Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Employment

Yes, F 1 and J 1 students may work on campus without special authorization. They may only work up to 20 hours per week during the semester. A Social Security Number (SSN) is required to work in the US. See the SSN question in this FAQ for guidance on how to get one.

Off campus employment (including CPT, OPT, or Economic Hardship) requires special authorization.

For questions about special authorization to work off-campus, please contact an Immigration Specialist at isss@siu.edu. 

Finding a Job

All on campus student jobs are posted on Handshake: https://siu.joinhandshake.com

Work Referral Form

All on campus jobs require a student work referral from the Student Employment Services. The form is available on SalukiNet. If you have difficulty locating it, contact your hiring department.

Social Security Number (SSN)

To apply for an SSN, you must have:

• A job offer that complies with F-1/J-1 regulations
• A Social Security Letter that has been signed by your supervisor and your Immigration Specialist (ask the CIE Front Desk for this form)
• A valid I‑20 or DS‑2019
• Your passport and visa

You can either schedule an appointment with the Social Security Administration (SSA) office online or walk-in. 

Office Address:
250 W Cherry St.
Carbondale , IL 62901

SSN cards are typically mailed within two weeks, but you can begin working if you have a receipt from the SSA office.

Proof of Address

No. ISSS cannot provide proof of address.

Acceptable alternatives include:

• A lease agreement
• A utility bill
• Official mail addressed to you at your current residence

Travel

• A travel signature on your I‑20 (page 2) or DS‑2019 is required to re‑enter the U.S.
  (i). A travel signature is not required to leave the U.S., but you must have it by the time you return.
  (ii). Domestic travel within the U.S. does not require a travel signature.
• A passport
• A valid U.S. visa
• Evidence of Enrollment at SIU (recommended but not required)
• Proof of employment (if on an assistantship or post-completion OPT)

Travel Signature Validity:

• Enrolled F‑1 students: generally valid for 12 months
• Students on OPT: generally valid for 6 months

Other Travel Considerations:

• Students should carry digital copies of their passport, visa, I‑20/DS‑2019, and proof of SIU enrollment on their phone.
• Physical copies should be carried securely in carry-on luggage or on your person.
• While travel signatures are not required for travel within the U.S., it is recommended that you always have digital and physical copies of your travel documents accessible.

For complex travel situations or countries with visa issuance restrictions, contact an Immigration Specialist at isss@siu.edu. 

Scholarships & Cost Information

Start with these resources:

• Scholarships & Financial Assistance
• Tuition & Cost Information

Questions may be sent to isss@siu.edu, and your message will be routed appropriately.

Online Course Enrollment

Only 3 online credits may count toward full‑time enrollment each semester.

• Undergraduates (full‑time = 12 credits): At least 9 credits must be in person
• Graduate students (full‑time = 9 credits, not on assistantship): At least 6 credits must be in person
• Graduate students on assistantship (full‑time = 8 credits): At least 5 credits must be in person

Special situations (such as Reduced Course Load, final term, or medical reasons) must be reviewed by an Immigration Specialist.

ISSS Forms

• I‑20 Extension: CIE‑120
• Reduced Course Load: CIE 125 
• Transfer Out: CIE 102

Most administrative requests are processed within 3–5 business days.

• OPT Information: CIE 150
• CPT Information: CIE 130

For advising specific to your situation, email isss@siu.edu. 

For tax‑specific questions, email intltax@siu.edu.

I‑94 Records

You can retrieve your most recent I‑94 from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection here.

SIU does not issue formal invitation letters for our international students' friends and family. However, we do provide guidance on how to write your own letter to the U.S. Department of State (DOS) through Form CIE-80.