F-1 On-Campus Employment

Guidelines for Students and Departments

On-campus employment is work performed on the premises of Georgetown University, including at the Medical Center and any on-site commercial entities that directly serve students.

The U.S. government does not intend for F-1 Students to use employment earnings to cover their educational and living expenses.

F-1 Students

  • Do not require authorization for on-campus employment.
  • May begin on-campus positions no more than 30 days prior to their Form I-20 program start date.
  • May not exceed 20 total hours per week of employment and training* during required academic terms. This is a weekly maximum rather than an average.
  • May work full-time on campus during official University breaks of at least one week (Winter Break, Spring Break, Summer Break**).
  • May not work on campus without authorization after the termination or completion of their academic program (as indicated in SEVIS). 
  • Should apply for the Social Security Number (SSN) as soon as possible upon receiving the job offer. New F-1 Students should wait approximately one month after their Form I-20 program start date before the SSA will recognize their F-1 status as active.

*Including paid and unpaid off-campus positions, all of which require authorization.

**Unless Summer is a required academic term (e.g. MA in Applied Economics).

Does the student have a Social Security Number (SSN)?

Yes
No OGS reporting obligations → See “Completing Employment Onboarding” for I-9 and tax withholding information.

No
Hiring department completes the Social Security On-Campus Employment Form Template (PDF), prints on official letterhead, provides an ink signature, and gives the letter to the student to take to OGS.

Social Security On-Campus Employment Form (PDF)

Do you have a Social Security Number (SSN)?

Yes
No OGS reporting obligations → See “Completing Employment Onboarding” for I-9 and tax withholding information.

There is no need to report on-campus employment or request authorization from OGS.

No

1. Bring completed Social Security On-Campus Employment Form (PDF) to an appointment with any IS Advisor (new window) for the final signature. Please ensure the form has been printed on hiring department letterhead and includes an ink signature.

Social Security On-Campus Employment Form (PDF)

2. Proceed to “Applying for the Social Security Number”.

Social Security Administration (SSA)*

Students should use the Social Security Office Locator to determine the most convenient SSA office location.

Note: New F-1 Students should wait approximately one month after their Form I-20 program start date before the SSA will recognize their F-1 status as active. Please bring the following original documents:

The SSA will issue a receipt confirming the application. The SSN card will arrive in the mail within a few weeks, and must be presented to the I-9 Analyst in Human Resources.

Social Security Administration Website
I-9 Office

1. Complete the Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification: You will receive an email prompt to complete part 1 of the I-9 process in GMS. Then, visit the I-9 Analyst in Human Resources.

2. Complete the Nonresident Tax Request Form on the Tax Department website. Students must maintain the accuracy of their information in the Foreign National Information System (FNIS) throughout (and after) their time working on campus.

Nonresident Alien Tax Withholding