WORKING AS AN INTERNATIONAL F-1 STUDENT SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER (SSN)  International Students must have a job offer and work authorization from OISS in order to apply for a SSN  F-1 Students are allowed to legally work up-to 90 days while they wait for their SSN if their employer allows them to do so. (Earnings must still be reported to the IRS)  For information on applying for a Social Security Number (SSN), visit www.unlv.edu/iss and click on “F-1” Student Forms & Resources” ON- CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT: One of the benefits available to international (F-1) students is the ability to work oncampus – even during the first year of studies.  Student must be enrolled Full-Time (12 credits for Undergrad/ 9 credits for Graduate).  Student must have their “Continuing I-20” (issued after checking in to OISS with an I-94, Passport, Visa, Local Address, and Local Phone Number).  Student can only work 20 hours per week during the semester.  After being hired, student must request On-Campus Work Authorization from OISS (visit www.unlv.edu/iss and click on “F-1” Student Forms & Resources”). OFF- CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT (CPT): Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an off-campus employment benefit available to F-1 students when the training (work experience or internship) is considered an integral part of the established curriculum and directly related to the student’s major.  The student must complete 2 semesters of Full-Time enrollment as an F-1 student to be eligible for CPT.  CPT is issued per semester / school break. Students must re-apply for CPT even if continuing employment.  The employer must provide a letter stating the intention to hire the student.  Student can NOT start work until they pick up an I-20 from OISS authorizing specific CPT dates (CPT must be approved for a specific employer and specific time period).  To apply, visit www.unlv.edu/iss and click on “F-1” Student Forms & Resources” 12 MONTHS OF WORK EXPERIENCE (OPT): Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a 12 month employment authorization that provides an opportunity for F-1 students to apply knowledge acquired from their academic program to Full Time work experience in their field of study.  Students may apply for OPT 90 days prior to their program completion date, and up to 60 days after the program completion date.  OISS must recommend you for OPT and help you with the application, but approval of OPT is determined by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).  To begin your OPT application, visit www.unlv.edu/iss and click on “F-1” Student Forms & Resources” TIPS ON LOOKING FOR A JOB:  Check with your department to see if they have any jobs or resources for students in your program.  Visit UNLV’s Career Services to get help with your cover letter, resume/CV, or a mock interview.  Email [email protected] to activate your “Hire a Rebel Careerlink” .  Apply in-person at the Student Union, Thomas and Mack, and Student Recreation & Wellness Center.  If filling out an online application, enter 0000’s (zeros) in fields that don’t apply to you (like zip codes of former employers or a Social Security Number you do not yet have one).  Search for career fairs or in-person employment centers where you can explain your situation.  Download the “Hiring an International Student” document from http://www.unlv.edu/iss/f1-forms and have it available for potential employers.

UNLV, Office of International Students and Scholars SSC-A, 201| [email protected] | 702.774.6477