International Student Employees
The Student Involvement and Employment Office (SIEO) wants to welcome you to our campus! We are here to help you find a job, whether it is on or off campus (depending on your eligibility).
Why Work?
We understand that working part-time is a necessity for many students, considering all the expenses college entails. You will benefit from working part-time in many ways other than just making some extra cash.
- Meet new people.
- Learn about all the services on campus.
- Learn to budget your time. (It has been proven that students who work during their college career do better academically.)
- Learn and gain English skills.
- Build connections for future jobs and learn about American employment.
- Gain leadership skills.
Most foreign students are eligible to work on campus. However, few foreign students are eligible to work off campus. You will find jobs continually posted in the SIEO for your convenience as well as at our web site. Stop by the Student Involvement and Employment Office for assistance.
Visa Status Definitions and Eligibility
Your VISA status determines your work eligibility and where you can work:
| Status | Definition | Eligible on Campus? | Eligible off Campus? |
| Permanent Resident | Someone who has migrated to the US but is not yet a citizen. | Yes | Yes |
| F-1 | Non-immigrant student with personal funding or sponsorship | Yes | Must apply and receive permission form the BCIS. |
| F-2 | Dependents of F-1 students. | No | No |
| J-1 | Exchange visitors sponsored by an approved agency. | Yes | Must receive permission from exchange visitor’s sponsoring agency. |
| J-2 | Dependents of J-1 exchange visitors | Yes | Must apply and receive permission from the BCIS. |
| Pre/Post Graduation Practical Training | Opportunity to secure practical experience in student’s major | Yes | Must go to the FSO for help in applying for EAD (Employment Authorization Document). |
Note: All foreign students, except permanent residents, interested in working off campus must contact the Foreign Student Office (Brad Van Den Elzen SSC 0020, 346-3845). This is for your protection and to ensure your eligibility to stay in the country.
All students who work on campus must have proof of their eligibility to work. If you plan on working while attending UWSP or have already located a job, you will need to apply for a Social Security card. This document is required by the University for ALL employees.
Follow these instructions to apply for a Social Security card:
What Type of Work is available to Foreign Students?
These are just some of the employment areas available for foreign students. You are eligible for any “on-campus” position:
- University Centers
- Various library positions
- Custodial positions
- Computer operators
- Lab assistants
- Desk receptionists
- Food service positions
- Teaching assistants
- Sports managers
- Tutors
- Childcare positions
- Clerical assistants
Tips for Working on Campus
- Dress appropriately for your interview. It is better to be too dressed up than to look untidy.
- Be on time or early for your interview.
- Ask questions! They are important!
- Always be on time and prepared for work.
- If you have questions about your work, ask your supervisor or your co-workers.
- DO NOT do your homework at your place of employment.
- Only make personal telephone calls when you have permission.
- Don’t make work time, personal time. (e.g. friends shouldn’t visit while you are working.)
- Apply your campus job experience to future career goals. 10. Have fun and get the job done right, you will feel a sense of accomplishment!
