On-campus employment is the most common form of employment used by students during the course of their studies. Students are eligible for up to 20 hours of on-campus employment while school is in session. Increased hours are permitted during breaks in class or between semesters. To qualify, the following conditions must apply:

• You must be maintaining your student status,
• The job opportunity must be considered to be "on-campus,"
• You must continue to make reasonable progress towards your degree,
• You cannot displace any U.S. residents.

Please note, completing your degree requirements constitutes the end of your academic program in the eyes of the government and your on-campus work authorization terminates at that time. Since completing degree requirements often predates your actual graduation date, you may find it necessary to apply for optional practical training to continue your employment at the University.

Remember that on-campus employment is limited to a total of 20 hours a week while school is in session. This includes any hours spent working as a Research Assistant, Teaching Assistant, a fellow, or as a Residential Assistant in the dorms. When school is not in session, full-time employment is permissible.

In certain very limited circumstances (and only for students in F-1 status) some off-campus sites may be considered to be on campus for purposes of employment. In order for an off campus site to be considered to be "on campus" for purposes of on-campus employment, the following must apply:

1. the off-campus location must be educationally affiliated with Catholic University, and
2. the educational affiliation is associated with the school's established curriculum or is related to contractually funded research at the post graduate level, and
3. must be an integral part of the student's educational program.

These circumstances are not very common and must be discussed with your international student advisor prior to accepting employment.

There are no official procedures for applying for work permission for on campus employment because this permission is automatic to your F-1 or J-1 student status.

If you do not have a social security number you will need to apply for one (you are allowed to work while your social security number application is being processed). Forward the following form (Social Security On-Campus Work Authorization form)to your hiring department and have them print it out on their letterhead. You will fill in a section, your hiring department will fill in a section and sign it and then you should bring the form back to OIS for a signature from an OIS Advisor. Take this form with you to the Social Security Administration to apply for a Social Security Number.