F-1 students are eligible to participate in student employment as long as they are and remain “in status.” The government of the United States of America requires that international students be registered as full-time students and maintain satisfactory academic progress while pursuing their degrees. 

Students are authorized to work part-time on-campus (up to 20 hours per week) during the academic year and full-time (over 20 hours per week) during school breaks. 

Work Authorization

In order to be authorized to work on campus, students must obtain a Social Security card from the Social Security Administration and must also complete an I-9 and W-4 form online through Workday. 

Please oisa [at] emerson.edu (reach out to the Office of International Student Affairs) to set up an appointment for your Social Security card. 

I-9 Process

F-1 students must have the following documentation when they come to the Official of Financial Aid (216 Tremont Street, 4th Floor) to complete the final step of their I-9s:  

  • Passport
  • I-20
  • I-94
  • SSN card or receipt of their SSN appointment