MySLC

On-Campus Employment

F-1 students may work on campus at SLC-sponsored jobs for a maximum of 20 hours per week. During summer or winter vacation, if classes are not in session, students may work full-time. A student must have a campus job offer in order to apply for a US Social Security Number (SSN). After receiving a job offer students must apply for a SSN. Students may not begin working until they have applied for a SSN. 

Internships

F-1 students are allowed and encouraged to participate in off-campus internships.  For paid internships, students must apply for CPT (Curricular Practical Training) and receive academic credit.  Unpaid internships cannot have any form of compensation, including travel or food stipends, and must be reported to the Office of Career Services.  The College recommends that students apply for CPT for unpaid internships as well.  For additional questions, please contact the Office of Career Services.

Optional Practical Training

Watch a Zoom informational session here from 2/22/24 hosted by Todd Pettiford, Nicole Mirando and Sifiso Mabena. 

Click here for powerpoint presentation accompanying the Zoom session.

OPT employment allows students to remain in the U.S. to work for up to 12 months after graduation, or to work off campus during their academic career (though the school does not recommend this). In order to be eligible, students must be enrolled on a full-time basis for at least one academic year. The I-765 application for Optional Practical Training must be submitted to USCIS no more than 90 days prior to a student’s program end date and no later than 60 days after a student has completed their degree program.

OPT information sessions are held in the Fall and Spring terms. These sessions are open to all international students. If students have any questions before or after the sessions are held they may make an appointment.

See OPT packet for more information

Curricular Practical Training

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is employment pursuant to an internship or fieldwork requirement or internship elective (a fieldwork course) which is an integral part of the established curriculum at SLC and which will earn credit towards completion of your degree. Please note that that the deadline for summer and fall fieldwork proposals is May 1.

Please see the CPT packet for more detailed information.

Taxes

Students who work on-campus, pursue OPT or CPT, or receive taxable scholarships or fellowships are required to file Federal and New York State Income Tax with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Sarah Lawrence College or the off campus employer will provide students with the required W-2 forms. This document is needed to complete IRS form 1040NR-EZ or 1040NR. The school does not and cannot provide tax advice, but does provide an online tax preparation program to help students file taxes. Students will receive e-mails about this during the tax period.

Social Security Card

International students (holders of F-1 visas) must apply for U.S. social security cards before they start work on campus.

Students on CPT or OPT must also apply for U.S. social security cards before they start work.

APPLICATIONS FOR SOCIAL SECURITY CARD

International students who wish to apply for a new or replacement Social Security Number (SSN) card may start the process online at www.ssa.gov/number-card.  After they enter the required information, they must present their original documents to their local Social Security office within 45 days.  When using the online application, a student may request an appointment to visit the local Social Security office to present their documents.  (Students who live or receive mail in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, or Queens must present their documents to their servicing Social Security Card Center.)  

WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE NEEDED

 https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/ss5doc.htm
 A first time applicant for an SSN must show original, current, unexpired proof of age, identity, and lawful resident status.  While one document may be used for two purposes, it cannot be used for all three.  We encourage applicants to bring all their documents so that staff may evaluate what document they may use for which purpose.  For information about who may apply for an SSN, when, and how, please review our factsheets, International Students and Social Security Numbers and Foreign Workers and Social Security Numbers.  Students applying for a replacement SSN card must show original proof of identity and lawful resident status.

The application asks for parent's name and Social Security numbers. Do not worry about filling this out. Refer to the above link for      a list of supporting documents needed.

WHERE CAN I APPLY FOR A SOCIAL SECURITY CARD/NUMBER?

Below is the closest office to Sarah Lawrence, which is in Yonkers
We could potentially try and schedule a van to take a group of students together 
U.S. Social Security Administration
Address: 20 S Broadway 10th floor, Yonkers, NY 10701

Hours:  

Opens 9AM / Closes 4 PM

​Phone: (800) 772-1213​

 If you live off campus and you’re uncertain about the location of your local Social Security office, go to www.ssa.gov/locator, select Locate an Office by ZIP, enter the student’s ZIP Code, and select Locate.  The local Social Security office’s information will be displayed. (For students who enter a ZIP Code in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, or Queens, please select I Need Card Services to display servicing Card Center’s information.)  Social Security offices are open Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  The Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens Social Security Card Centers are open Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY CARD/NUMBER?

The website and the representative say that it will take 2-4 week (sometimes longer), so if you know  that  you need or may need  a card and number for your job / placement, you should apply as early as possible.
Also, if you have ever applied and received a card / number, you do not have to apply again. You can contact the Social             
Security Administration Office to assist with locating your previous information / card if you do not have it.

Everyone who has a Social Security Number who is age 18 or older, has an email address, and a U.S. mailing address, is strongly encouraged to sign up for their personal my Social Security account.  This is appropriate for students, as well as for staff and faculty. For more information, refer to our fact sheet, How to Create an Online Account.