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On-Campus Employment


International students on the F-1 visa, who are enrolled for full course load and maintaining their F-1 student status, may work part-time on campus while classes are in session. "Part-time" means no more than 20 hours per week. International students may work more than 20 hours and up to 29 hours/week during school breaks or vacation, as long as they are enrolled for full-time course load for the following semester.

During breaks (defined as Summer, Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring breaks) all student workers are permitted to work up to 29 hours per week. There is, however, an exception to the 29-hour rule, during breaks. If the student worker is enrolled in classes during the Summer or Winter breaks, then they are subject to the normal weekly hours limits.

F-1 students do not need immigration authorization to work on-campus, but must first verify their eligibility through the Office of International Programs. It is important to understand that those students with I-20s issue reasons as "Initial Attendance", "Transfer Pending" or "Change of Education Level", cannot verify their eligibility until their SEVIS registration is complete after the first week of class when they receive an I-20 with the issue reason as "Continued Attendance".

Students should submit the On-Campus Employment request to the Office of International Programs for each new on-campus job, and also if they are beginning a new program at UT and have a new "Change of Education Level" I-20 from UT.

Finding On-Campus Employment Instructions for On-Campus Employment for International Students:
  1. Receive offer for on-campus employment position. Once you are hired, your supervisor will complete all required forms for on-campus employment and begin the on-boarding process in Workday, according to UT policies.
  2. Complete and submit the online "On-Campus Employment" request via your online profile in the Request & Document Center..
  3. New students - make sure you have also submitted the online New Student Online Immigration Check-In request via your online profile in the Request & Document Center and completed the Immigration check-in process.
  4. The International Programs Office will verify if the student is eligible for on-campus employment and will notify the Student Employment Coordinator in the Human Resources (HR) office.
  5. The HR Student Employment Coordinator will verify the job offer and provide the student a Verification Letter, needed in order to apply  for a Social Security Number (SSN). You cannot work without a SSN in the US, and you cannot get a SSN without a job offer.
  6. Your International Student Advisor will need to also sign this letter.
  7. Once you receive the signed letter, follow the instructions to apply for the SSN.
Graduate Assistants and Resident Assistants
Graduate Assistantships (GAs) and Resident Assistants (RAs) are considered "on-campus employment" and therefore are also limited to 20 hours per week. During vacation periods and academic breaks, you may work more than 20 hours/week on-campus, if you are returning to classes the following term. 

What is "On-Campus"?
International students can only work for University offices and must be paid through UT’s Payroll Office.

The following on-campus positions are not paid through UT and are NOT considered on-campus employment:
  • Sodexo (dining and catering services)
  • UT Bookstore (Barnes & Noble)
  • Starbucks
  • Employment with any on-site commercial firm or business that does not provide direct UT student services. For example, a construction company building a school building

Can I Work for Federal Work/Study jobs?
No, international students are not eligible for Federal Work Study jobs since they are not eligible for federal financial aid.

Can I Work On Campus After Graduating?
Students may not work on-campus after completing your course of study. If you are continuing for another educational program at UT, consult your International Student Advisor.