Employment Options

Employment options on and off campus

As an international student at CGCC, you have two types of employment options — on-campus and off-campus. The following information outlines what you need to know about pursuing these work opportunities.

On-Campus Employment

Students with F-1 visas are eligible to work on their home campuses while studying in the U.S. A student can begin working up to 30 days before the start date on their I-20. F-1 students are not eligible to participate in federally funded work-study programs. These are the requirements for on-campus employment:

  • Have a current and valid SEVIS I-20 issued by Chandler-Gilbert Community College
  • Limit work to 20 hours or less per week during the semester, and up to full-time hours during semester breaks or summer vacation
  • Be a registered full-time student, or have been approved for Reduced Course Load
  • Have a Social Security number (see the section Applying for a Social Security Number)

To apply for an on-campus job, please follow the steps:

  1. Visit the careers website at jobs.maricopa.edu.
  2. Create an account on the website.
  3. Click on “View All Jobs” to browse listings.
  4. Filter jobs by location (Chandler-Gilbert Community College or CGCC - Williams Campus) and select the appropriate job family (Temporary Hourly).
  5. Select the desired job and carefully read through the job description and requirements.
  6. Apply by filling out all required fields and uploading necessary documents, such as a resume and cover letter.
  7. Keep track of submitted applications on your account dashboard.
  8. Please watch your email for updates regarding interviews and next steps.

If you need help with your resume, cover letter, choosing a job, or interview preparation, please contact Career Services.

Please note that if you do not have a job offer, you are not eligible for an SSN. If you have been previously issued an SSN in the U.S., your SSN number belongs to you and you do not need to request a new number. If you lost your SSN card, you will need to start the SSN process again and then submit the replacement card application request to the Social Security Administration. Please follow the instructions below to obtain an SSN.

  1. Submit a copy of the job offer letter with the following essential information to the International Education Program (IEP) at [email protected] to request an SSN Eligibility letter:

    • Student's Name: Clearly stated for identification as shown on passport.
    • Employer's Name: The department or office offering the job.
    • Position Title: The specific job the student will hold.
    • Start Date: The anticipated date employment officially begins.
    • Work Schedule: Number of hours per week or a description of the work schedule.
    • Brief Job Description: A summary of the duties and responsibilities.
    • Supervisor's Information: Contact details for the supervisor.
       

    The letter must be signed by the supervisor with a wet signature (handwritten with ink) and be on official college/department stationery.

  2. Acquire an SSN Eligibility letter from the International Education Program (IEP). You will be notified via email when the letter is ready to be picked up. It is usually available within 3 business days after the job offer submission.
     
  3. To request for an SSN for the first time, please complete the online SSN application and print out a confirmation page. You may be eligible to schedule an appointment online before visiting the local Social Security office. If not, you can visit the Social Security Administration Office during normal business hours.
     
  4. Visit the Social Security Administration Office within 45 days. Please bring the original documents listed below to:
    • Valid passport
    • Printed most current Form I-20
    • Printout of an electronic I-94 record
    • U.S. F-1 Student Visa Stamp or I-797 Approval Notice (for a change of status to F-1)
    • An official letter of employment offer
    • An SSN Eligibility letter issued by CGCC’s International Education Program
    • Confirmation page from the online application

The nearest Social Security Administration Office to CGCC - Pecos Campus is: 

702 W Jerome Ave
Mesa, AZ 85210

Hours: Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

After meeting with a Social Security representative, you will receive a receipt for your transaction. Once you receive your Social Security Card in the mail, please follow instructions on the hiring process.

Once you receive a job offer for an on-campus position and obtain a Social Security number, you will need to complete the following steps to begin the hiring process with the Human Resources (HR) department:

  1. Bring the following documents to the Human Resources (HR) department:
    • Original SEVIS I-20
    • Passport
    • Social Security Card
       
  2. Complete Employment Forms
    • I-9 Form: To verify your identity and employment authorization.
    • W-4 Form: To set up tax withholding information.
      Note: International students may be subject to different tax withholding rules. Check with HR for guidance specific to F-1 visa holders.

Most student employment positions will require a background check before you are officially hired. F-1 students may begin working after the background check is completed and they are officially hired.

Please contact HR at [email protected] if you have any questions about the hiring process.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) — Off-Campus Employment

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment authorization that gives F-1 students the opportunity to work off campus, applying knowledge they gain in the classroom to practical work experience in the area they are studying. Authorization for OPT is granted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) — formerly known as the Immigration and Naturalization Service, or INS. Obtaining authorization can take from 90 to 120 days, so it’s important that you apply at the earliest possible date. The maximum amount of time granted to work in F-1 OPT status is 12 months per degree level.

All F-1 students are eligible for OPT if they have maintained lawful status. You must apply for OPT before completing your course of study — we strongly encourage at least 90 days before program completion — and/or before your SEVIS I-20 expires. We suggest you do not change residences until you receive your OPT authorization. Federal mail is not forwarded to new addresses — it is returned to the government — so if your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card (which is your work permit) is returned, most likely you will not be able to retrieve it and you will lose the opportunity for OPT. Please note that you CANNOT travel outside the U.S. until you have been approved for employment authorization by USCIS. A new rule also maintains that all OPT must be completed within 14 months following completion of a program of study. For example, if you graduate May 13-16, the last day you can indicate on your application for OPT is July 15th if you want 12 months of employment. You can request to begin sooner (right after graduation) if you apply 90 days or more before your last semester.

The EAD card is approved for a specific beginning and end date. You must identify those dates on the OPT application form. For OPT after completion of studies or graduation, the beginning date can be no later than 60 days after the date you complete your studies. If you have questions about your OPT dates, please discuss them with your international student advisor.

Your OPT employment must relate directly to your major area of study, and be equivalent with your educational level. You may change jobs during the 12-months maximum time granted to work OPT, and you are not limited to the state of Arizona — you can work anywhere in the United States (including Hawaii and Alaska). Additional OPT requirements include:

  1. Valid F-1 status
  2. Be in good academic standing
  3. Do not begin working until your authorization has been issued

USCIS does not permit individuals with F-2 status to be employed under any conditions. Employment is defined as the rendering of services, part- or full-time, for financial or other compensation, including self-employment.