Employment for International Students

If you are in valid F-1 visa status on an I-20 issued by Madison College (or CIE), no further work permission is required to work on-campus.

The wage must be paid by Madison College for a job to be considered on-campus employment. On-campus employment must be:

• No more than 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters. During winter break, spring break, and summer, working more than 20 hours per week is allowed.
• Stopped upon completion of your degree, when your I-20 has been transferred-out, or when no longer in valid F-1 visa status.

On-Campus Student Help

There are two types of student positions at Madison College: work-study and student help.

International students are only able to take on on-campus “student help” positions.

International students are not eligible for “work-study” jobs, which are funded by federal financial aid for which only U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible.

How to Find a Student Help Job on Campus

1. To learn how to search and apply for on-campus student help positions, visit the Job Search and Preparation page.
2. You will be directed to log into Handshake where both on and off-campus jobs are listed.
3. Only apply for on-campus jobs. All on-campus jobs are in the “Services” section. The jobs listed change frequently so check back often.
4. We encourage you to write a cover letter to include with your completed employment application. If you need help writing a cover letter, reach out to the staff at the Writing Center for help.

Off-campus work is only allowed with SEVIS-authorized permission from CIE and, in some cases, also the USCIS.

As an international student, you do not qualify for off-campus work authorization until you have been enrolled full-time in valid visa status for at least one academic year.

Below is an overview of the three different off-campus work authorizations:

1) Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

To fulfill an internship that is either a requirement or elective option for a program to which you are admitted. Unlike other off-campus work permissions that require approval by the USCIS, CPT can be approved directly by CIE, but you must first have a specific internship job offer.

Log into the ISS Portal to request CPT authorization.

2) Optional Practical Training (OPT)

• Authorization to accept employment related to the program of study, which is often used for up to one year immediately after completing a degree but can be used part time while studying.
• You must be recommended by CIE before submitting the OPT application to the USCIS for approval which typically takes three months and requires a significant processing fee.
• To learn more about the OPT process, schedule a time to meet with the International Student and Education Abroad Advisor.
• To begin the process, submit your OPT request via the ISS Portal.
• Next steps will be discussed in your ISS advising appointment.
• Once OPT is approved, submit employer details to comply with visa regulations and notify CIE at iss@madisoncollege.edu of any employment.
• When on OPT, you will still be required to enroll in the CIE approved health insurance plan. If you have purchased other insurance coverage or have health insurance coverage through your employer, you MUST request a waiver for this policy.

3) Severe Economic Hardship (SEH)

To provide financial assistance following a documented and unexpected loss of the financial support shown to receive an I-20 or the F-1 visa. Must be recommended by CIE before submitting the SEH application (PDF) to the USCIS for approval. This typically takes three months and requires a significant processing fee* unless you qualify for a waiver.

Due to pending legislation regarding changes to filing fees and forms, review the USCIS webpage carefully and consult with CIE to ensure the correct fee and form version are filed.

A Social Security Number is not needed to apply for a job.

F-1 Visa-holding international students may only apply for a social security number after getting an employment offer.

How to Obtain a Social Security Number

F-1 visa holding students may only apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) after receiving a legal employment offer. Without an employment offer, obtaining an SSN is not possible.

How to Apply for a Social Security Number

1. Seek on-campus or off-campus employment, but only as authorized. If offered a job, you may verify eligibility to accept the employment offer with CIE’s International Student Services.
2. If eligible to accept the job, ask the employer for a signed and dated employment offer letter on employer letterhead that provides the following:
   • Brief description of the job.
   • Anticipated or actual employment start date.
   • Number of hours expected to work.
   • Employer contact information, including telephone number and name of the student’s immediate supervisor.
   • If working on-campus, please include Madison College’s Employer Identification Number: 391086718.
3. Submit a copy of the job offer letter to CIE via the ISS Portal to obtain a second letter that verifies F-1 visa eligibility to accept the position.
4. Phone your local Social Security office to schedule an appointment to visit the Social Security Administration (SSA). Madison’s Social Security office is located at 6011 Odana Road. Phone number is 1.866.770.2262
5. You will need to bring the following items:
   • Employment offer letter (see number 2 above)
   • F-1 status verification letter (see number 3 above)
   • Valid passport
   • F-1 visa stamp (located in passport) or F-1 visa status approval notice (if changed visa status within U.S.)
   • Most recently issued, valid I-20 (if you are new to Madison College, please wait until CIE has reported your full-time enrollment). Electronically signed I-20s are not accepted at SSA, it must be an original I-20 printed and signed.
   • I-94 arrival record
   • Student ID card, drivers’ license, or another form of photo identity
   • Page five of the SS-5 form (PDF) completed. This form is also available at the SSA.
6. Full details on applying for an SSN are available on the Social Security Administration's website.

It may take several weeks to receive the social security card.

You may begin working before receiving it.

When you receive the social security card, please show it to your employer, who will need to record the number. Do not keep your social security card in your wallet or backpack. Leave it in a safe place at your apartment/house and carry it only when needed.