International Students work at the front desk in the International Programs Office
(IVD).
The employment information below is intended for F-1 Students only. M-1 and J-1 Students seeking employment information should contact their International Student Advisor.
As an International Student your F-1 Student status allows you to work on-campus at Green River College. F-1 Students are not allowed to work off-campus unless they have been authorized to do so. The U.S. government takes working illegally very seriously and could cause a student to lose their F-1 visa status. Before accepting any kind of employment, be sure it is allowed by the F-1 regulations.
Please note: IEP students must finish the Intensive English Program (IEP) before they are eligible for employment.
On-Campus Employment
Your Green River College I-20 is your proof of work eligibility for on-campus employment at Green River College only and you must maintain your F-1 status to be eligible for employment. Maintaining F-1 status means:
- Enrolled in 12 or more credits (except for official school breaks and the annual vacation term)
- In good academic standing
- You have a valid (i.e. non-expired) I-20
Students may not work on-campus after graduation unless they have been authorized to do so. For questions about working after graduation contact your International Student Advisor.
You can find job openings on-campus by going to different departments on campus and ask if there are student jobs available. Some of the departments that hire students are:
- Student Life
- Tutoring & Resource Center
- International Programs
- Technology Center
- CCA (Campus Corner Apartments)
- Paper Tree Bookstore
- Math Learning Center
- The RAC (Recreation & Athletic Center)
- Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Other ways you can find job openings on-campus are:
- Connect with Departments on Campus: Visit or Email departments around campus and ask if they are hiring. Connecting with departments directly is a great way to introduce yourself and show your interest in working for them.
- IP Student Newsletter: Read the student newsletter that is emailed each week to check for job openings
- Social Media Platforms: Job openings are often posted on IP's social media platforms: Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
- Handshake: Create a Handshake account to look for jobs on campus as many GRC departments post job openings on Handshake. Note: International students can only work on-campus, and will need to filter the job search by clicking "On-campus" to only show jobs on-campus . International students are also not eligible for work-study jobs, so you should not apply for any job postings that are listed as "Work study Eligible students only".
Accepting Employment
You have been offered a job on campus, now what?
To work in the U.S. you will need a Social Security Number (SSN) and in order to apply for a SSN you will need a Social Security Verification Form that has been completed by the International Programs Designated School Official (DSO). If you have been offered a job on campus or have questions about accepting employment on campus, contact Toya Turner, International Student Services, Employment DSO, and Operations Specialist at tturner@greenriver.edu.
Before accepting any kind of employment, be sure it is allowed by F-1 regulations and do not begin working on-campus without being authorized to do so. It is important International Students become familiar with the employment rules that must be followed in order to stay in legal status
Work Hours
International students on an F-1 visa may work on-campus up to 20 hours per week (part-time) while school is in session, and more than 20 hours per week (full-time) during a vacation term and between termss, provided they continue as a student the following term.
Green River College may have additional restrictions on how many hours a position may work.
Income Taxes
While all international students inside the United States must file tax Form 8843 each year as a part of their visa requirements, if an international student worked and received income in the U.S. they have additional tax filing requirements. Anyone (including international students) who worked and earned income in the U.S. is required to file a U.S. income tax return each year by the deadline. Information about U.S. Tax Obligations for International Students is published at the beginning of each year in the International Programs Student Newsletter. Any tax materials provided to students are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional tax advice. IP Staff do not have the training or legal authority to provide help or advice regarding filing taxes and are not responsible for students filing their tax forms.
All IRS forms, instructions, help, resources, and publications are available at www.IRS.gov and available in other languages at www.IRS.gov/help/languages
Off-Campus Employment
F-1 students must apply for and have written authorization from USCIS before beginning any type of off campus work. Working off campus without authorization is illegal. In order to be eligible for off-campus employment students are typically required to have completed one academic year in order to apply for off-campus employment authorization. For more information regarding off-campus employment contact your International Student Advisor.