Employment and Internships

   • Steps for On-Campus Employment
   • Apply for a Social Security Number
   • Curricular Practical Training
   • Optional Practical Training
   • Severe Economic Hardship

STEPS FOR ON-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT

Eligibility Requirements
You may work on campus provided:
• You are maintaining F-1 or J-1 status
• You have a minimum BSU GPA of 2.0 or above

Limitations
• You may not work more than a total of 20 hours per week while school is in session. A 20-hour per week graduate assistantship, for example, would exhaust your academic year on-campus and off-campus work eligibility.

• You may be employed full-time on campus only during holidays and summer vacations, provided you are eligible and intend to register for the next semester.

•You may not be employed on campus after you have completed a program of study unless you have applied for and been granted written permission to engage in a type of employment that BCIS calls OPT, Optional Practical Training.

Jobs Which Qualify as "On-Campus Employment"
• On-campus work performed for your school is usually acceptable, whether it is employment in the library, the computer center or the housing office, or work required by an assistantship. You are not eligible for jobs listed as "work-study" employment.

• Work performed on the school’s grounds is "on-campus employment. Employment in the bookstore or cafeteria is acceptable, even if operated by a private commercial firm.

Steps to Complete

1. Apply for a Social Security Number

2. Look for an on-campus job (non-work study):

Students may search for on-campus employment by using the Career Center website. At this site, you will find a Registration Request Form to request a password to search for jobs.

After completing the form, you will receive an email from the career center within two working days notifying you when your account has been set up and you can begin using BroncoJobs . If you need immediate access, contact the Career Center at 426-5627 between 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday for your password.

Because departments are not required to advertise their job openings on this web site, you are encouraged to contact departments directly to inquire about any available job openings.

3. Once you have a job offer, go back to IPO to get an Employment Authorization Letter

4. Go to the Human Resources Office in the Administration Building to fill out the I-9 form and the Tax Treaty form. TAKE YOUR PASSPORT, SOCIAL SECURITY CARD (or proof of application) I-20, AND EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION LETTER WITH YOU!

5. Go to work! Remember you can only work 20 hours per week during each semester, and you may work full-time during semester breaks.

A NOTE OF CAUTION
While BCIS regulations provide a variety of opportunities for you to be employed during your time in F-1 status, working improperly or without authorization is a serious violation of your status. You should therefore consult with the International Programs Office before taking up any employment. It is your responsibility to comply with all BCIS regulations that apply to F-1 and J-1 students. If you fail to comply, you may not be eligible for benefits normally granted to F-1 and J-1 students.

F-2, J-2 Students and Employment
BCIS regulations do not allow any employment for F-2, J-2 dependents (spouses and children of F-1, J-1 students).

Taxes
In general, F-1 and J-1 students who have been in the US less than 5 years are exempt from Social Security (FICA) tax. Your earnings are subject to applicable federal, state and local tax, unless the US has a treaty with your country. Students earning money in the US must file a tax return on or before April 15th of each year, which will determine if any of the withheld taxes can be refunded. Plan to attend a tax workshop for international students at the International Programs Office in the spring.

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© 2006 Boise State University, International Programs Office,
1910 University Drive., Boise, ID 83725
Problem? Email IPO Office.   Last reviewed 3/27/2006.