On-Campus Employment | International Student and Scholar Services

Students in F-1 or J-1 status are permitted to work on-campus at UNC-Chapel Hill up to 20 hours per week during the academic year (while classes are in session). Students may work full-time (21 hours or more per week) during official University breaks or during the summer if they intend to enroll for the subsequent semester.

Students who accept employment are responsible for ensuring that the employment is considered “on-campus.”

Jobs that qualify as On-Campus Employment: Most positions in which students receive a UNC-CH paycheck.
Jobs that do NOT qualify as On-Campus Employment: Positions at UNC Hospitals, the Carolina Inn, The Daily Tar Heel, and most businesses located on Franklin Street. Employment with these businesses and institutions is considered “off-campus employment” and requires off-campus work authorization.
J-1 students must receive written permission from the sponsor in order to work on-campus.

If a student is unsure whether a specific employment opportunity qualifies as on-campus employment, they are encouraged to consult with their ISSS Advisor before accepting the position.

Procedure to begin On-Campus Employment and Apply for an SSN

F-1 students who will be employed on-campus must request a letter from ISSS to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) at a Social Security Administration (SSA) office. Students should submit requests for this letter through the ISSS Portal. The Social Security Number (SSN) Letter request form is located under “F-1 Student Services”.

As part of the process, students will also need to upload a letter prepared by the hiring unit/department which includes all information required by the SSA (please refer to the template for this letter).

*Do NOT submit this form unless you have a current job offer for on-campus employment.

Students can refer to additional information about the SSN application process here.

New students in F-1 status must complete ISSS Student Check-In. Once approved, ISSS will activate the student’s SEVIS Record and send an email confirmation. Students must present this SEVIS Registration Confirmation email to the hiring department before beginning employment.

J-1 students: Students in J-1 status must complete the J-1 Student On-Campus Employment Authorization Request in the ISSS Portal to receive written authorization to begin work. You can find this request form under “J-1 Student Services”.

Students are not permitted to work off-campus without prior authorization. For more information on how to obtain off-campus work authorization, please see the different off-campus employment options.