On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a that establishes a fixed time period of admission and an extension of stay procedure that impact students and scholars on F-1 and J-1 visas, and other academic restrictions specifically for F-1 students. The rule is anticipated to take effect Sept. 15, 2026 and will affect members of the international community in different ways. As OISS gathers more information and communicates specific guidance to individuals and groups, we ask that members of the international community refer to the DHS Rule on Admission and Extension webpage as an up-to-date resource. Members of the Northwestern international community who have questions are encouraged to reach out directly to their assigned .
On-Campus Employment
F-1 students can work on-campus without authorization, according to the following requirements.
- You are not eligible for any campus jobs classified as work-study positions.
- You may work a maximum of 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during break and vacation periods.
- You will need a social security number to work on campus. See the steps to apply for a social security number.
- See the New Employee Checklist for Foreign Nationals for steps F-1 & J-1 students need to complete upon obtaining an on-campus job.
Finding On-Campus Employment
The following webpages provide student employment postings; student jobs are also advertised at various locations on campus.
- Northwestern Student Employment (click on "Job Board" for current jobs available)
On-campus employment for J-1 students is limited to 20-hours per week when class in in-session. However, these 20 total hours can be split between different types of employment, if authorized.
- Full-time employment is allowed during official school breaks and annual vacation (i.e. summer quarter).
- You will need a social security number to work on campus. See the steps to apply for a social security number.
- See the New Employee Checklist for Foreign Nationals for steps F-1 & J-1 students need to complete upon obtaining an on-campus job.
How to Request Approval for On-Campus Employment
To apply for on-campus employment authorization, you must submit the Student On-Campus Employment Request in the in the current students tab.
Any J-1 student not currently sponsored by Northwestern (i.e. Fulbright) must contact their sponsoring agency for the required employment authorization.
Authorization Expiration and Renewal
The On-Campus Employment Request in the will specify the period of time for which on-campus work has been authorized. Authorization can be granted for periods of up to 12-months at a time or for shorter periods.
In order to begin new period of employment, or to continue previously authorized employment (for which the form expiration date has been reached), you must complete a new request.
Reporting Employment Changes
You must submit a new J-1 Student On-Campus Employment Authorization Form to report any of the following:
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Change in current employment (i.e. change in the number of hours per week);
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Change in type of employment or employer;
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Change in location of employment; and/or
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Early completion and/or cancellation of student employment.
Finding On-Campus Employment
The following webpages provide student employment postings; student jobs are also advertised at various locations on campus.
- Northwestern Student Employment (click on "Job Board" for current jobs available)
- (navigate to ‘Our Team’ and then select the student employment link)