On-Campus Employment
Employment Basics
Yes. Full-time students on an Active F-1 visa are allowed to work on-campus, provided the work will not interfere with their full-time enrollment or delay their degree completion. Any and all off-campus employment (including CPT for an internship, practicum hours or clinical hours) is not permissible without prior approval from the International Center.
Federal regulations limit on-campus employment to 20 hours per week while classes are in session for F-1 students. During school break periods, you may work up to 28 hours per week on-campus.
Job openings are posted online by the Career Center. You are welcome to apply for any of the on-campus jobs posted on the Career Center's website.
Yes! As an F-1 student you are eligible to apply and work for any of the on-campus jobs posted on CBU's job posting site, Handshake. If you need help with the website please contact the CBU Career Center.
Once you are offered an on-campus job you need to obtain a Social Security Card. Once you have received your SSN you may begin your job.
No, as an F-1 student you are not permitted to work any off-campus job while on your student visa. Working an off-campus job would be a violation of your visa, and could be grounds for termination. If you need to work off-campus for a degree-related reason (like a required internship or practicum class) you must be approved for CPT prior to starting your off-campus job or volunteer work. Please contact your DSO via Terra Dotta before starting any off-campus work so we may advise you accordingly.
Click here for more information about applying for an SSN.
US Banking
Yes! Banks in the US will help you open up an account with them. To do so you'll need to bring your passport, I-20, I-94 CBU ID and something that shows your proof of address to a local bank to get started. We recommend contacting the bank in advance to ask them what documents are needed to open an account.
There are two basic kinds of accounts:
- Checking account - For daily use, payment of regular bills, and shopping needs. This is the type of account that most international students open here in the US.
- Savings account - Where money you do not need to use immediately can earn interest.
When opening a checking account, be sure to ask about different types of checking accounts. All banks have several kinds of accounts, so you should always review your options. Be sure to look at the account fees and when they may be charged.
Do you have questions about how to file taxes in the United States? Check out this resource from Study in the States.