International Student On-Campus Employment and SURP

On-Campus Employment

Pomona College students in F-1 or J-1 immigration status must comply with both Pomona College employment policies and U.S. immigration regulations. Students must follow whichever policy is more restrictive.

Pomona College Policy

During the academic year, students may work up to 14 hours per week while classes are in session. During winter and summer breaks, students may work more than 14 hours per week, provided they remain in good academic and immigration status.

U.S. Immigration Policy

International students whose Form I-20 or DS-2019 has been issued by Pomona College and who maintain good immigration and academic status are eligible for on-campus employment only at Pomona College. Employment at any of the other Claremont Colleges is not authorized and constitutes a serious violation of F-1 or J-1 immigration status.

Students may also be employed by campus vendors that provide services for students. Examples include the Library, Dining Services, and the Coop Store.

Under federal immigration regulations, F-1 and J-1 students are allowed to work 20 hours per week while classes are in session. During official winter and summer breaks, students are allowed to work more than 20 hours per week, provided they remain in good academic and immigration status.

Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP)

SURP is a multi-week fellowship opportunity with Pomona during the summer. Most opportunities with SURP are generally considered on-campus employment since you will be supervised by a Pomona faculty member.

In some cases, opportunities not directly supervised by a Pomona faculty member may be considered a valid project under SURP; however, such projects are not eligible for on-campus employment. If you are considering such a project, please speak with the ISSS Office first, as you may need to get work authorization through Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

Finding a Job On Campus

• An On-Campus Employment Fair sponsored by the Career Development Office is held at the beginning of each academic year.
• Additional jobs are posted on Handshake, a career platform sponsored by the Career Development Office (CDO).
• The Financial Aid office may also be a source for finding an on-campus job.

Last Day of On-Campus Work Authorization

You can work on campus until the Program End Date written on your I-20 or DS-2019. For F-1 students exploring work options after graduation, see Optional Practical Training (OPT).