/Office of Global Affairs
Visa and Immigration Services

Hiring F-1 Students

You may hire F-1 students under specific types of work authorization that are built into their status. 

You must confirm the student’s work authorization before they begin employment and ensure all conditions are followed.

Types of Work Authorization

F-1 students may work under the following categories:

On-campus employment allows students to work at Stony Brook or an approved affiliated location.

You must ensure:

  • The student works no more than 20 hours per week during the academic semester
  • The student may work full-time during official school breaks
  • The student is maintaining valid F-1 status

No additional authorization is required from VIS or USCIS.

CPT is off-campus work authorization that is part of the student’s academic program.

You must:

  • Provide a detailed offer letter (job title, duties, location, start/end dates)
  • Ensure the work is directly related to the student’s major
  • Confirm the student has received CPT authorization on their Form I-20 before they begin work

Timing and Processing: Typically processed within 1–2 weeks after all documents are submitted. The student cannot start working until CPT is approved. You should plan ahead and allow enough time before the intended start date.

OPT provides temporary work authorization for employment related to the student’s field of study.

You must:

  • Review the student’s Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
  • Confirm the employment start and end dates listed on the EAD
  • Ensure the job is directly related to the student’s major

The student cannot begin work until:

  • The EAD is issued, and
  • The authorized start date has been reached

Timing and Processing: May take several months for USCIS approval. The student cannot start working until OPT is approved by USCIS and the student recives their EAD card. You should plan ahead and allow enough time before the intended start date.

Some students may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension.

If you hire a student on STEM OPT, you must:

    • Be enrolled in E-Verify (Stony Brook State is not E-Verified; RF positions may be eligible)
    • Complete and sign a Form I-983 Training Plan
    • Report any material changes to the student’s employment

Your Responsibilities as a Department

You must:

  • Verify valid work authorization before employment begins
  • Follow all dates and conditions listed on the student’s authorization
  • Ensure the position aligns with the student’s field of study (for CPT and OPT)
  • Ensure the student does not exceed allowed work hours
  • Contact VIS before making any changes to employment

Unauthorized employment can result in serious immigration consequences for the student.

Hiring an F-1 Student Who Does Not Have an SSN

Students Working Under On-Campus Employment

If you are hiring an F-1 student for an on-campus position and the student does not already have an SSN, your department will need to assist with the application process.

What the Hiring Department Must Do:

  1. Provide an Employment Offer Letter: Prepare an employment offer letter that meets Social Security Administration requirements. The student will need this letter to request an SSN Authorization Letter from Visa and Immigration Services (VIS).
                                                    Sample SSN On-Campus Employment Letter                                                   
  2. Confirm Employment in accessVIS: Once the student submits their SSN Authorization Letter request through accessVIS, the supervisor within the hiring department will receive an email requesting confirmation of the student's employment details. Respond promptly to avoid delays.
  3. Allow Time for Processing: After the department confirms employment, VIS generally requires 5–7 business days to review the student's request. Once approved, the student must pick up the original SSN Authorization Letter from VIS before applying with the SSA.
  4. Coordinate with HR: Work with the appropriate Human Resources office to complete employment onboarding, Form I-9 verification, and any necessary payroll arrangements.

Important: The SSA generally cannot process an SSN application more than 30 days before the student's employment start date. Departments should plan accordingly when establishing anticipated start dates.

Students Working Under CPT or OPT

Students applying for an SSN based on Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) do not need an SSN Authorization Letter from VIS.

  • CPT: Students may apply using their Form I-20 showing approved CPT authorization and supporting employment documentation.
  • OPT: Students must have their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and wait until their authorized OPT start date before applying for an SSN.

The hiring department is not required to complete the accessVIS SSN employment verification process for students applying based on CPT or OPT.

When to Contact VIS

You should contact VIS if:

  • You are unsure which work authorization applies
  • Employment details will change (duties, location, hours, or supervisor)
  • You plan to extend or continue employment

Early coordination helps prevent delays and compliance issues.

Important Reminder

You are responsible for ensuring that all employment is properly authorized and compliant. Always confirm work authorization before the student begins working.