Students in F-1 status are allowed to work on-campus for the University of West Alabama for a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic year. You can work unlimited hours during vacation periods.

Please note working without proper authorization is considered a violation of your F-1 status requirements. For more information about find an on-campus job, please contact the Office of International Programs. 

In order to receive a Social Security Number (SSN), you must apply with the Social Security Administration (SSA). To apply for a a Social Security card to use with on-campus employment, you must take the following documentation with you to the Social Security Administration Office:

   - Completed UWA Social Security Verification Form;
   - Completed SS-5 Form: This is the Social Security Administration's application form for a Social Security Number;
   - Your immigration documents: Passport, Visa, Latest I-94 record and UWA Form I-20.

The following addresses below are for the Social Security Administration Office locations closest to UWA:

Meridian Office: 4717 26th Ave, Meridian, MS 39307. Their telephone number is 1-866-403-8014.
Tuscaloosa Office: 2005 University Blvd. Ste 1200, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. Their telephone number is 1-877-480-4988

Please note that you will be responsible for paying taxes on the income that you earn from your employment. Once you have received a copy of your new Social Security card, you will need to submit a copy of the card to the Office of International Programs.

To begin the Social Security Documentation Request, please click here. Please note, if you have already started a Social Security Documentation Request DO NOT start a new one. Please go to your User Home Page to continue working on your existing request.

If you have any questions, please contact Connie Marine from the Office of International Programs.
 

An F-1 student who has been in status for at least nine months and who is in good academic standing is eligible to work off-campus if the job is an integral part of the student’s curriculum. This is called Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and must be authorized in advance by International Programs (IP).

Authorization for such employment may only be obtained by a student who will receive academic credit for the employment experience. Students must register for a course that carries academic credit, that is listed in the regular bulletin of course offerings or be registered for a CO-OP course.  To be considered for CPT, the work must not only be related to the major field of study but must also be an integral or important part of your curriculum or degree program. Obtaining work experience to get a better job after graduation does not merit CPT authorization. Students in the Intensive English Program (IEP) are not eligible for practical training.

To begin the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) request with the Office of International Programs, please click here. Please note, if you have already started a Curricular Practical Training request DO NOT start a new one. Please go to your User Home Page to continue working on your existing request.