Working as an F-1 Student

F-1 students need prior authorization from an International Student Counselor for any kind of work, on or off campus. Students MUST be in good academic standing, and they must be in-status (registered for classes full time 12 credit minimum) to obtain work privileges.

 

F-1 students may only obtain a Social Security number if legally employed in the USA. This is a Social Security Administration regulation.  For information on F-1 students and Social Security number, visit http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10096.html.

On Campus Options:

 

Students MUST be in good academic standing, and they must be in proper F-1 status. International students must have permission from an International Student Counselor to work on-campus.

 

International students can work only up to 15 hours/week while school is in session. When classes are not in session (vacation), they may work full time, or 30 hours per week.  This is a BCC policy. 

 

On-campus employment is defined as being on the school’s premises or at a location which is educationally affiliated to the school (for example Dunkin’ Donuts or the sub shop in the cafeteria).

 

In order to find a job on campus, please visit The Office of Career Development in Room A-123. There, you can seek advice on where to look for a job, and you can pick up the F-1 International On Campus Request Form. Once you have the form, come to the International Student Center to see an International Student Counselor to sign your form, and to give you authorization to begin to look for a job. Once you find a job, your supervisor must give you a letter of employment that must contain the employer’s EIN number, your position, and how many hours per week you will be working.  F-1 students are NOT to accept any type of employment without first consulting with an International Student Counselor. 

 

The International Student Counselor will then provide you with a letter to bring to the local Social Security Office so that you may obtain your Social Security Number.  Students can start to work before they receive their social security card. The student must bring their receipt that they will receive from Social Security, and turn it in to A-123.

Off Campus Options:

There are options for off campus employment as an F-1 student.  These options include: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Post and Pre Completion Optional Practical Training and Severe Economic Hardship.

CPT-Curricular Practical Training (CO-OP)  

Students may work in his or her field of study while completing their major requirements through CO-Operative Education (CO-OP). With CO-OP, you will be working, and receiving credit, at the same time.

 

CO-OP majors are listed on the COOP Majors Page.    You may only do two CO-OP’s during the course of your Associate’s Degree at Bergen Community College.

 

Process to Obtain authorization:

 

·        Go to CO-OP Office, speak with CO-OP staff in Room A-123

·        Have International Student Counselor sign your CO-OP sheet

·        Find a job through CO-OP

·        Register for CO-OP, and go to the International Student Center for a second signature, with your letter of hire/employment from your supervisor.  The Counselor will give you a letter to go to the Social Security Office, should you need a social security number. The Counselor will also enter your CO-OP (CPT) on your I-20, which will appear on the third page of your I-20, that you must also bring to the social security office.

 

Optional Practical Training (OPT) (Pre and Post)