J-1 On-Campus Employment

 

Students in valid J-1 status may request authorization from the Center for Global Education to work on-campus at Edgewood College.  During the fall and spring semesters you can work a maximum of 20 hours per week (all positions combined).  During official school breaks (winter, spring & summer breaks) F-1 students can work more than 20 hours per week as long as you plan to enroll as a full-time student after the break. 

Important note about working outside of Edgewood College: J-1 students must apply for and have an approved authorization for Academic Training from the Center for Global Education and the US government BEFORE engaging in off-campus employment, internships (paid or unpaid), or other practical training opportunities.  See the J-1 Internships & Off-Campus Employment” page on the Center for Global Education website for specific opportunities and eligibility requirements. 

 

To get an on-campus job, follow these steps:

  1. Look for a job.
    Search for an open position on the “On-Campus Jobs for Students” site.
     
  2. Apply for a job.
    Submit an online application (link available at the end of each position description). There is a generic online application for all student employee positions, so it is recommended to also send an email to the contact person listed on the position description. In the email you can explain why you are interested in the position and briefly describe any special skills and/or experience you have that make you a good candidate for the position. If you have a resume, you can also include that in the email. You may need to participate in an interview as part of the application process
     
  3. Get hired for a job on campus.
    You cannot begin working until you have had a meeting with the Office of Human Resources (HR) and completed the required employment paperwork.
     
  4. Submit an Employment Authorization Request Form to the Center for Global Education.
    This employment authorization is valid for a maximum of 12 months.  J-1 students must complete an Employment Authorization Form each academic year if they wish to continue student employment (even if you keep the same job from year to year, you still need to submit a new form each year).

    *ISEP exchange students need to complete the ISEP Employment Authorization Request Form and submit it to Sara Liang in the Center for Global Education.  ISEP students must wait until ISEP authorizes employment to apply for a Social Security number. This may take approximately 1 week, so please tell your new supervisor that you will not be able to start working for 1-2 weeks. 
     
  5. Open a U.S. bank account.
    All students who work on campus will receive their paycheck through an electronic direct deposit into a U.S. bank account. For more information about opening a bank account in Madison, go to the “Money and Banking” section of this website.
     
  6. Schedule an appointment with the Office of Human Resources (HR).
    As soon as you have been hired for a position on campus, you should email Sherley Thao (SThao@edgewood.edu) in the Office of Human Resources to schedule an appointment with HR.  In the email include the following information:
  • Your name
  • Your status as an F-1 or J-1 student
  • The name of the office where you will work. 

*You cannot begin working until you have had a meeting with HR and completed the required employment paperwork. 
 

  1. Apply for a Social Security Number. 
    After your appointment with HR,  HR will notify Sara Liang, and she will prepare a letter that you will need to apply for a Social Security number (SSN).  A CGE staff member will send an email to notify you that your letter is ready for pick-up. When you pick up your letter, you will also receive complete instructions on how to apply for a Social Security Card.
     
  2. Take a copy of your Social Security card to HR.
    Approximately 10 business days from the day you applied for a Social Security number, you will receive your Social Security card.  

For additional resources about on-campus employment, visit the Student Employment website or contact Sherley Thao, Human Resources Specialist/Employment, at SThao@edgewood.edu or 608-663-2852


 
 

608-663-3317.