Cal Poly

International Students and Scholars

Big Data

On-Campus Employment

On-Campus employment authorization varies for F-1 and J-1 visa students.

Work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and more than 20 hours per week during school breaks. Cal Poly requires a Social Security card for paid employment.

Social Security

F-1 Employment Options

F-1 visa regulations allow students to work on campus starting with their first semester. Off-campus employment is limited to Curricular Practical Training, Optional Practical Training, or Economic Hardship employment authorization. Students must be in good academic standing to qualify for any employment. A U.S. Social Security Card is required for paid employment.

 

  • No documentation is required from the International Center
  • The location of employment must be on the premises of the school.
  • On-campus jobs are posted in Mustang Jobs on your My Cal Poly Portal
  • Students can also ask their academic department office for available jobs
  • International students do not qualify for jobs listed as "Work Study"
  • Must be paid by either Cal Poly State, Cal Poly Corporation or Associated Students Inc. (ASI) to be considered on-campus employment

J-1 Employment Options

J-1 visa regulations require students to receive work authorization from the International Center before beginning on-campus or Academic Training employment. A U.S. Social Security Card is required for paid employment.

J-1 exchange students working on campus must complete submit the On-Campus
Employment Request and upload a copy of your employment letter. This form is found on your International Student Hub. Wait for approval before beginning work.

After the International Center approves your employment they will provide you with a letter to take to the Social Security Office to apply for an SSN.

On-campus jobs are posted in Mustang Jobs on your My Cal Poly Portal.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Maintain good academic standing
  • Employment can be no more than 20 hours per week, except during official school breaks
  • Employment must take place entirely on the campus premises
  • Employment must be authorized by the International Center prior to the start date
  • Student must be enrolled full-time  while employed on-campus

Note: Students in the J-1 Student Intern category are not eligible to work on campus outside of their internship assignment.