Employment

On-Campus Employment (F-1)

F-1 students can be eligible for on-campus employment during their studies. The work does not need to be related to the student’s field of study. Students must maintain their status while engaging in on-campus employment.

If you have questions about what counts as “on campus” employment, please reach out to OISS before taking any action.

Eligibility Requirements

You may work on campus if:

  • You are maintaining F-1 status
  • You follow the appropriate hiring paperwork and SSN steps below
  • You follow the hour restrictions for your on-campus employment
    • You may work no more than 20 hours per week maximum during the Fall and Spring semesters. (Note: Graduate Assistantships are equal to 20 hours per week.)
    • You may work full time (over 20 hours per week) during university breaks (spring, summer, and winter breaks).

You may NOT be employed on campus after you have completed a program of study, unless you have been authorized for Optional Practical Training and you are working at UNH through such an authorization.

 

Hiring Paperwork & Obtaining A Social Security Number (SSN)

Before you begin working on campus, you must complete the required hiring paperwork process for UNH. Working without authorization is a serious violation of your status.

If you are working on campus for the first time, you must apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).

Follow the steps below for obtaining and beginning on-campus employment as an F-1 student:

  1. Obtain the job and print your employment letter from Workday. Refer to your job supervisor with any questions.
  2. Complete the Workday tasks related to your employment authorization, this includes the I-9, W-4, and Foreign National Information Form (FNIF). Refer to your job supervisor or UNH Human Resources (HR) with any questions.
  3. Visit the UNH HR office in person with your passport, Form I-20, and Form I-94 to complete the work authorization process prior to the start date of the job.
  4. Download the Social Security Administration (SSA) letter and have your supervisor complete and sign the letter.
    • All signatures must be hand-written and wet-signed on the SSA letter.
  5. Email oiss@unh.edu to schedule a time for OISS to review and sign the SSA letter.
    • OISS will review and sign the letter and provide you with basic instructions for applying for a Social Security Number (SSN).
  6. Complete the online SSN application.
  7. Make an appointment with the SSA office online.  
  8. Attend your SSA appointment. 
  9. Log into Workday and report your SSN information when you receive your SNN card in the mail.

 

Off-Campus Employment (F-1)

F-1 status includes various off-campus employment types and authorizations. F-1 students may be eligible for such employment types. Review the links below to learn more.

Curricular Practical Training: An off-campus internship or practicum which is required for your degree completion (paid or unpaid).

Optional Practical Training: Employment after completion from your academic program, which is related to your field of study and commensurate with your educational level.

Employment Due to Severe Economic Hardship: Students who are experiencing severe, unforeseen economic hardship may be eligible for this type of employment. For more information, contact OISS.