On Campus Employment for International Students
International Students meeting F-1 or J-1 status can work on campus.
- Employment is limited to 20 hours per week while school is session.
- Students may work full-time on-campus, if their department allows it, while on their vacation term or during term breaks.
- You are not allowed to work on-campus after you complete your program.
To search available campus jobs, you will first need to create an account on RunnerLink. (We recommend using a desktop computer to create your profile through RunnerLink.)
- Visit: www.csub.edu/cece
- Click on "Student/Alumni" from the left side menu.
- Below the video, click on "Create Student Account Here" on the right side.
After you create and verify your RunnerLink account, you may start searching for student assistant jobs on campus. On your RunnerLink homepage, click on Job Search under "Search Jobs/Internships/Volunteer"
Social Security Number
Any type of employment in the United States requires you to possess a Social Security Number (SSN). You must complete the following steps in order to receive a social security number:
Step 1: Secure an on-campus job offer in writing to present to our international office.
Step 2: Request a letter of support from our international office via the "letter request†link at: https://www.csub.edu/isp/current-students-letter-requests. Please give the international office three weeks advance notice or a letter request.
Step 3: Take the following documents to your local Social Security Office:
- Your job offer letter
- Letter of Support from the DSO at the International Programs Office
- Your current I-20
- Your passport with visa stamp
- Your I-94 admission record
Step 4: Follow up with your employer and complete any further necessary paperwork required for employment.
Curricular Practical Training
F-1 visa holders with a valid I-20 are allowed to participate in an off-campus paid internship. Please see the requirements below to participate.
ISP is happy to talk to employers about CPT if they are confused or have questions. If this is a paid internship and you don't have a social security card, please let ISP know that so a social security letter can be issued. ISP will review and issue your CPT i20.
More information on CPT can be found at:
Optional Practical Training
(OPT-Work Authorization After You Graduate)
F-1 visa holders with a valid I-20 are allowed to work up to one year in a job related to their field of study (major). Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) majors (not minors) are able to apply to work for an additional two years of OPT (please check with the International Office to see if your major qualifies). OPT has complex rules. You can apply for OPT up to 90 days before you graduate and up to 60 days after you graduate-it is the student's responsibility to make an appointment with the international office three months before you plan to apply for OPT so we can review the process and eligibility with you.