International StudentEmployment
International Students
F-1 and J-1 students are eligible to work on-campus while actively enrolled in classes. You must maintain valid F-1 or J-1 status while engaging in on-campus employment.
Requirements:
- You must be registered in a full course load during the academic year.
- In accordance with visa guidelines, you may work up to a maximum of 20 hours per week on-campus during the academic year.
- You may work full-time on-campus during vacation periods.
- You may engage in 'on-campus employment' while completing the requirements for your degree.
Where can international students work?
International students with an F-1 visa may only hold jobs on-campus, according to federal law. They may not hold any job off-campus without approved work authorization. Students on a J-1 visa must receive special permission to work on-campus and should contact Amy Teel, Programs Operations Manager, in the Center for Global Education for approval to work.
What documents do international students need to work?
International students who have not previously worked on campus must complete the following new hire paperwork PRIOR to beginning work. Please bring your original passport, visa and I-20 with you.
Prior to beginning work, student employees must bring acceptable documents and complete the following new hire paperwork at the Office of Human Resources:
- Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification
- Refer to Form I-9 Acceptable Document List as you must bring an original document from List A OR an original document from List B AND List C to complete the I-9 (HR will verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States).
- A valid Passport would be an example from List A, your student ID or driver's license would be examples from List B and an original birth certificate or Social Security Card would be examples from List C. PLEASE NOTE: HR must inspect original documents in person and cannot accept photo copies, scanned images, etc.
- Refer to Form I-9 Acceptable Document List as you must bring an original document from List A OR an original document from List B AND List C to complete the I-9 (HR will verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States).
- W-4 - Employees Federal Tax Withholdings Certificate
- IT-2104 - Employees State Tax Withholdings Certificate
- PFL Waiver - Employee opt out and waiver of NYS Paid Family Leave Benefits
- Labor Law Form - Wage Theft Prevention Act wage statement
- Foreign National Information Form - Employees foreign national information
PLEASE NOTE: only required for international students
What are tax treaty benefits?
A tax treaty is an agreement between two governments under which each country agrees to reduce or exempt an individual from federal income tax withholding on his scholarship /fellowship grants and/or compensation payments. A tax treaty is an attempt to avoid double taxation of income. Not all countries have tax treaties with the US, but students should visit the Office of Human Resources (speak with the Payroll Manager) for appropriate consultation.
Do I need a Social Security Card to work?
Once you provide documents that verify your eligibility to work in the U.S., then you are able to begin your student employment position. You may begin working without a Social Security Card, but you will need to obtain one before the end of the fall semester to comply with U.S. tax law.
How do I obtain a Social Security Card?
The Federal Government now requires that a student have proof of employment before they may obtain their card. Once the campus department completes the hiring, F-1 students must obtain a letter of support from Sherri Martin-Baron, the International Student Success Manager. Bring this letter of support, proof of employment from the Office of Human Resources, a printed ss-5 application, printed I-94 arrival/departure record, passport, and current I-20 to the Social Security Office in downtown Geneva to apply for your card. Please contact Sherri Martin-Baron for assistance with this process, if desired.
Important contacts
Sherri Martin-Baron, International Student Success Manager
F-1 students should contact Sherri with any questions related to working and their visa status. International students should also contact Sherri for assistance applying for a Social Security Number.
Amy Teel, Programs Operations Manager, Center for Global Education
J-1 students should contact Amy to obtain approval to work and with any questions regarding their visa status.
The Office of Human Resources can assist with timesheet, paycheck, direct deposit or any other student employment related questions. HR is located on the 1st Floor of Gulick Hall and can be reached at hr@hws.edu or (315) 781-3312 Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.