Nav Screen Region
Site Header Region
Page Header
Main Content Region

On Campus Employment

Working On Campus as an International Student

On-campus employment can be a helpful way for international students to gain work experience and earn income while studying at CSUSB. 

Employment rules depend on your immigration status and HR policies at CSUSB. F-1 and J-1 students have different authorization requirements. This page explains the basic requirements for working on campus and what to do when you receive an on-campus job offer. 

 
Before You Start Working 
  • If you receive an offer for an on-campus job, contact International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) before you begin working. 
     
  • ISSS will review the position, confirm the employment requirements that apply to your immigration status, and let you know whether any additional authorization or documentation is needed. 
     
  • Unauthorized employment is a serious violation of your status and may result in the termination of your SEVIS record. 
     
  • Important: Employment includes both paid and unpaid work. Internships, practicums, or volunteer positions may still require authorization. 
    A job or activity taking place at CSUSB is not automatically considered authorized on-campus employment for immigration purposes. 

Portal request: 02: Report On-Campus Student Employment

F-1 On-Campus Employment 

F-1 students who are maintaining their immigration status as full-time students are generally permitted to work in qualifying on-campus employment. Separate employment authorization from USCIS is not required for qualifying F-1 on-campus employment. 

While school is in session: 

  • You may work a maximum of 20 hours per week in on-campus employment. 
  • If you have more than one on-campus job, the hours from all on-campus positions count toward the 20-hour weekly limit. 
  • You may work a maximum of 40 hours per week in qualifying on-campus employment during official school breaks and annual vacation when eligible. 

Your on-campus employment does not have to be related to your major or field of study.

Full-Time Enrollment and On-Campus Employment Considerations

Students must be enrolled full time under CSUSB requirements to be eligible for on-campus employment.

In some circumstances, a student may maintain valid immigration status while enrolled in less than the standard full-time course load. For example, a student in the final term of a program may need fewer courses to complete the degree. A graduate student completing a culminating experience may also receive full-time equivalency (FTE) for immigration purposes.

Full-time equivalency for immigration purposes does not mean that the student is considered enrolled full time for CSUSB academic or employment purposes.

A student who is maintaining immigration status through a final-term reduced course load, culminating experience, or other full-time-equivalency arrangement may therefore not be eligible for CSUSB on-campus employment if the student does not meet the university’s full-time enrollment requirement for employment.

Contact ISSS if you are unsure whether your enrollment allows you to continue working on campus.

J-1 On-Campus Employment

J-1 students must receive authorization from ISSS before beginning on-campus employment. 

While school is in session, authorized on-campus employment is limited to 20 hours per week. Full-time employment may be permitted during official school breaks and annual vacation when authorized. 

Do not begin working until ISSS has provided the required authorization.

Portal Request: 02: Report On-Campus Student Employment

Social Security Number

If you need a Social Security Number (SSN) for your on-campus employment, review the Social Security Number page for eligibility, required documents, and the current process for requesting any needed ISSS documentation.

Social Security Number (SSN)