: Schedule an appointment with a career advisor to help you navigate the on-campus job search, become more familiar with the US job application process/formalities, and discuss application materials before submitting them to employers. Search for student positions in HANDSHAKE by logging in with your Flashline credentials, click on Jobs, click the on-campus button at the top, and scroll down to see all current available positions. Once you have an idea on the types of jobs you might be interested in, let Career Exploration and Development make your application shine!
Step 2. Once you have interviewed and received an offer of employment, your supervisor will also need to complete Section I of the Social Security Employment Verification Form, which can be found on the Career Exploration and Development Forms Library. Your supervisor will also send you an electronic Offer of Student Employment Position Form, which you will sign online. While you have begun the employment process, you may NOT begin work until all required employment forms are completed and permission has been granted.
Step 3. Go to the ISSS Student & Scholar Portal, select Request Center
F-1 Students: Submit the Social Security Employment Verification Form Part. An ISSS advisor will review your information and complete your Social Security Employment Verification Form.
J-1 Students: Submit the On-Campus Student Employment Request to receive authorization to engage in on-campus employment. This must be done each year.
You will receive an email with your completed document along with next steps for going to the Social Security Administration Office, outlined in Step 4 below.
Step 4. Apply for a Social Security Number
The online application is located at: https://secure.ssa.gov/ossnap/public/landingOSsnap
For more information about SSN’s and international students, please visit: https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10181.pdf
After you submit the social security number application online, you must visit the SSA in person; no appointment is needed. Please be aware that the SSA Ravenna Office stops walk-in service promptly at 3:30 p.m. To prepare for your visit, be sure to take all original immigration documents with you; e-documents on your phone are not acceptable:
- Social Security Employment Verification Form (from KSU OGE)
- Offer of Student Employment Position Form (from KSU employing unit)
- Passport
- F-1 Visa Stamp
- Form I-20
- Printed I-94 (go to CBP webpage, click "Get most recent I-94," complete fields and print)
- Please do not mail your immigration documents to the SSA.
At the SSN building, they should supply you with a receipt. You may take that receipt and move on to step 6.
Please review the section about Security Risks below.
Step 5. Once you have completed the employment paperwork, let your supervisor know. They will formally offer the position to you. You will receive an email in approximately 1-2 business days. You will need to log in and officially accept your employment offer. You will be notified via email when permission to work has been granted. Once you begin working, you should set up Direct Deposit via Flashline. Direct Deposit can be found under the Employee tab on the Dashboard.
Step 6. ALL Students: If you are not contacted by the Payroll Office within 2 weeks of completing your employment paperwork, you should call to make an appointment to complete the final employment requirements (330) 672-8640. If you do not have your Social Security Card when you meet with Payroll, you will be required to present it after you receive it. Failure to present your Social Security Card within 90 days of employment will result in termination of employment.
Social Security Numbers & Security Risks
Your Social Security Number is private information. We do not recommend giving our your SSN to anyone via phone or email. Important government agencies, the IRS, and KSU will never ask you for your SSN over the phone or email. If you find that your SSN information was stolen or given to a fraudulent company, then you may want to file a police report with the local police. You should also contact your bank and any credit card companies, the Social Security Administration, and the KSU cyber security team for any suggestions. You should update all of your passwords and PIN numbers.
This number is the only one you will have your entire life. If you leave the U.S. and come back, this is still your SSN.