Employment

Employment Options for F-1 and J-1 students

Most international students that hold an F1 or J1 visa are allowed to work in the United States, but only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Generally, all employment is contingent on remaining within the terms and restrictions of your F1 visa. There are several categories of employment during the term of your stay as an F1 student in the United States. On-campus employment is the most freely available, and then there are four categories of off-campus employment.

Types of Employment

View Article

Steps for obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN) for Employment:
Toggle More Info
PLEASE NOTE: A job offer is required to obtain a social security card and/or work permit. The Global Engagement Office cannot process any requests without a job offer letter.

Students must have a receipt from Social Security or the actual Social Security Card before their employment start date.
- Students who want to work off-campus must first meet the one academic year requirement.
- You must have an assistantship, fellowship, paid job offer, or paid internship/training requiring CPT authorization to apply for a Social Security Number.
- After you have a job offer: Forward a copy of your job offer letter to the Global Engagement Office.
- Make an appointment with the Global Engagement Office to pick up your letter that you will need to turn in with your Social Security Application.
- You may only apply for the Social Security Number within 30 days before the employment or internship/training start date.
- If you have previously applied and have lost or misplaced your SSN card, please click here.
Items you will need to take to your Social Security Appointment
Toggle More Info
You will need to bring the following documents with you to your appointment:
1. FGCU campus employer job offer letter (on letter head if possible)
2. Letter from the Global Engagement Office
3. Passport with F-1 student visa
4. Social Security SS-5 Application completed
5. I-94 record printed
6. Current I-20 and a copy of your I-20
*YOU WILL NEED TO PROVIDE ALL ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS TO THE SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE
Social Security Administration Office and Directions
Toggle More Info
Address for local Social Security Offices
- Lee County (This is the county for students living on campus or in surrounding neighborhoods)
4220 Executive Cir Suite 25, Fort Myers, FL 33916
- Collier County
2659 Professional Cir #1114, Naples, FL 34119

All Social Security offices are closed on federal holidays.

To make an appointment: 1-888-318-9114

*Appointments are not necessary but are recommended.

*If you do not have an appointment make sure to arrive very early or you may be subject to a long wait time.
Other Helpful Social Security Resources
Toggle More Info
- SSA International Student Handout- https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10181.pdf
- Items Needed for Social Security Application.
- SSN Application Form
- Example: How to fill out the Social Security Application