Student Employment
GA/TA/RPA Graduate Student Employees
Appointment, Payroll, Benefits and Time Reporting
Social Security Numbers
All Graduate Student Employees must obtain a valid Social Security number from the Social Security Administration within the first few weeks of the semester to ensure uninterrupted paycheck distribution. Temporary (pseudo) Social Security numbers are used solely for payroll and should not be used off-campus. After course registration, those needing a Social Security number must submit an offer letter from their employing department to Stony Brook Visa and Immigration Services (vis@stonybrook.edu) for verification of immigration status and enrollment. Applications for a Social Security number must be made directly at a Social Security Administration office.
Matriculation
Graduate students must be matriculated, registered for full-time graduate-level coursework, and maintain compliance by enrolling in 9 credits each semester, regardless of their G-status level (G-1 through G-5).
International Graduate Students
Employment Limitations
Graduate students may work up to a maximum of 20 hours per week on the Graduate student payroll (State or RF) during the academic year, including Intersession. International students in F-1 or J-1 status are also limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session.
It is crucial to adhere to the employment restrictions set by immigration status. Non-compliance can jeopardize both the student’s immigration status and the University’s standing. For students, exceeding the allowed work hours is a violation of immigration regulations and will result in immediate termination of employment by the University.
Violations
Violating immigration regulations related to employment can lead to deportation. Current immigration rules do not allow for reinstatement to student status after engaging in unauthorized employment. For the University, failure to comply could result in the loss of all federal funding.
Questions
For questions regarding employment restrictions under immigration regulations, please contact Visa and Immigration Services at vis@stonybrook.edu or call (631) 632-4685.