Employment
Employment is available for F-1 international students, but it is important that international
students speak with an International Student Advisor prior to taking part in any employment.
Generally, on-campus employment is the primary means for an international student
to work while studying.
Please read below for general information on the types of employment for SCC international
students. For further details, visit the International Student Office in Room A-203.
On-Campus Employment
On-campus employment is the most common type of employment our students engage in.
It does not require a student to submit a Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization.
On-campus job availability is limited. The International Student Office can provide
guidance in finding a job on campus.
What are the basic guidelines for on-campus employment?
3 main guidelines:
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Must work on the school premises:
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Work takes place at school location. Could be for an on-campus commercial business, like a bookstore or cafeteria, as long as the work directly provides services for students.
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Employment located on-campus that does not directly involve services to students (such as construction work) does not qualify as on-campus employment.
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May work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session.
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Should report their work to campus DSO and receive a certification letter to present to the Social Security Administration to be able to receive a Social Security Number (steps for an F-1 to obtain a SSN: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/obtaining-a-social-security-number).
When does a student become eligible for on-campus employment?
An F-1 student may begin working as much as 30 days before the start of a program
of study. Inform the DSO before you begin on-campus work.
International students must maintain a 2.0 GPA—students falling below 2.0 will be
notified to stop working and can regain eligibility after GPA is above 2.0.
For how long may an F-1 student continue to work on campus?
An F-1 student who is enrolled in school, maintains status and follows the guidelines
for on-campus employment may continue to work. The F-1 student should keep a DSO informed
of any changes in employer and hours, however.
If a student fails to maintain their status (unauthorized below 12 units), they are
no longer eligible to work on campus.
Students may only work on-campus until their program end date listed on their Form
I-20 or up until their transfer out date if transferring to a new school.
How does an F-1 student get started to work on-campus?
STEP 1: Find a job! On-Campus Job Placement, is the office that assists students with on-campus employment. Complete their Student Employment Interest Form to stay up to date and receive email updates on current job openings on the campus. Each department may have different hiring requirements, be sure to follow directions as provided in the email.
STEP 2: Once you've been given a job offer, you will work with On-Campus Job Placement to complete New Hire Paperwork.
STEP 3: If you do not have a Social Security Number, you will need to apply for one. Visit www.ssa.gov to start your application. You will want to bring the job offer letter, an enrollment verification letter (you can request from the International Office), copy of passport, visa, I-94, and Form I-20 to the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office after you submit the online application. You may not start working until you receive your Social Security Card and provide it to the Job Placement Office.
International Students Program
(714) 628-5050
international@sccollege.edu
A-203
Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday-Sunday: Office Closed
Off-Campus Employment
After the first academic year at SCC, F-1 students may engage in off-campus employment with prior authorization. This includes Optional Practical Training (OPT) and severe economic hardship.
F-1 students may be eligible to work off-campus on a case-by-case basis as a result of special situations such as severe economic hardship or special student relief. Speak with your Designated School Official for advisement on how to apply.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of employment authorization that allows
an international student in F-1 status authorization to work in the United States
for up to 12 months in employment related to their major field of study, upon completion
of their program. Students must apply for work authorization by completing Form I-765
to receive an Employment Authorization Document (aka EAD card). Preparation and timing
are especially important as the application processing is currently taking longer
than 3 months.
What are the basic eligibility requirements for OPT employment?
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Students must attend school for at least one academic year.
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You must complete and submit a graduation petition for an Associate Degree (AA/AS) or Certificate of Achievement (CA) during your last semester.
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Students must seek employment in their related major of study.
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Students can apply as early as 90 days before the end date of their final semester, and no later than 60 days after the end of their last semester. Currently, USCIS takes a minimum of 3 months to process OPT applications. Plan accordingly!
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Students should not travel outside of the U.S. with a pending OPT application; this is a sign that the student has abandoned their application.
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Students may not begin a new program of study while on OPT. If a student begins a new program at another school before their OPT authorization ends, they will forfeit the remaining time.
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Make an appointment with a DSO in the International Student Office for the filing instructions and help in completing the documentation requirements. Call 714-628-5050 to make an appointment.
SCC does not currently offer CPT opportunities.
OPT Resources:
Study in the States - Training Opportunities
USCIS – Form I-765 – File Online
SCC Career Counseling
Santiago Canyon College's: Career Counseling
Counseling and Career Development at Santiago Canyon College is here to help students with the career development and exploration processes. They assist with:
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Career exploration and assistance choosing a major
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Linking college majors and training programs that meet individual student needs
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Job preparation services including:
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Job search skills
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Resume and cover letter writing
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Networking and interviewing techniques
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