Employment Opportunities

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Unlock Your Potential

At the University of Lynchburg, we’re invested in your success, both academically and professionally. As an international student, you bring valuable perspectives and skills to our community. This page provides essential information about employment opportunities available to you, helping you gain valuable experience and build a life you love. We’re here to guide you every step of the way, offering support and resources to navigate U.S. employment regulations.

Discover On-Campus Employment

Working on campus is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in University life, build connections, and earn income.

Eligibility
  • F-1 and J-1 visa holders are generally eligible for on-campus employment.
  • You must maintain valid F-1 or J-1 status, be enrolled full-time, and have good academic standing.
  • You can typically work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year (fall and spring semesters).
  • You may be eligible to work up to 40 hours per week during official school breaks, such as summer.
  • Keep in mind that on-campus employment is not guaranteed due to limited availability. At the University of Lynchburg, student workers are often allocated around 10 hours per week.
How to Find On-Campus Jobs
  1. Search for available student job opportunities on our Job Openings webpage. Each posting will identify the job as a student position.
  2. Fill out the application.
  3. You can also inquire about opportunities at on-campus contracted companies like Mission House Coffee, located in the Schewel building, and Domino’s Pizza. Contact the managers of these locations directly.
Obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN) for On-Campus Employment
  1. Once you receive a job offer, the Student Employment Coordinator will provide you with an employment offer letter.
  2. Email the International Student Advisor to schedule an appointment and provide a copy of your employment offer letter. A DSO will need to sign your employment verification letter. For contracted companies, a DSO will create an SNN request letter for you to pick up along with your job offer letter.
  3. Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) at the Social Security Administration (SSA) office. You can complete the application online at www.ssa.gov and schedule an appointment. The Lynchburg Social Security Office is located at 7618 Timberlake Rd., Lynchburg, VA 24502 (zip code 24501 for online search). You may need your I-20, passport, I-94, and employment verification letter.
  4. Give a copy of your Social Security card to the Student Employment Office once you receive it.
  5. You may begin working only after all these steps are completed.

Ready to explore on-campus opportunities? Visit the Student Employment page on the University of Lynchburg website for current job openings. For guidance on the SSN application process, contact the International Student Support team.

Understanding Your Social Security Number (SSN)

A Social Security Number (SSN) is a unique nine-digit number issued by the U.S. government to track your earnings and is required for most types of employment in the United States.

How to Apply:

  1. You must have a job offer (on-campus or off-campus with proper authorization) before applying for an SSN.
  2. Obtain an employment offer letter from your employer.
  3. Schedule an appointment with the International Student Advisor and provide them with a copy of your employment offer letter. A DSO will provide you with the necessary documentation. For contracted on-campus companies, you will receive a job offer letter and an SNN request letter.
  4. Complete the Social Security Application online at www.ssa.gov or print and fill it out.
  5. You can schedule an appointment at the Social Security Administration (SSA) office in Lynchburg (7618 Timberlake Rd., Lynchburg, VA 24502). You can reach them by Uber or GLTC route 7.
  6. Bring the required documents to your appointment, including your passport, I-94, I-20, and your employment offer letter (and SNN request letter if applicable). You may want to print your I-94 beforehand.
  7. Once your application is processed, you will receive your Social Security card by mail.

Need assistance with your SSN application? The International Student Support team is here to help guide you through the process.

 

Navigating Taxation as an F-1 Student

As an F-1 international student, you have specific tax obligations in the United States, regardless of whether you are employed or not.
  • All international students must file tax papers with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at the end of each tax year (January 1 to December 31). The deadline is typically April 15th (or the following Monday if it falls on a weekend).
  • F-1 students with no employment are still required to file Form 8843.
  • F-1 students who are employed must file a tax return with the IRS.
  • The University of Lynchburg partners with Sprintax, a tax preparation company specializing in assisting non-residents with their tax filings.
  • It is strongly recommended that all international students create an account on Sprintax. They offer a Live Agent chat for tax-related questions.

The International Student Support Team sends out email reminders about tax filing throughout the spring semester and typically schedules a tax preparation workshop.

Stay informed about your tax obligations! Look out for email reminders from the International Student Support Team, and consider utilizing Sprintax for a smooth tax filing experience.

We support your journey at the University of Lynchburg and beyond. If you have any questions about employment opportunities, please do not hesitate to contact the International Student Support team. We’re here to help you unlock your potential and achieve your goals.

Expand Your Opportunities and Career

Curricular Practical Training

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) offers F-1 students the chance to gain practical experience directly related to their major field of study through internships or practicums before graduation.

Eligibility:

  • Must have completed and maintained F-1 status for one full academic year.
  • The training must be an integral part of your established curriculum and appropriate for your level of study. In some cases, completing an internship may be required for your major.
  • The employment (paid or unpaid) must be directly related to your major field of study.

Application Process:

  1. Make an appointment with the Center for Career Engagement Opportunities (CEO) located in Drysdale Student Center to discuss the internship process
  2. Complete an Internship Contract – CPT.
  3. A Designated School Official (DSO) will review your request to determine eligibility and authorize CPT in SEVIS.
  4. Once authorized, your I-20 will be printed and signed with CPT authorization.
  5. You can begin work on or after the CPT start date, and all work must end by the CPT end date. You must have the authorized I-20 before beginning any off-campus employment.

Ready to gain practical experience in your field? Contact the International Student Support team to learn more about CPT and obtain the application form.

Optional Practical Training
  • Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an extension of F-1 status that allows you to to work in the U.S. to gain experience in your major field of study and can be either pre pre or post completion of your program of study.
  • Eligibility:
    • 1. Students are eligible after completion of one full academic year of study and having maintained their F-1 status.
    • 2. Seek recommendation from your Designated School Official (DSO) for off-campus employment. 
    • 3. There are three type of OPT:
      • Pre-Completion: part-time work (max of 20 hours per week) while classes are in session; can be full time during official breaks.
      • Post-Completion: begins after you complete your degree requirements. Must be at least 20 hours per week.
      • STEM Extension (24 months): for eligible STEM majors only.
    • Must have authorization form United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS)
  • Application Process:
    • 1. Make an appointment with your DSO to verify eligibility and obtain an OPT packet with instructions and SEVIS endorsement.
    • 2. File Form I-765 with USCIS within 30 days of receiving an updated Form I-20 along with supporting documents and fees.
    • 3. Employment cannot begin until the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card has been received with the employment start date on it.
STEM OPT Extension

If you have earned a degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field, you may be eligible for a 24-month extension of your post-completion OPT, allowing for a total of up to 36 months of practical training. This can provide invaluable time to gain deeper professional experience.

Eligibility:

  1. You must have a degree in an eligible STEM field from a SEVP-certified school. Check the CIP code on your I-20 against the DHS list of STEM Designated Degree Programs.
  2. Your employer must be enrolled in USCIS’s E-Verify employment eligibility verification program.
  3. Your employer must be able to provide you with formal training and learning objectives.
  4. You must work a minimum of 20 hours per week per employer.

Learn More: Visit the STEM OPT HUB for detailed information about eligibility and the application process. Contact the International Student Support team to determine if your program qualifies for the STEM OPT extension.

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