On Campus Employment

On Campus Employment

The Department of Homeland Security's Bureau of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) closely regulates on and off-campus employment for F-1 students.  

F-1 students are allowed under U.S. federal law to work in on-campus positions while enrolled at SUNY Poly.  

“On-campus employment” refers to SUNY Poly campus employment only, including Student Assistant Positions, Graduate Assistant positions, and positions with Aramark, unless authorized under special conditions for employment with other institutions.

On Campus Employment Requirements:

• You must continue to maintain your F-1 status by being enrolled full time during all required semesters (spring and fall).
• You can work up to 20 hours a week while classes are in session (spring and fall semesters).  
  • You may not work more than 20 hours per week when classes are in session.
    • If you hold more than (1) position on campus, you may not work more than 20 hours per week TOTAL for all positions.
    • It is YOUR responsibility to ensure you do not work more than 20 hours per week, especially if you have multiple on campus positions.
• You may work more than 20 hours over scheduled breaks (eg: winter or summer breaks).
• You can only work on campus within your program start and end date.  
  • You cannot work on campus past the end date on your I-20.
    • This includes Student Assistant, Graduate Assistant, any student government or club position, or student employment through Aramark
    • After program completion, you must obtain OPT approval and work only within the requirements of OPT employment.
      • For information on OPT, visit Optional Practical Training
• Be mindful, your Form I-20 program end date will be shortened to reflect the last day of classes in the semester you will graduate.

You must have a Social Security Number (SSN) from the Social Security Administration to be paid for your employment.

1. Request a letter from SUNY Poly to support your application to the Social Security Administration for a Social Security Number, submit the following request form:
   1. Social Security Administration Letter Request Form
   2. You will receive an email when your letter is ready for you to pick up.
2. Visit www.ssa.gov for information and instructions about obtaining a Social Security Number

3. You may begin employment before obtaining your SSN, but you cannot be paid until you submit this information to Suny Poly as required.

    

• Don’t Forget: Any income you earn must be reported annually to the Internal Revenue Service by filing annual income taxes!
  • The ISS Office will email all students at the start of each calendar year with information about tax filing.