As an F-1 or J-1 student, your paid work in the United States is restricted by law. While you are registered, you are limited to on-campus work done for Cornell and paid for by the university.
F-1 students do not need special authorization to work on campus. You can work at any type of job on campus. It does not have to be in your field of study.
J-1 students must obtain a J-1 student on-campus employment authorization letter from International Services before starting work. Authorization can only be given for 12 months at a time, so you will need to renew this authorization letter annually.
Can I get a work-study job?
Foreign national students don’t qualify for Federal Work Study, but you will find many campus jobs are open to anyone.
How many hours can I work?
- If you are a registered student, you may work up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session. Exactly 20 hours is the maximum weekly time you can work.
- During summer and winter breaks, if you are not registered for classes, you may work full-time (more than 20 hours per week) or part-time (up to 20 hours per week).
- At the end of each semester, your start date for full-time employment must be after the last day of classes listed on the academic calendar. If you have final exams, you must complete your last exam before starting full-time work.
- During other times when classes are not in session listed on the academic calendar, you may work full-time. Your full-time work must end before classes resume.
What if I work more than 20 hours a week?
If you work over 20 hours a week at any time while you are a registered student and classes are in session, it is a serious violation of your immigration status. If you think you may have worked over 20 hours in a week—even one time—speak to an immigration advisor at International Services immediately.
When does my on-campus work authorization expire?
Your on-campus work authorization is valid as long as you maintain F-1 or J-1 student status. When you complete your final semester in your program, take a leave of absence, or your I-20 or DS-2019 form expires, you are no longer automatically eligible to work on campus. If you wish to keep working on campus, contact us to discuss your options for work authorization.
What to Do When You Get a Campus Job
F-1 Students
- Get SSN
- Complete I-9
1 Get your SSN.
You need to fill out an I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification form with your hiring department after you are hired but before you start work.
Why do I need an I-9?
The I-9 establishes your identity and your eligibility to work in the United States. Everyone who works in the country must fill out an I-9.
Should I come to you for help with my I-9?
No. Your hiring department will help you fill out the I-9. You do not need to complete any paperwork with International Services.
J-1 Students
- Get Letter
- Complete I-9
- Get SSN
1 Get a J-1 student on-campus employment letter.
Your on-campus employment must be authorized by your sponsoring institution before you start working.
- If you are a J-1 student on a Cornell DS-2019 form, get your J-1 student employment authorization letter from International Services. Complete the form to request a J-1 student on-campus employment letter.
- If a different sponsor, such as Fulbright, issued your DS-2019, you need to get an authorization letter directly from your sponsor.
You need to fill out an I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification form with your hiring department after you are hired but before you start work.
Why do I need an I-9?
The I-9 establishes your identity and your eligibility to work in the United States. Everyone who works in the country must fill out an I-9.
Should I come to you for help with my I-9?
No. Your hiring department will help you fill out the I-9. You can only be authorized to work on-campus employment for up to 12 months, so your I-9 will have to be updated annually.
3 Get your SSN.
To work in the United States, you will need a Social Security number (SSN). An SSN is used by employers and employees to report an employee’s earnings to the U.S. government for tax purposes. Learn more about how to get your SSN.
