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Financial Arrangements and Employment
It is important that you review all cost estimates listed on your Rockhurst I-20. These estimates are the minimum projections in most cases; actual costs will vary according to your lifestyle.
Do not expect or depend on financial aid or part-time employment to meet your educational expenses.
On-campus employment is competitive and is not guaranteed and oftentimes is minimum wage payment.
On-campus positions are available in:
- Grounds Crew
- Bookstore
- Dining Services
- RICOH Copy Cave and Post Office (print services)
- Learning Center (must be recommended by faculty)
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Students in their second year of study may be eligible for CPT and should consult with International Services for approval.
Payment of Fees
Please consult with the manager of student accounts to discuss payment of fees.
Financial Aid & Employment
- University funded financial aid is limited and the aid that does exist is exclusively for undergraduate students.
- Working off-campus without permission from immigration or the DSO is illegal for F-1 students. U.S. immigration law prohibits all U.S. employers from hiring anyone who does not have a verifiable, legal permission for employment, and international students cannot apply for such employment permission until they have completed one full academic year of study in the degree field (not including English as a second language).
Tax Reporting Requirements for International Students
All international students who were present in the U.S. for any duration of time in the previous calendar year are required to file tax returns, regardless of whether they worked or not. The deadline to file tax returns to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is April 15 (postmarked) every year. Sprintax is a third-party company that assists international students online in the process. Failing to file your taxes could affect future visa opportunties.
On-Campus
You may work up to 20 hours per week for Rockhurst University in any job on campus, including the bookstore or food service. Before starting your job, however, you must consult Human Resources and International Student Services.
US Social Security Number
In the United States a Social Security number (SSN) is a 9-digit number issued to citizens and eligible non-citizens. Its primary purpose is to track individuals for taxation purposes. A Social Security number is important because you need it to get a job on campus and off campus. Many other businesses, such as cell phone companies, banks and credit companies, also ask for your SSN. You can not apply for a SSN until you have a job offer and an employer cannot pay you until you provide them with your SSN.
To apply for a SSN, bring the following documents to the Social Security Office, located at 6320 Euclid Ave., Kansas City, Mo. 64132:
- A letter from your employer, on company letterhead, indicating the job title, work hours, start date and rate of pay.
- A letter from International Services confirming your eligibility to work. You can request this online via the Document Request Form.
- Your passport and visa.
- Your SEVIS 1-20.
The SSN application, can be downloaded online from: Social Security Forms
Missouri Driver's License
When you apply for a Missouri driver's license, state Id card or instruction permit you must have documentation to prove your lawful presence in the United States, identity and place of residence.
For more information about obtaining a Missouri driver's license, please consult the Missouri Driver's License Guide. In order to obtain a Missouri driver's license, you must take a four-part test:
- Written Test on Traffic laws and rules for safe driving
- Vision test
- Road sign test
- Driving test
If you are in a non-immigrant visa status, you will receive your license by mail four to six weeks after successfully completing the required tests.
Documentation required for Missouri driver's license, state ID card or instruction permit
1. Proof of lawful presence
*F-1 students must provide the following:
- Passport
- I-94
- Visa
- I-20
- Certification of enrollment*
*Certification of enrollment - Request a "Letter in Good Standing" from the International Student Services online via the Dcument Request Form. Please note that the letter must be current when making your application (dated within the past 30 days).
2. Proof of identity
- Provide Social Security number if you have received one.
- If you do not have a SSN, contact the Social Security Administration to receive a letter verifying that you are not eligible for one.
3. Proof of residency (provide one of the following)
- Utility bill (most recent).
- Bank statement (most recent).
- Pay stub (most recent).
- Housing/rental contract of current residence.
- Official letter/document from another state or local government agency, on the agency's letterhead or containing the official seal of that agency, issued with the last 30 days.
- Other government document that contains your name and address, issued within the last 30 days.
To take the required tests, go to the testing office, which is located at Missouri State Building: 615 E. 13th Street, Room G1. Test hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Once you have passed the test, you will go to the Independence Licensing Services Office at 16643 Est 23rd Street, Independence, MO 64055. Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1p.m. Driver's License Fees
Off-Campus
As an F-1 student, you are not allowed to work off-campus unless authorized by the International Student Advisor. Off-campus employment is authorized by the Director of International Services under extreme financial hardship caused by unforeseen circumstance beyond the student's control (Authorization comes from the USCIS upon recommendation from school). Examples of this situation are, a severe devaluation in the currency of a student's home country, substantial increases in the cost of tuition and cost of living or medical bills. Off-Campus authorized employment based on severe economic hardship is possible only after the student has been in proper status for a least one full academic year. In addition, there are other conditions to be met and eligibility is determined by the Director of International Services.
