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International Services

Vassar College

On Campus Employment

All F-1 and J-1 international students are eligible to work on campus. Work is considered “on campus” so long as the employer either is Vassar and/or provides direct services to students (eg Bon Appetit). Your paycheck must be issued by Vassar College.

Eligibility 

F-1 Students wishing to work on campus must:

  • Be a full-time student
  • Have a valid, unexpired Vassar I-20
  • Have a valid, unexpired passport
  • Have an I-94 arrival/departure record indicating F-1 status
  • Have or apply for a Social Security number

J-1 Students wishing to work on campus must:

  • Be a full-time student
  • Have a valid, unexpired Vassar DS-2019
  • Have a valid, unexpired passport
  • Have an I-94 arrival/departure record indicating J-1 status 

FAQs for on-campus employment

  • First see Vassar’s Student Employment website FAQs on getting a campus job, which includes a lot of questions that apply to all students and a section for international students.
  • How many hours per week can I work?
    • The SEVIS regulations state that you cannot exceed more than 20 combined hours per week for any forms of employment while classes are in session. 
    • Vassar regulations further restrict on-campus employment during the semester to 7 hours per week for first years, 8 hours for second years, and 9 hours for third and fourth-year students.
    • You are eligible to work full time during academic breaks. SEVIS has no restrictions on the number of hours. Vassar typically caps at 37.5 hours per week.
  • I am a J-1 exchange student. Can I work on campus?
    • Yes. You are eligible for on-campus employment, typically beginning a month after classes start UNLESS a department successfully requests for you to be able to start work earlier.