On-campus employment is defined by DHS as work performed on the school’s premises
including work performed for commercial firms located on campus that provide student
services, e.g., school bookstore, cafeteria, on-campus commercial fast-food franchise
that provides student food services.
It may also include work at an off-campus location that is educationally affiliated
with the school or a contractually funded research project at the post-graduate level
(e.g., working on scientific research for a private firm, “XYZ Scientific Corporation,”
under contract to the school).
When the F-1 student initially arrives in the U.S., the student may start general
on-campus employment at the school up to 30 days before classes actually start. Therefore,
it is possible to assign an SSN to an F-1 student in the summer prior to classes starting
if requirements are met.