Employment Information for International Students
International students in F-1 /J-1 status are in the U.S. for the primary purpose of study. There are some limited opportunities for employment in the US.
Employment is defined differently by various government agencies, but in general, it is defined as “any type of work performed for services provided in exchange for compensation.”
If you have questions about an offer of employment, you should meet with a CISS Advisor BEFORE beginning employment to be sure that you do not accidentally engage in unlawful employment.
Unauthorized employment is a serious violation of student status and can have serious consequences for your status and future entry to the U.S.
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 Special Employment Topics |  Social Security Number |  Taxes |  Volunteering |  Employment Resources |  Helpful Resources |
Employment Resources
Bentley University has many resources available to you while you are engaged in the job search. We highly recommend that you utilize the Pulsifer Career Development Center, including CareerEdge, Interstride, and other international student resources.
As you search for a job and speak to prospective employers, Bentley CISS offers a guide for Explaining your Work Authorization, as well as a Guide for Employers.
Social Security Number
Once you have been offered a position on-campus or you have been authorized for off-campus employment, you will need a Social Security number. If you do not already have a Social Security number, you must apply for one.
Follow the instructions below:
- Visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) website for information on how to apply for a Social Security number.
- Complete the online application
- Schedule an appointment at the nearest Social Security Administration office within 45 calendar days to provide your documentation.
- To locate the nearest SSA Office, enter your zip code in the Social Security Office Locator.
- Present the following documents:
- Completed and signed paper SSN application
- Passport with F-1 or J-1 visa
- Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record (available at the USCIS website.)
- Most recent Form I-20/DS-2019
- On-Campus Employment – Confirmation of Job Offer Form or EAD
- When you visit the Social Security Office in person to apply for an SSN, you will be given a receipt.
- You may be able to begin working as soon as you have the receipt proving that you applied for an SSN.
- You may not be able to receive payment until you receive your SSN.
- After the SSA verifies your document(s) and approves your application, you will receive your Social Security card in the mail within 14 business days.
- When you receive your Social Security Card, review it for accuracy and sign it.
Remember to keep your SSN card in a safe place and to be cautious about who you share your Social Security number with. For more information, visit the Social Security Administration website.
Important Note: If you need to apply for an SSN when you first arrive in the U.S., you must wait at least 10 days after entering the country before you apply. This time will allow your entry information to be processed in the Save System.
Volunteering
There is a difference between volunteering and employment.
Employment is defined as any situation where one party provides services that benefit another and, in exchange, receives some type of compensation (both paid and unpaid)
Volunteering refers to donating time to an organization whose primary purpose is charitable or humanitarian in nature, without remuneration or any other type of compensation.
International students may, under some circumstances, be able to participate in certain volunteer experiences that meet the following criteria:
• The volunteer position is unpaid
• The volunteer position is either in the public sector or in a non-profit charitable organization
• The volunteer position is performed without promise or expectation of future employment.
• The volunteer position cannot be similar enough to an internship that it could be interpreted as such by any definition of employment; volunteers cannot perform tasks that would otherwise be defined as “internship” or “employment.”
If you are interested in volunteering, you can visit the Bentley Service-Learning and Civic Engagement website.
For more information, please reference the employment standards outlined by the Mass.gov page on Volunteers and Interns. If you have questions about volunteering versus work authorization, please contact CISS for clarification.