Students: FAQs
1. How soon may an international student begin working on campus?
International students first must be enrolled in a full course of study, maintaining valid status, and in possession of original immigration documentation to prove employment eligibility in the USA. International students must also have a valid, original U.S. social security card for payroll purposes. After the student has obtained an offer for on campus employment, the student should schedule an appointment to meet in E-301 Martin Hall with the Director of International Employment and Non Resident Alien Taxation. Please call +1 864 656 3614 to schedule an appointment, or send an e-mail to: mackh@clemson.edu. Bring to the appointment all original immigration documentation and U.S. social security card. If the student does not yet have a U.S. social security card, then an official SSA receipt letter is required to be obtained by the student from SSA. The SSA receipt letter should evidence the acceptance and approval of the students application for the card. The hiring department is required to prepare an International Hire form and send it to the Director of International Employment and Non Resident Alien Taxation, for review and approval before work may begin.
2. How many hours per week can I work on campus as an international student?
During the school sessions of Fall and Spring semesters, if you are maintaining valid status you may work on campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week, inclusive of all jobs combined (i.e., University, Dining Services, Bookstore, etc.). During official school holidays and summer break, if you are maintaining valid status you may work full time on campus. See below for available dates.
3. May I work on campus after completing my program of study?
An international student may not work during the 60 day grace period following completion of a course of study, except under the following conditions: (a) The student has been issued a new SEVIS form I-20 to begin a new program of study at Clemson University beginning on the next academic session, or (b) The student has received an Employment Authorization Card from DHS/USCIS for Optional Practical Training in the field of study, and the starting work date as stated on the card has been reached. In either case (a) or (b), the hiring department will prepare a new International Hire form and send it for review and approval to the Director of International Employment and Non Resident Alien Taxation. The student employee will schedule an appointment to complete the necessary changes in employment eligibility and related tax areas.
4. May I continue to work on campus if I am transferring from Clemson University to another school?
For students transferring to another school from Clemson University, the last possible employment date at Clemson University is the day prior to the transfer release date.
5. I am transferring to Clemson University from another school, how soon may I begin work on campus?
For students transferring in to Clemson University from another school, the student must first meet all requirements for on campus employment. See question /answer 1 above.
6. I am concurrently attending two schools, am I eligible to work on campus?
F1 students may work on campus only at the school which issued the SEVIS I-20. Students who are out of status are not eligible to work on campus until reinstated.
Students: U.S. Source Scholarships
Special rules apply for U.S. source scholarships, fellowships, and athletic grants in aid credited to non-resident alien student accounts through the Office of Student Financial Aid. A non-resident alien international student who receives such financial aid is required to complete two scholarship information and tax forms with the Director of International Employment and Taxation, International Affairs, E-301 Martin Hall. The student needs to bring the following original documents:
- Foreign passport
- I-94 Arrival/Departure card
- Form I-20 ( F-1 visa)
- Form DS-2019 (J-1 visa)
- Signed, U.S. Social Security card or U.S. individual tax identification number card.
International Student Work Hour Calendar
The work hour limitations given below apply to international students' work schedules. It is the employing department's responsibility to coordinate work schedules with the students and other employing departments to ensure that overtime does not become an issue.
International students are restricted to 20 hours per week when school is in session. For 2008, this includes the following dates:
January 6, 2008 through March 14, 2008
March 24, 2008 through May 3, 2008
August 17, 2008 through October 31, 2008
November 5, 2008 through November 25, 2008
December 1, 2008 through December 13, 2008
International students may work full-time during breaks and holiday periods. For 2008, this includes the following dates:
January 21, 2008
Martin Luther King Holiday
March 17, 2008 through March 21, 2008
Spring Break
May 5, 2008 through August 15, 2008
Summer Break
November 3-4, 2008
Fall Break
November 26-28, 2008
Thanksgiving Holidays
December 15, 2008 through January 3, 2009
Christmas and New Year's Holidays