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.  Unauthorized employment is a serious violation of student status and can have serious consequences for your status and future entry to the U.S.

Employment is defined differently by different government agencies, but in general, employment 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 can meet with a CISS Advisor BEFORE beginning employment to be sure that you do not accidentally engage in unlawful employment.

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. 

If you are employed in the U.S., you will be responsible for complying with U.S. tax regulations. Visit the Tax section of our website for detailed information. 

Many students inquire about whether they can participate in a volunteer experience during their time at Bentley. Bentley students on F-1 visas may participate in volunteer experiences that meet the following criteria:

• The volunteer arrangement cannot be directly related to your field of study*
• The volunteer position must be unpaid
• The volunteer position must be in either the public sector or a non-profit charitable organization
• The volunteer arrangement should not 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.”

For more information, please reference the standards outlined by the US Department of Labor. If you have questions about volunteering versus work authorization, please contact CISS for clarification.

Generally, unpaid volunteer positions at organizations specified above, where the student volunteers without expectation of compensation, are permissible. However, unpaid internships must be authorized as CPT, and the distinction is important. Any volunteer situation that could be interpreted as employment (if it can be listed on a resume as “professional experience”) could jeopardize future US visa petitions and employment permission for students if the student does not officially use CPT for that employment experience.

For more information, please reference the standards outlined by the U.S. Department of Labor. If you have questions about volunteering versus work authorization, please contact CISS for clarification.