• Student Handbook

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• Section 1:
  Before You Leave
  • Overview
  • Applying for a Visa
  • F-1 Visa Status
  • Checklist
  • Orientation
  • Transportation
• Section 2:
  Now That You're Here
  • Overview
  • Arrival Information
  • Climate in Region
  • Money & Banking
  • Housing & Dining
  • Working
  • Living 
  • Driving
  • Health Services & Medical Insurance
  • Culture Shock
  • Alcohol, Drugs & Legal Issues
• Section 3:
  Academic Information
  • Overview
  • Methods & Practices
  • Plagiarism
  • Useful Phone Numbers

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Working in the U.S.

Employment

If you are legally maintaining status as an F-1 student, you are eligible to work no more than 20 hours (on-campus) per week. You may be employed full time during holidays and vacation periods, including summer vacations, provided you are eligible and intend to register for the next school term.

Working improperly or without authorization is a serious violation of your status. It is your responsibility to comply with all immigration and employment regulations which apply to F-1 students. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in the cancellation of your F-1 visa and/or being barred from re-entering the U.S. for period of up to 10 years.

PSU has an excellent support network in place through the Bagley Center, specifically Lisa Ladd, the Int’l. Employee Assistant (603-535-2336). Additional information about International Employment can be found on the Human Resources Web site.

Social Security Numbers/Cards 

Social Security numbers, for many reasons, have become part of living in the U.S. To apply for a number you will need to complete an Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5).  Take the completed application to the local Social Security office (177 Main St, Littleton, NH; 603-444-2945, 1-800-772-1213) along with original documents to include: I-20, I- 94, passport, work eligibility, and a letter from the DSO. *Work eligibility means evidence of employment such as letter from employer which describes your job, your start date, number of hours working, supervisor’s name and phone.*

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

OPT gives F-1 students the opportunity to gain paid practical experience in their field of study. OPT is available to students for up to 12 months after each educational level (i.e. undergraduate, graduate, post-graduate). OPT is usually done after completion of a degree program.

Taxes 

If you are allowed to work in the U.S. and get paid for your services, you are required to pay taxes in the U.S. regardless of the type of visa that you have. Taxes are withheld regularly from each paycheck. Visit the International Taxpayer section at the United State Department of Treasury Internal Revenue Service site to find out the required information on filing taxes.