All employees must obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). Instructions on how to obtain a Social Security Card are available in the Student File and Document Library.
International students can work on-campus up to 20 hours/week during the academic terms and full-time during the vacation or break periods. Special authorization from the USCIS is not required to work on-campus as long as you are in valid F-1 student status and pursuing a full course of study. Once you complete your study program you are no longer eligible to be employed on-campus without special authorization -- i.e., Optional Practical Training (see below). On-campus employment is employment engaged in at UCSC such as a teaching or research assistantship, employment in the University Center, library aide, etc. Generally speaking, this means that you will be receiving a paycheck from this university.
A summary of the options for off-campus employment for F-1 students is provided below. No matter which off-campus employment option you pursue, the following items apply for all applicants.
Students are considered to be maintaining valid F-1 status while they are employed, volunteering or seeking employment (see below for limitations) on OPT post completion with a valid EAD. The employment or volunteer work must be directly related to your degree and program of study and it should be at least 20 hours a week. Students can not be enrolled in any classes while on OPT post completion. The EAD is intended for employment only and not for the purpose of extending your stay in the U.S.
Maintenance of SEVIS Records: Students are sponsored by UCSC while they are engaged in OPT post completion and we are responsible for maintaining your SEVIS record during the period that you are employed on OPT. Students are required to submit the below form when there is any change in employment. Students must have the EAD before employment can begin. Mail a copy to ISSS.
TRAVEL:Consult with ISSS before traveling out of the U.S.
DEPARTURE PERIOD: F-1 regulations allow students to remain in the U.S. for 60 days after the expiration date of the EAD. During the departure period, students cannot be employed nor can they travel in and out of the U.S. with F-1 status.
TO STAY IN THE U.S. AFTER OPT: To stay beyond the 60-day period, students must return to full-time student status the next available term or change status to another visa type before the expiration of the EAD. For more information on change of status go to the USCIS web site to get the Application To Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status I-539 Form.
TRANSFER OF PROGRAM: Transfer to another school in the U.S.
If you transfer to another school in the U.S. your SEVIS record must be transferred from UCSC to the new school so that they can issue you a new I-20 Form and register your record in SEVIS. Notify ISSS if you plan to transfer so we can release your SEVIS record. The EAD is only valid while you are sponsored by UCSC. Once you transfer out of UCSC, the EAD and work permission are no longer valid at your new school. The EAD is void and must be returned to the USCIS even if it has not expired. Consult with ISSS or your new school’s international advisor for more information about your status.
Please submit this form within 10 days of any changes to your employment or to your residential address. Failure to do so may jeopardize your status here in the US.
Complete the following information, then click on the "Submit" button to send this form to
the ISSS Office.