On-Campus Employment

One benefit of F-1 status is that international students can work on-campus up to 20 hours a week while school is in session, and more than 20 hours during official school breaks. Special authorization is not required to work on-campus as long as you are in valid F-1 student status, pursuing a full course of study. In addition, the work does not have to be directly related to your field of study.  You will present your I-20 when completing the I-9 document for Human Resources (HR). You must stop working on-campus as soon as you complete your program, transfer to another institution, or if you violate your F-1 status.

What is considered on-campus employment?

Employment at UT Health San Antonio: Any on-campus work for which you receive a paycheck from UT Health San Antonio. This could include, for example, working within your department or school, in an on-campus administrative office, or any other UT Health San Antonio entity on campus

In addition, you can be employed on the premise of UT Health San Antonio with a commercial firm, as long as that firm provides services to UT Health San Antonio students, including, for example, Starbucks or the University bookstore.

On-campus employment at an off-campus location

Finally, certain off-campus employment can be considered on-campus employment if there is an educational affiliation with the off-campus location, which is associated with your school’s established curriculum or is related to a graduate level research project which your school has contracted to perform.  Please consult with your International Services Representative if you have any questions about this option.

Working improperly or without authorization is a serious violation of your status. Please make sure your on-campus employment complies with these regulations and that you check with OIS if you have any questions. If you fail to comply with your responsibilities regarding employment, you will be ineligible for benefits normally granted to F-1 students and, in some situations, you may be required to leave the country or accrue unlawful presence.

Social Security Number

You do not need a Social Security number (SSN) to begin working on-campus. However, you will need to apply for an SSN once you receive your offer letter. In addition, you can request a SSN letter from OIS to take with you to the Social Security Administration. Once you receive your SSN, do not present OIS with a copy, but rather present the Social Security card to your hiring unit.