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International Services and Engagement Office ISEO
  1. ISEO
  2. Student Services
  3. Working in the U.S.
  4. F-1 On-Campus Employment

F-1 On-Campus Employment

In general, all F-1 students are eligible for on-campus employment during the period of their academic program of study. Because the employment is "incident to status," authorization from the International Services and Engagement Office (ISEO) or the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is not required.

Definition of On-Campus Employment

On-campus employers must provide a direct service to the campus community (students, scholars, staff, etc.). On-campus employment can be:
  1. Work on the school premises, employed by the I-20 issuing institution (such as work for a UC San Diego department or college dining hall).
  2. Work on the school premises, employed by on-campus commercial firms (such as work at one of the restaurants in Price Center) which provides direct student service (such as food).
  3. Work done at an off-campus location which is educationally affiliated with UC San Diego (for graduate students only).

Eligibility

  1. You must be a current F-1 student, pursuing a full course of study
    • Please note that employment extending past the program end date of your current I-20 cannot be considered on-campus employment and requires post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) employment authorization.
  2. Your on-campus employment does not have to be related to your course of study
  3. Your on-campus employment is limited to 20 hours per week (or 50% time) while school is in session. It can be full-time during official school breaks and the vacation term. Graduate students may refer to GEPA's Policy for On-Campus Employment during Summer/Quarter Breaks.

Graduate students: If your on-campus employment takes place at an off-campus location which is educationally affiliated with UC San Diego (for graduate students only), you must submit a Letter Request through iPortal. You will need to provide a letter from the employing entity and the UC San Diego faculty advisor explaining the nature of the employment and how the entity is educationally affiliated with UC San Diego.

Remote Work:

UC San Diego F-1 students who are enrolled at UC San Diego and are eligible for on-campus employment may work remotely.

Students located outside of the U.S. during their on-campus employment with UC San Diego should talk to their hiring department regarding requirements to accept or engage in on-campus employment while abroad. 

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS IN INSTRUCTIONAL OR INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT ROLES: While students in instructional roles (e.g., a TA) may be permitted to serve in this type of role in hybrid capacities (still within the U.S.), they may not do so internationally. Please discuss your plans with your graduate coordinator if you have an instructional role but plan to work internationally.

Social Security Number (SSN):

If you do not have a Social Security Number (SSN), then you will need to apply for one. See our Social Security Number page for more information on how to get an SSN.