F-1 Students

Employment is any work performed or services provided (including self-employment) in exchange for money or other benefit or compensation (for example, free room and board in exchange for babysitting). Always contact the ISSS office before accepting a job on or off campus to ensure that you are eligible and are following the proper procedures. 

On-Campus Employment

All F-1 students are allowed to work on campus as soon as they arrive in the United States in F-1 student status to attend The New School. You do not need to get official work authorization from ISSS before you start an on-campus job, but you still need to speak with an ISSS advisor to ensure that the work qualifies as on-campus employment. 

Requirements for On-Campus Employment

• On-campus work must be limited to 20 hours per week while classes are in session but can be full-time during official breaks and vacations. Students may not work more than 20 hours per week, even if they receive dean or supervisor approval.
• The New School has updated the fall semester structure. The fall semester now runs from late August to late January. This includes a standard part of the term (August to December) and a winter part of the term (December to January). During the winter part of the term, students may work a maximum of 20 hours per week, as it is still part of the fall semester and is not an official break.
• Employment must take place either at a student's school or at an off-campus location that is educationally affiliated with the school (one that is associated with the school's established curriculum or with contractually funded research projects at the postgraduate level).

Where to Find Jobs

• Visit The New School's careers website.
• Check the On-Campus Employment Fair, organized by Career Services.

Any student worker positions designated as Federal Work Study are a form of federal financial aid and are thus open only to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

Off-Campus Employment

In order to participate in any off-campus employment, you must obtain work authorization through the ISSS office. Unauthorized employment is taken very seriously by U.S. immigration officials. Familiarize yourself with your F-1 off-campus employment options, and always contact ISSS before accepting any work that you are not sure is authorized.

How to Apply for a Social Security Number

See the Social Security section for more information about the SSN application process. If you have been issued an SSN for a past experience, you do not need to apply for a new number.