Overview and Definition
F-1 students are authorized to work in positions that qualify as on-campus employment without special authorization from ISSS. However, students who find an on-campus job but do not have a Social Security Number, must have an ISSS advisor sign the completed "On-Campus Employment Offer Letter for Social Security Number Application Form."
On-campus employment is specific to work that takes place on the University of Utah campus or at an off-campus location that is educationally affiliated with the school. Third-party vendors on-campus that offer direct services to students will also be considered (e.g. Panda Express, Chartwells, etc.)
On-campus jobs offer flexible schedules and hours, which may be conveniently near your classes and can offer real job skills. Search for on-campus jobs on the University of Utah's Employment page or through Handshake.
Policies
International students are not eligible for work-study positions on-campus, because it is a federally funded program.
Students may work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and up to 40 hours per week during official school breaks (this does not include holidays or days with no class)
| Fall/Spring Semesters | Summer (First and Final Semester at the University) | Annual Vacation (Summer) or Official University Breaks |
| 1-20 hours per week | 1-20 hours per week | 1-40 hours per week |
Students are permitted to do remote-work but will be required to complete additional verification.
Students are permitted to have more than one on-campus job, so long as they do not exceed the permitted number of hours per week while school is in session.
Students holding employment in more than one department should inform their employers of the other position(s).
*For summer, please refer to Summer/Vacation Employment below.
Students who are authorized for CPT during the Fall/Spring semester and have an On-Campus job should not exceed a combined 40 hours between both CPT and any on-campus employment.
Remember, On-Campus employment cannot exceed 20 hours per week during the Fall/Spring semesters.
*For Summer, please refer to Summer/Vacation Employment below.
Graduating students cannot work beyond the official last day of university finals. The dates can be found on the Academic Calendar.
Graduating students that are using the thesis defense date as the last day of their program cannot work past the defense date.
Students who have fallen out of status and their immigration record has been terminated must stop working immediately. For additional assistance please reach out to an International Student Advisor.
Summer/Vacation Employment
F-1 students may work more than 20 hours per week during authorized breaks. The following includes:
- Official University Breaks (Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break, Spring Break).
- The day after the last day of finals up until the start of the next semester.
- Between semesters.
Summer is not considered a vacation period in the following situations:
- Students who begin a new program in the summer.
- Students completing their program in the summer semester.
- Students returning from a Leave of Absence with a new SEVIS record in the summer.
The official start and end date of the semester, final exam periods, and official university breaks are all posted in the Academic Calendar. Check the calendar to confirm the dates.
Application Process
If you have been previously issued an SSN in the U.S., your SSN belongs to you, and you do not need to request a new number. If your on-campus employer only needs to check your immigration status, you can submit an e-form titled, "F-1 Status Verification for On-Campus Employment" in UAtlas.
If you have been offered an on-campus job for the first time and do not have a Social Security Number (SSN), you will need to obtain a completed, "On-Campus Employment Offer Letter for Social Security Number Application Form" from ISSS and get an authorized signature from an ISSS advisor. This form must be presented to the Social Security Administration (SSA) in order to apply for an SSN. Please follow the steps below if you have a job offer and need to obtain an SSN.
On-campus employment offer letter for social security number application form
Application Steps
- Work with department/on-campus employer to fill out the On-Campus Employment Offer
Letter for Social Security Number Application Form
The department/on-campus employer will fill out the top portion of the form. Refrain from filling out the ISSS section, this will be filled out by the ISSS advisor.
On-campus employment offer letter for social security number application form
-
Login to UAtlas and Go to F-1 Student Services
Submit the Social Security Number Application Letter for On-Campus Employment e-form and upload the form to this e-form.
-
A Designated School Official (DSO) from ISSS will review the request. Processing time is within 10 business days.
If further information or documentation is needed, a DSO will contact the student via email or by phone.
- Bring Original "On-Campus Employment Offer Letter for Social Security Number Application
Form" to ISSS Office
Students will receive a notification to their University of Utah email (Umail) to bring the original form to ISSS during Walk-In Advising for a wet signature from the DSO.
- Present the Form to the Social Security Administration (SSA) in order to apply for
a Social Security Number (SSN)
For detailed instructions on how to apply for a Social Security Number, please refer to the Social Security Number page on our website.
- Work with your employer/department with next steps after receiving your Social Security Number.
On-Campus - Frequently Asked questions
No. As an example, a thesis student is graduating in the Spring semester. The official last day of university finals is in May but the student chose to end their program on the day they defend. The student cannot continue to work on-campus after defending.
Students can find more information about on-campus employment from the U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement for employment.
If the on-campus employment opportunity has transitioned to remote work or the employment can be done through remote means, students may continue to engage in on-campus employment remotely. If asked, you should be able to explain how you are still providing services to your employer while not physically on campus.