Requirements for International Student Employees

International students can work on-campus.  Off-campus employment requires written permission from the International Programs office. 

In accordance with their visa requirements, international students are permitted to work up to 20 hours/week or 40 hours/pay period during the academic year, and up to 40 hours/week during break periods. 

You must be enrolled full-time during the fall and winter semesters. 

You may not work after your program end date  unless you have written permission from the International Programs office.

Benefits of Working

  • Establishing a work history to include on your resume
  • Acquiring employment references
  • Developing contacts to assist with your full-time job search
  • Experiencing less debt upon graduation
  • Becoming a more integrated member of the on- and/or off-campus community
  • Meeting new people
  • Achieving higher grades in school

Finding a Job

Where to look for an on-campus job:

  • Handshake - Career Services' online career platform
    • Log into MyNMU and click on 'Handshake'
    • In Handshake, click on 'Jobs,' then 'On-campus'
    • For a list of tutorials and Frequently Asked Questions, click here.
  • Housing & Residence Life and Recreational Sports applications can be found here.  Turn these applications into the department in which you are applying.
  • Job postings for Dining Services, the Educational Access Network and the HelpDesk can be found here.
  • Work for a specific department - Click here for a list of departments and their contact information so that you may contact them directly. 

Information about off-campus jobs: 

  • Types of employment
    • Curricular Practical Training (CPT) - F1 visa students
      • CPT is for students who are interested in doing an internship or are required to do practical experience off campus as part of their degree.
    • Optional Practical Training (OPT) - F1 visa students
      • OPT is work authorization to allow a F1 students to work in their field of study. This can be Pre- or Post-degree completion. 
    • STEM Optional Practical Training - F1 visa students
      • This is for students in a STEM degree - you can apply for an additional 24 months of STEM OPT after your original 12 months of OPT.
    • Economic Hardship - F1 visa students
      • This is for current F1 visa students who are attending NMU who have had a substantial change in their certification of finances.
    • Academic Training - J1 visa students
      • Academic training is for J1 visa students who are interested in getting real world experience in their field of study during their time at NMU.
  • Find a job on Handshake - Career Services' online career platform
    • Log into MyNMU and click on 'Handshake'
    • In Handshake, click on 'Jobs,' then 'On-campus'
    • For a list of tutorials and Frequently Asked Questions, click here.

Need help with your resume? 

  • Resume Assistance
  • View resume resources in Handshake (click on 'Career Center' in the left menu, then 'Resources').
  • To review your resume with a staff member in Career Services, schedule an appointment by calling (906) 227-2080 or by chatting online (click on the green 'Online' on the bottom right at www.nmu.edu/careerservices). 

When Hired

View a list of necessary documents (I-9, Federal W-4, Michigan W-4, Direct Deposit Authorization Form) upon being hired at NMU. (Remember you'll need original copies to prove your identity!)

Once you find a job, you will need to apply for a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN): 

  • Receive a job offer and have your supervisor fill out the F1 or J1 offer letter.
  • Make an appointment with the International Programs Office to complete the Social Security Application Process
    • Social Security Application
    • I-20 or DS 2019
    • Passport
    • Visa
    • I-94

Taxes - all international students are required to file taxes regardless if you worked or not.

Additional Resources

International Programs Employment
Career Services