For Faculty & Staff >> Hiring International Students

What Employers Should Know

International students with F-1 and J-1 non-immigrant visa status are eligible to work on campus provided they are maintaining lawful status and meet certain requirements.

Enrollment In A Full Course Of Study

International students with F-1 and J-1 non-immigrant visa status are required to be enrolled in a full course of study each term unless it is their annual vacation (usually the summer term.  A full course of study consists of the following:

  • Undergraduate students- 12 credit hours / term
  • Graduate students - 8 credit hours / term
  • Law School students - 12 credit hours / term
  • English Language Academy students -  4 classes / term

Limit On Hours worked

International students with F-1 and J-1 non-immigrant visa status are limited to working a specific number of hours per week as follows:

  • Student is limited to 20 hours of work per week while school is in session
  • Student may work more than 20 hours per week only during official school breaks

Social Security Numbers

Due to concerns about national security and a growing problem with identity theft, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has put into place stringent policies limiting the issuance of SSNs.

As of October 13, 2004, an international student with F-1 and J-1 non-immigrant visa status must now show evidence that s/he has an on-campus job.  Thus, on-campus employers will be asked to verify the nature of the on-campus employment.  On-campus employers should use the SSA Sample Form Letter to verify employment.

Questions Regarding Hiring Students at DePaul University

If you have any questions regarding hiring student workers, please contact Student Employment at the Career Center.

If you already have an international student worker in F-1 or J-1 visa status and you would like to extend his/her employment beyond the student's degree completion, your department may be able to "sponsor" the student for a temporary work visa      (H-1B) through DePaul University.  If you are a hiring manager at DePaul University and would like to have your department "sponsor" your international student worker for a temporary work visa, please contact the Office of the General Counsel.
Updated  12.2006