On Campus Employment

Overview

On-campus employment is permitted "incident to your status" as an J student. This means you are eligible as soon as you obtain J status and receive approval from ISS in advance of work. This type of employment does not require an application to the federal government. On-campus work is done for, and paid by, the University of Kansas.

Permission from ISS

J-1 exchange visitor regulations require sponsor authorization for on-campus employment. If your Form DS-2019 was issued by the University of Kansas, submit a request in iHawk in J-1 Student Services. Go to iHawk and complete an On-Campus Work Permit Request (J-1), under J-1 Student Services. Once you receive an email that your employer has verified your on-campus employment information, meet with an ISS advisor during drop-in advising, to have your request reviewed and processed.

You must have a written authorization letter before you start work.

Students with a Form DS-2019 issued by a program sponsor other than KU (i.e. IIE, LASPAU, Department of State) need to contact their program sponsor for the work permit.

Hours Allowed

J-1 students are eligible to work on campus a maximum of 20 hours per week during the Fall and Spring academic semesters. During breaks and official school vacation periods, J-1 students are eligible to work more than 20 hours per week on campus. A student who has a valid DS-2019 and intends to enroll for the next regular term may work on-campus.

Please note that on-campus employment is not permitted after completion of a degree or program unless the student has been issued a DS-2019 to begin a new academic program or has been granted Academic Training.

After Work Permit Issued

Apply for a Social Security Number

You must apply in person to the Social Security Administration, a federal agency, for a Social Security Number (SSN). Learn exactly what you need to do for an SSN application.

Get on Payroll

The office that hires you will give you instructions for completing an I-9 employment verification authorization form, tax withholding forms, and possibly IRS Form 8233 if you are from a country eligible for a tax treaty benefit.

By January 31 of the following tax year, you will be sent a W-2 form, also known as the Wage and Tax Statement. The W-2 reports your annual wages and the amount of taxes withheld from your paycheck. If you have questions about your W-2 please contact the Payroll Office.

For questions regarding taxes please contact Legal Services for Students. They generally have tax workshops for international students and employees every year.