Applying for Employment Authorization

This section covers employment benefits under F-1 status including on-campus employment, economic hardship, curricular practical training and optional practical training.

Social Security

To be eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN) you must have authorized employment connected to your student immigration status.

New students: ISS will assist students to apply for SSN usually during the third week of the semester. If you have employment, you will receive an email about our upcoming SSN Day. Please do not apply on your own when you first arrive to the U.S.. Your SEVIS record must be active for a couple of weeks in order to apply for your SSN. If you go too early, your application will be denied. Your SSN is not required to begin working, but must be applied for within 90 days.

1) Download the Employment Verification form and email to your employer to fill out and print on University or employer letterhead (see below for an example). Employer signature must be signed with ink pen.

2) Bring signed verification letter to the ISS office between 1pm-4pm to be stamped by an ISS advisor. This letter will be used for the Social Security application.

3) You can start your Social Security number application (SS5-form) and make an appointment with the social security office online at www.ssa.gov/ssnumber. You must visit the local social security office with originals & copies of required documents within 45 calendar days of submitting online request. 

Bring required immigration documents to the Social Security office: 

  • J-1 Exchange Visitors, check with J-1 program sponsor for document needed for SSN.

  • Social Security Number SS5-form completed and signed. Bring online application reference number to appointment.

  • Signed I-20 (page 1 and 2) or DS-2019 (page 1) – Original and a copy

  • U.S. Visa – Original and a copy (exception are Canadian citizens)

  • I-94 (download here) – Original and a copy

  • Passport – Original and a photocopy of the front cover of the passport AND the ID page with your name, date of birth and passport expiration date

4) Once you've received your SSN card, log into GLACIER to input your SSN. Do not print GLACIER forms; instead, upload your GLACIER documents here. Finally, make an appointment with Human Resources here.

If you have not received your SSN card within 30 days of your SSN appointment, contact the ISS office.

Employment verification letter on a letterhead example

Full-Time Employment on Campus - Eligible Dates

F-1 students (and J-1 students who have been specifically authorized by their program sponsor) are permitted to work full time on campus during spring break, summer, and winter break. At all other times, employment on campus is strictly limited to a maximum of 20 hours per week while classes are in session. At the University of Arkansas, the official work week is measured from Sunday through Saturday.

  • During summer 2024, full time employment on campus is permitted during the following dates:
    • Sunday, May 12, 2024 through Saturday, August 17, 2024
  • Full time employment on campus is NOT permitted during the Fall Break or Thanksgiving Break.
  • During the winter break 2024/2025, full time employment on campus is permitted during the following dates:
    • Sunday, December 15, 2024 through Saturday, January 11, 2025
  • During spring break 2025, full time employment on campus is permitted during the following dates:
    • Sunday, March 23, 2025 through Saturday, March 29, 2025
  • During summer 2025, full time employment on campus is permitted during the following dates:
    • Sunday, May 11, 2025 through Saturday, August 16, 2025

Note that these dates may be subject to change if the academic calendar changes. In case of changes, updates will be posted here. Please contact an ISS advisor if you have any questions.