Student Employment
As a full-time student you may work on campus if working will not interfere with your enrollment or delay your degree completion. If you are a new student, you are eligible to work on campus after checking in with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) up to 30 days before the start of the term. If you are a transfer student you are eligible to work as soon as you receive your I-20 from PSU. Prior to working, you must obtain a letter of authorization from ISSS and provide it to the PSU Human Resources Office. You must also have a Social Security number.
Federal regulations limit your employment to 20 hours per week while classes are in session. During your vacation term you may work full-time even if you choose to take one or two classes. However, you may not work full-time and attend classes full-time during the same term.
As an international student you are eligible for non-work study jobs on campus. You can see a listing of these positions in the Career Center, located on the fourth floor of the University Services Building and on the web at Career Connect.
IMPORTANT
The Department of Homeland Security does not necessarily distinguish between paid employment and volunteer work. Always obtain authorization prior to working regardless of whether you will be paid.
Economic Hardship
You may be eligible for Economic Hardship Work Authorization if you have experienced a severe and unforeseen change in your economic situation. Examples of such unforeseen circumstances include loss of on-campus employment, medical bills, and substantial shift in the value of your home country’s currency. If granted, you will be allowed to work off campus in any job for 20 hours per week while school is in session and 40 hours during vacation breaks. Authorization is given one year at a time and may be renewed.
To qualify you must meet all eligibility requirements, be in good academic standing, and have been a full-time F-1 student for nine consecutive months. Authorization is required from Citizenship and Immigration Services. The application requires a significant fee and approval is not guaranteed. To apply, complete the Economic Hardship application. (PDF)