On-Campus Employment

Working on campus is a great opportunity for international students to earn additional funds while gaining workforce skills and experience. While off-campus employment opportunities (CPT, OPT) generally require you to have completed one academic year, on-campus employment is available to international students from their very first semester. Before accepting any kind of employment, be sure it is allowed by the F-1 regulations.

Eligibility

As an F-1 student, your visa status permits you to work on campus at Whitworth University. Your I-20 is your proof of eligibility for on-campus employment. However, be sure your employment is truly classified as "on-campus employment:"

• Employment for Whitworth University
• Employment at an off-campus location which is educationally affiliated with Whitworth University. The employment must be an integral part of the student's educational program.

Time Limits

International students are only permitted to work a certain number of hours per week. Students who do not comply with these requirements are out of status and risk the termination of their immigration record.

International students are permitted to work:

• Part-time (20 hours per week or less) during regular academic semesters (dates set by the Whitworth academic calendar and include exams week)
• Full-time (more than 20 hours per week) during Jan Term
• Full-time (more than 20 hours per week) during official break periods (Fall Break, Christmas Break, Spring Break and Summer Break)

Finding a Campus Job

On-campus jobs are posted on the Whitworth Student Employment website via the Handshake portal. This database advertises both on-campus and off-campus jobs. Be sure to filter your search to only look for on-campus jobs. If you have questions about the application portal, please contact Career Services at 509.777.4707.

Work-Study Positions

Some campus jobs are designated as "work study" positions. Work study awards are part of federal financial aid packages and are only available to U.S. citizens. As an F-1 student, you are not eligible for a work study position and should not apply.

Social Security Number (SSN)

International students employed in the U.S. must have a Social Security number in order to be paid.

Eligibility

In order to receive a SSN, you must provide the Social Security Administration with evidence that you:

• Are eligible to work in the U.S.
• Are a full-time student
• Have received a formal offer of on-campus employment

How to Apply:

1. Once you are offered a campus job, you must have an official employment letter to show the Social Security office.
   • Download this SSN Employment Letter Template and complete it by entering the information highlighted in yellow. Then, give the letter to your supervisor to sign. Be sure your name on the letter matches exactly how your name is listed on your passport!
   • NOTE: If you are working for Sodexo, you will NOT use the template link above. Instead, you must download and use this Sodexo SSN Employment Letter Template.
2. Apply in person at the local Social Security Administration office.
   • Address: 714 N. Iron Bridge Way, Suite #100, Spokane, WA 99202
   • Contact office to verify operating hours and whether an appointment is required (1.866.331.5532)
3. Documents to bring:
   
   • Current signed I-20
   • Passport & F-1 visa
   • Whitworth ID card
   • SSN Employment Letter (see instructions above)
   • Copy of I-94 record
   • Form SS-5 (use this SS-5 Form Template as an example to complete your form)
4. Once you have your Social Security card
   • Bring your card to the registrar's office located on the first floor of McEachran Hall.

Transportation to the SSA Office

You must apply in person at the SSA office. You can get to the SSA office via bus #28 of the Spokane bus system, STA (Spokane Transit Authority). Follow this link for a map and instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tax Information

Overview

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the U.S. government agency that collects taxes. As a nonresident F-1 or J-1 student, you may need to file forms each year with the IRS, even if you earned no income. It is your individual responsibility to understand and meet your tax obligations. Tax returns are due by April 15, 2024.

Are All International Students Required to File Taxes?

Every international student (F-1 and J-1 status) is required to complete a tax form once per year for the first five calendar years that they are in the U.S. Which form(s) you are required to submit depends on what your tax status is in the U.S.

Tax Status

There are three types of tax statuses for international students: (1) nonresident, (2) dual-status, (3) resident. In general, F-1 and J-1 students are classified as nonresident aliens for tax purposes for the first five years of their stay in the U.S.

Which Tax Form to File?

Your individual situation determines which form(s) to file.

• If you received no U.S. income in 2023 AND you are classified as a nonresident alien for tax purposes, you must file Form 8843 by June 15, 2024.
• If you received income (wages) from a U.S. employer in 2023 AND you are classified as a nonresident alien for tax purposes, you must file Form 8843 AND Form 1040NR by April 15, 2024.

Form 8843

What is Form 8843?
The IRS Form 8843 is not an income tax return. Form 8843 is merely an informational statement required by the U.S. government for all nonresident aliens present in the U.S. (this is most international students).

Who Needs to File Form 8843?
All international students whose tax status category is “nonresident alien” must file Form 8843. International students are considered “nonresident alien” for their first five years in the U.S. Even if you did not work/did not receive income during the tax filing year, you must submit Form 8843. 
 
How Do I Submit Form 8843?
The Form 8843 is typically attached to a tax return. However, if you had NO income and are ONLY filing Form 8843, you can either use the Glacier Tax Prep software Whitworth offers (limited access; first-come first-served) or simply print the form, complete it and mail it.

1. Download Form 8843 here.
2. Use this Instructional Guide to complete the form.
3. Follow the instructions below for where to mail the form.

Where do I Mail Form 8843?
You must print, sign and mail to: 
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service Center
Austin, TX 73301-0215
USA 

(There is no street address needed)

Important Documents for Tax Filing

Before you begin the filing process, be sure you have the following important documents:

• Form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement: W-2 forms are mailed to current and former employees. This form shows how much you earned last year and how much was taken out for taxes. You will only receive this form if you have been employed. Many employers allow you to print your W-2 online.
• Passport
• I-20 (F-1 status)
• DS-2019 (J-1 status)
• Social Security Number (not required if you are only filing Form 8843)
• Address information (current U.S. address and foreign address)
• U.S. Entry and Exit Dates (you can access this information on your I-94 record at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/)
• University Information (name, address, phone number)
• Copy of Last Year's Federal Tax Return (if you filed)