As an F-1 visa holder, you are eligible to work on-campus while pursuing your academic studies, maintaining legal status, and remaining in good academic standing. You may start on-campus employment as early as the first day classes commence. All employment opportunities must be pre-approved by the Office of International Student’s Designated School Official (DSO) and there is a particular process that you must follow.
On-campus employment is capped at 20 hours per week (part-time) during the fall and spring semesters and up to 40 hours per week (full-time) during qualified holiday and university break periods. You must maintain a full course of study while you are engaged in on-campus employment unless you have been authorized for a reduced course load (RCL) in your final semester of your degree program.
On-Campus Job Search
The OIS recommends spending time searching for a position through the platform Handshake and visiting the Career Services Center located in the Campus Center. Visit their website at: Online Career Resources – Career Center where a variety of resources exist to help you search for on-campus jobs and internships.
On-campus jobs include: employment within a department, graduate assistantship (GA) or teaching assistantship (TA).
There are a few, select employers that are situated on or near campus but qualify for on-campus employment such as Dining Services (Aramark), Starbucks, Campus Bookstore (Barnes & Noble), and LEAP Academy. These employers meet strict, particular criteria from USCIS with their affiliation with Rutgers Camden and by formal contract with the university campus to serve students directly.
Basic Guidelines
- USCIS guidelines for on-campus employment are located at: Employment | ICE.
- You can work one or more jobs on campus but they must not exceed the total hours allowable per week.
- The F-1 student should keep the Office of International Student’s DSO informed of any changes in employer or hours.
- The academic calendar with official breaks is: Academic Calendar 2025-26 | Rutgers University-Camden.
- On-campus employment ends once you complete your degree requirements.
Step Processes for Obtaining a Social Security Card
- Once you have been offered an on-campus position, please download the On-Campus Employment Verification Form. Have your supervisor complete the form, sign it (no digital signature) and upload a clean, legible scanned copy of this form to the e-form, Social Security Support Letter Request, in your RGlobal
- Once the e-form is approved, bring the original On-Campus Employment Verification Form with you to your meeting with the DSO. The DSO will provide you with a signed support letter.
- Concurrently, start your application for a Social Security number first time at: Request a Social Security number | SSA and where you can make an appointment at the local Social Security office.
- Take both the support letter provided by the DSO and the completed On-Campus Employment form with you to your local Social Security Office appointment along with your valid passport/F1 visa, and current I-20. Rutgers Camden students are strongly advised to book an appointment with the Social Security Office in New Jersey.
- Once you obtain your Social Security Card, report to Human Resources on campus immediately to complete your I-9 process. HR will ensure all documentation is in order.
It is highly recommended that you complete the two Workshops in your RGlobal portal: Staying in Legal Status and On-Campus Employment (all 3 sections). These short videos provide concise, valuable information to help you stay in status and be well-informed.