¡á Information for Current Students

Student Employment & UH International Students
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


FAQ for F-1 and J-1 students seeking on-campus employment through the Career Development and Student Employment Center (CDSE)


 

Q: What are the conditions for F-1/J-1 students to work on campus?

A: The F-1 student may work on campus at their institution as long as (s)he is classified in a recognized academic program and engaged in full-time course work. UHM's on-line job system will recognize F-1 students meeting these conditions and should automatically grant them access to begin the on-campus job search process.

F-1 students who plan to enroll for a reduced course load must get prior approval from a Designated School Official (DSO) in the Office of International Student Services (ISS), recorded on page 3 of their I-20 form (Show this to the Student Employment officer).

The F-1 student must obtain an on-campus employment stamp on the I-20 form to verify appropriate clearance by ISS prior to being hired. Additionally, eligibility requirements will be enforced by CDSE. Students deemed ineligible by CDSE will be precluded from accessing UHM's on-line job system and/or establishment of student employment payroll records.

The J-1 student may work on campus only if the Responsible Officer (RO) from the sponsoring agency gives permission. (Some J-1 sponsors do not want their students to work since employment may delay completion of study, and/or because the student already receives sufficient funds for their needs during their study.)

Because the sponsor must agree to the work and specifically grant employment authorization, CDSE must receive the Form CDSE J-1 authorizing general on-campus employment. Students must see their sponsoring RO to obtain a signature.

The Form CDSE J-is an initial requirement. Additional requirements will be enforced by CDSE. Students deemed ineligible by CDSE may not be able to access UHM's on-line job system.

Q: Are there other programs besides CDSE that may be allowed to hire F-1 or J-1 students?
A: Yes. While CDSE handles all positions paid from the UH Student Employment payroll, there are other programs which hire international students.

  • Graduate students who receive a teaching or research assistantship are classified and hired through the UHM Graduate Division¡¯s Fellowships & Scholarships Office (Spalding 354D, (808) 956-8113)
  • On-campus positions funded by RCUH, EWC, UH Foundation or other affiliated organizations will be handled by the respective program.
  • Students may be eligible for positions off-campus under special circumstances with prior approval from the RO (J-1) or DSO (F-1).

Q: What is a Federal I-9 form?
A: In the US, all persons hired, together with their employers, must complete the Federal I-9 form to verify employment eligibility. This form is administered by the US Department of Justice.

The purpose of the Federal I-9 form is to verify both identity and eligibility to work. The employee completes Section I, certifying name, address, birth date, social security number, and information about his or her authorization to work. The employee¡¯s signature also certifies the following: ¡°I am aware that federal law provides for imprisonment and/or fines for false statements or use of false documents in connection with the completion of this form.¡±

The Federal I-9 form provides a list of acceptable documents that the employer¡¯s representative (in this case, CDSE) can review in order to confirm the new employee's identity and work eligibility. The Federal Handbook for I-9 Completion provides guidance on the documents needed to verify employment for F-1 students (see CDSE Center for details).

 

Q: What documents could an F-1 or J-1 student present to CDSE to verify both identity and employment eligibility?
A: The F-1 student would present the valid I-20 (with ISS stamp indicating on-campus work authorization) and an unexpired foreign passport together with a valid I-94 form.

The J-1 student would present the valid DS-2019 and an unexpired foreign passport together with a valid I-94 form. CDSE will also refer to the Form CDSE J-1 which should already be on file.

Q: What procedures are required if my employment permission is to be extended?
A: If the employment authorization end-date is the end-date on your I-20 (with ISS stamp indicating on-campus work authorization) or DS-2019, but you are receiving a program extension, obtain the extended I-20 or DS-2019 form from your respective DSO or RO and present an updated Form CDSE J-1 to the CDSE office.

CDSE will notify students who must ¡°re-verify¡± the Federal I-9 form.

 
 
     
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Phone: (808) 956-8613 Fax: (808) 956-5076