Campus Employment

Students on F-1 and J-1 visas may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while school is in session, as long as they are full-time students, in status, and are making normal progress towards a degree (12 credits for undergraduates and 8 credits for graduates). Students may work up to full time during vacation periods if they intend to register the following quarter. Students are exempt from Social Security taxes, except for summer quarter, unless enrolled in course work during the summer quarter. Some international students are exempt from all taxes.

There are several ways to find an on-campus job. The Center for Student Work Experience web site, www.finaid.wwu.edu/studentjobs/ , lists many, but not all, jobs available on campus. In addition, many departments post job openings at their offices. Talk with your friends, and visit the departments where you are interested in working. For example, if you would like to work in International Programs & Exchanges, go to the office and ask about working there!

To work on campus you will need a social security number which is issued by the Social Security Department in the Federal Building in downtown Bellingham. They will require proof of your status and proof that you are eligible to work on campus. They will want to see your passport, I-94 card, and your I-20. Follow these steps:

To work on campus, students must do the following:

1. Get a letter from your employer that confirms you have been hired. Make an appointment with the International Programs Advisor. You will receive a Confirmation Memo which confirms that you are a full-time student, in status, and eligible for work on campus.
2. Apply for a Social Security Number

   Take the Confirmation Memo, your I-20 or DS 2019, and your passport with visa and I-94 to the Social Security Administration Office, located in Room 109, Federal Building (corner of Cornwall and Magnolia Streets 360 738-3952) in downtown Bellingham. The application process is brief and simple. Ask for a "Note of Verification" at the Social Security Administration Office, which shows that you have applied for a social security number. It usually takes 2 weeks to receive your Social Security Card. Your card will indicate "on-campus employment only."

3. The department which hires you will prepare a Student On-Campus Employment Form. Take this form and meet with the International Programs Advisor. The department will help you complete additional employment forms: I-9, W-4, and Payroll Information Form.
4. Take the W-4, the Student Employment Form and your Social Security Number (Note of Verification) to the Center for Student Work Experience in Old Main 285 (650-3158). Take the Payroll Information Form to the Payroll Office (building 405 behind Haggen, 32nd St, third floor. 650-2991). The I-9 Form will remain with your employer.

All of these steps must be completed before the first pay date of the job.