Helpful Tips for F-1 Student On-Campus Employment

1. Be smart and know what you are eligible for as an international student BEFORE you start applying for jobs on campus. When speaking with potential employers, be prepared.

2. International students are allowed to work on Emory Campus immediately upon arrival. The first place you will want to visit is the ISSP, if you are interested in working. ISSP will help you to know if you are eligible for employment. An F-1 Advisor or another Designated School Official at ISSP will stamp your I-20 authorizing you for on-campus employment, if you are eligible.

3. You are responsible for getting an on campus job, if you wish to work on campus. Student employment (primarily undergraduate) at Emory is handled through an online employment process using Monster Trak. Once you have registered on Monster Trak, you may go to the specific office in which you are interested to learn about employment opportunities. See list of potential employers and contact information here.

4. Remember that as an international student, you are NOT allowed to take Federal Work Study positions.  Only private student assistant jobs (those funded by the department itself) are allowed. Graduate teaching or research assistantships and fellowships are awarded and determined at the department level.

5. International students are allowed to work only for 20 hours each week while school is in session and full time during official breaks. Most students employed on campus are paid every two weeks by payroll check or by direct deposit to their bank accounts.

6. Watch for the Career Fair held on campus at the beginning of the semester. The Career Fair is primarily for work-study students, but it may be beneficial for any student who wants to meet potential on-campus employers.

7. After securing on-campus employment, you need to complete Form 8233 online. The Nonresident Tax Specialist, Ms. Mary Chenault, is the system administrator for this process. Her office is located in the Administration Building, Office of the Controller. She will help you with the tax paperwork and explain tax treaty benefits to you. She can be reached at mchenau@ctrl.emory.edu.

8. You will now need to apply for a Social Security Number. Please view this pdf document for detailed instructions on how to do that. An on-campus employment verification letter must be written by the department employing you at Emory. Here is a sample on-campus employment verification letter. For additional information from the Social Security Administration regarding eligibility and requirements for a Social Security Number, please see this pdf document.

9. After you are hired, your employer will have you to fill out required paperwork for Payroll/Human Resources, such as the Form I-9 and New Student Hire Form, etc.

10. Do NOT begin employment without authorization from ISSP.