International Student Employees

International students may work according to the provisions of their visa.

• Students holding an F or J visa are generally limited to work on campus.  International students with F-1 or J-1 visas may search for and apply for campus jobs like other students. However, they may not apply for campus jobs described as work study.
  Current students can access CODa by logging in to MyEvergreen.edu.

• Off-campus work, paid or unpaid, may be possible through:
  • Curricular Practical Training (for current F-1 students).
  • Optional Practical Training opportunities (for graduated F-1 students).
  • J-1 students may also arrange internships similar to CPT, but must follow a different procedure. J-1 students are not eligible for post-study OPT employment.
  • For more information, contact the Coordinator of International Programs.

NOTE: Students who have Permanent Residency, also known as a Green Card, are eligible to apply for work on and off campus just as a regular student would do.

Paperwork required to hold a job and be paid while working in the U.S.

• All employees must have a Social Security number and complete an I-9 and a W-4 form. In addition, your Evergreen supervisor will complete and file a Student and Temporary Action Form to get your information into the Payroll system so that you will get paid.
• Your supervisor will have the appropriate paperwork for you to complete to be legally eligible work to work and get paid in the U.S.

Employment Verification Eligibility Form I-9

• You must complete an Employment Verification Eligibility Form I-9 on or before your first day of work. 
• International students should do this directly with the Student Employment Office.
• You will be asked to present a valid passport, visa, your I-20 or DS-2019 immigration form, and a Social Security card.

W-4 Form for tax status

• You must also complete a special Non Resident Alien W-4 Form to ensure proper status for employment taxes (available at the Student Employment Office).

Social Security Number and Card

• If you already have a Social Security Card, bring it to the Student Employment office so a certified copy may be made as part of your work eligibility documentation.
• If you do not have a Social Security Number and card:
  •  After you have been offered a job, ask your on or off-campus employer for a signed letter that briefly describes your job offer, position and hours per week.
  • Bring this letter to the Coordinator of International Programs to be verified for your file.  The Coordinator will then prepare a separate Certification Letter and a SEVIS printout verifying your U.S. address for you to take to the Social Security Office to apply for a Social Security Card.
  • The Social Security Office is located at 402 Yauger Way SW, in Olympia (West Side), close to the intersection of Harrison and Cooper Pt. Road. You do not need to make an appointment. The office is open from 8 to 5 pm weekdays.
  • Take your Certification Letter and SEVIS printout from the Coordinator of International Programs, your passport, visa and I-20 or DS-2019 to the Social Security Office.
  • You may use a letter from the Social Security Office to temporarily fulfill the ID requirement until you receive the original Social Security Card in the mail.
  • Once you receive your card, bring it to the Student Employment office so that a copy may be made for your file.
  • International students may work on campus under the same rules as all other students:
    • Maximum 19 hours per week,
    • Must be enrolled for a minimum of 12 credits per quarter,
    • May work up to 40 hours during break and evaluation weeks,
    • May work during summer quarter.