International students on F-1 visas at East Tennessee State University are welcome to seek out on-campus employment opportunities.There are many benefits to working on-campus and many ETSU international students pursue these opportunities.
Benefits
- Earn extra $$
- Gain valuable work experience for your resume
- Meet new people and make friends
- Improve communication skills and work-related skills
- Learn to manage your time and juggle multiple projects
- Make contacts for future recommendation letters in your career
Eligibility to work on campus is contingent upon you maintaining your lawful F-1 status and is limited to a maximum of 20 hours per week across all employment positions when classes are in session. For more information please visit this Immigration and Customs Enforcement website regarding on-campus employment.
Steps for On-Campus Employment
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1) Submit International Employment Authorization Form
Prior to accepting an on-campus job, all international students are required to submit an International Employment Authorization Form. This form can be completed by clicking here.
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2) Apply for On-Campus Job
International students are eligible to work in many different locations on-campus. You can explore these options below.
Graduate Assistantships (Available to Graduate Students Only)
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3) Apply for Social Security Number
Students on F-1 visas must receive a social security number before being paid through an on-campus employer. Once a job offer is secured, please complete this form. The form must be signed by the student, on-campus department/employer, and International Enrollment & Services.
Additional Information
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J-1 Students
J-1 students have limited opportunities for Academic Training. Please schedule an appointment with an International Student Advisor to learn more. You will be required to submit a Request for Academic Training Form found by clicking the button below.
Request for Academic Training Form
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Requirements and Limitations
International students are limited to working a maximum of 20 hours per week across all employment positions when classes are in session throughout the semester. There are opportunities to work additional hours during breaks, but please check with the Office of International Enrollment & Services prior to agreeing to work more than 20 hours per week.
Students who work more than 20 hours per week when classes are in session are subject to having their SEVIS records terminated. Once SEVIS records are terminated, students have limited options to regain their F-1 student status.
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Employment Changes
You must notify the Office of International Enrollment and Services if your employment position changes on-campus. If, for example, you are working in the Center for Physical Activity (CPA) and later accept a graduate assistantship position, you must email International Enrollment and Services (international@etsu.edu).
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Graduate Assistantships
Graduate students with full graduate assistantships are not authorized to work in any other on-campus position. Full graduate assistantships require 20 hours per week.
Graduate students with half graduate assistantships may be eligible to work in another on-campus position. Half graduate assistantships are required to work 10 hours per week.
Students with a Graduate Assistantship will receive a monthly stipend, but this stipend is rarely available immediately upon arrival. It is important to budget using personal funds for the financial obligations due at the beginning of the term: health insurance, service and activity fees, insurance, books, rent deposits, etc.
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Off-Campus Employment
International students are not permitted to work off-campus unless approved for OPT or CPT.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
For more information, please visit the Immigration and Customs Enforcement website regarding off-campus employment.
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Multiple Employment Positions
Students working on a tuition scholarship (8 hours per week) or half graduate assistantship (10 hours per week) may be eligible to work additional hours with a different on-campus employer. Total hours cannot exceed 20 hours per week.
To work additional hours with a different employer, students must complete the forms found below: