International Students

For international students, the primary source of employment information is The Vanderbilt University International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). The information below has been reviewed and approved by ISSS.

All prospective international student employees must:

  1. Receive a job/employment offer.
  2. Have the appropriate visa to be allowed to work. For more information about visa requirements, international students should visit the International Student and Scholar Services web site.
  3. Maintain full-time enrollment to remain eligible to work.
  4. If you do not have a social security number: Visit the ISSS to receive a letter of authorization/form to collect appropriate signatures. This must be taken to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
  5. Visit ISSS to complete the I-9 and Glacier (W-4) process. You must have your social security number or the issued SS-5 receipt received from the SSA at the time of application.
  6. Maintain full-time enrollment to remain eligible to work.
  7. Work no more than 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters. Full-time employment (21-40 hours per week) is allowed during vacation periods and Summer for enrolled and continuing students.

In addition, international student employees should become familiar with the U.S. laws pertaining to paying taxes and filing income tax returns. For answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about paying taxes and filing income tax returns, international student employees will find the Vanderbilt HR International Tax link helpful. Tennessee does not have a state income tax.

Work authorization for off-campus jobs is allowed only with specific authorization from the ISSS or from the USCIS. Therefore, international students, are strongly encouraged to search for on-campus jobs by:

  1. Searching the HireADore Job Bank, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  2. Visiting campus departments directly and asking about available positions.