On-Campus Employment
Basic Page Sidebar Menu ISSS
The rules for F-1 and J-1 On-Campus Employment differ in some ways. Please read the instructions carefully.
If you already know that your job is considered on-campus, click here for Social Security Number application information.
View the topics below for general guidelines in seeking and obtaining on-campus employment at Penn.
Students are generally permitted to work on campus:
-
At the school that issued his/her valid I-20/DS-2019
-
While attending that school AND maintaining F-1/J-1 Status
-
Work for which a student receives a paycheck from Penn (i.e. work for Penn, on Penn Payroll, AND on Penn premises)
OR
-
Work for which a student receives other compensation, e.g. room & board, from Penn
Work hours must not exceed 20 hours per week while school is in session. Students may work more than 20 hours per week only in these cases:
-
During school breaks (e.g. Spring break or Thanksgiving)
-
During vacation periods (e.g. summer - unless first or last semester at Penn)
Not all Penn Affiliates or Entities are considered on-campus employment:
-
Examples, not inclusive, of non-Penn sites: The Wistar Institute, CHOP, Unique Advantage, International House, Monell, Chemical Heritage Foundation, Red and Blue Call Center
-
Special permission from ISSS is required to work at these non-Penn sites
J-1 STUDENTS ONLY. Prior written permission from ISSS is required. Please complete the following:
F-1 STUDENTS ONLY. No additional authorization required. Work that meets certain requirements is permissible.
-
Employment by Penn
-
Other Employment on Penn's Premises (includes work on campus for outside contractor if work provides direct services to students. Check with ISSS first.)
-
Certain off-campus employment (where an official relationship between Penn & the employer exists)
DHS (Department of Homeland Security) regulations allow off-site work provided:
-
Location is educationally affiliated with Penn and work is associated with Penn's established curriculum
-
OR work is related to a graduate level research project which the university has contracted to perform (i.e. related to contractually funded research projects at the post-graduate level)
-
The work must also be an integral or important part of your program of study.
-
Clear documentation about the relationship between Penn and the employer is required. Please consult with an ISSS advisor for clearance in advance.