Any other kind of off campus employment like hotels, motels, gas stations, liquor stores, etc. is illegal. If caught in a raid or by any person, deportation or problems during future immigration related work authorization like H1b, Green Card, Visa Stamping, etc. could be a possibility. F-1 students should not engage in such employment which is risky and/or illegal. If the Director of International Student Services does have sufficient evidence of illegal work, they will terminate a student's I-20.
On-Campus Employment
On-campus employment must not exceed a total of 20 hours per week while school is in session. During official breaks and holidays of more than one week in duration, you may work up to 40 hours per week. Studets do not need authorization from International Services for on-campus employment.
Curricular Practical Training
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is temporary employment authorization that allows an international student in F-1 immigration status to work off-campus and gain practical experience in their field of study. The employment must be in the student’s field of study and have a curricular requirement. Only a Primary or Designated School Official (P/DSO) in International Services can authorize CPT. You cannot start employment on CPT until you receive a CPT I-20.
Optional Practical Training
Optional practical training is one type of work permission available for eligible F-1 students. It allows students to get real-world work experience related to their field of study.
While a Designated School Official (DSO) recommends OPT in SEVIS, it is the student who must apply for the work permit with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). If the OPT is approved, USCIS will issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The student must not begin working before the start date on the EAD.
Holidays and Vacations
You may remain in the U.S. and be considered to be maintaining lawful F-1 status during holidays and vacation periods observed by Rockhurst, including summer vacations, provided 1) you are eligible and intend to register for the next school term (or the term immediately following a summer vacation), and 2) the "completion of studies" date on your I-20 will not be reached before you resume your studies.
University Break Housing Policy: In the interest of security, staffing and energy conservation, residence hall facilities may close during winter and spring breaks. THV and OCH will remain open. Failure to be out of the residence hall at the designated break closing time will result in a monetary fine. Room payments do not cover closing periods, so a daily rate will be charged for any break housing. Students desiring to stay over breaks must register with the Office of Residence Life, Massman 4. Failure to register to remain over a break period by the stated deadline may result in a surcharge added to the cost of the break housing charge, or denial due to lack of space or staffing.
Food Service during Break Housing: There is generally no food service offered during fall, Thanksgiving, winter, Easter or spring break. If food service is offered hours and eating locations are limited. Dining services will send an email outlining times of service and available dining location. You may only use your flex points or declining balance points during break housing. Please use careful consideration in using your flex points or declining balance points during the semester so that you have balances available during break periods.
Travel
Within the U.S.
You may travel freely within the United States provided you maintain your lawful F-1 status and have your valid passport in your possession (although not required to travel in the U.S., many students also bring their I-20).
Outside the U.S.
You may leave the U.S. at any time. You may return to the U.S. provided you have 1) a valid passport containing an unexpired F-1 visa and 2) a new I-20 or one properly endorsed for re-entry. If you travel to Canada, Mexico or certain islands near the U.S., you may be eligible to re-enter the U.S. even if the F-1 visa in your passport has expired, provided you have a valid passport and I-20 to show the immigration inspector when you re-enter. Check with the Director of International Student Services 3 weeks before travel.
Returning to RU
Three weeks before departing the U.S., take your I-20 and passport to the Director of International Services in Massman 3 and request travel authorization. Please allow a minimum three-day processing time.
Returning to a Different School
You must obtain a new I-20 from your new school before you attempt to re-enter the U.S. Entering this country using an I-20 from a school you do not plan to immediately attend can cause serious immigration problems.
Length of Time You May Remain in the United States
You may study in your present educational program for the time allowed on your I-20. If you need additional time to complete your program and meet certain eligibility requirements, you may apply for an "extension" of your program 30 days before the I-20 end date. We cannot extend an I-20 after the program end date.
Change of Study Program
If you complete one program and wish to continue your studies in another program at the same school, you are responsible to request a new I-20 which will reflect your new program of study. You must do this within 60 days of completion of your studies.
Coursework at a Different School
If you wish to obtain a degree or certificate from your current school, but want to take courses temporarily at a different school, you should consult with International Services to determine if any special procedures must be followed to authorize this study.
Transfer to a different School
If you wish to cease study at RU and transfer to a different school, you must:
- Consult with The Director of International Student Services before you transfer
- Obtain a new I-20 from the school you wish to attend, and
Completion of Degree Requirements
Upon completion of degree requirements, you will receive a 60-day grace period. Exceeding your stay in the U.S. past the grace period may result in an accrual of unlawful presence. You have the right to any of the following:
- Apply for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (if eligible)
- Apply for a different visa category
- Change to a different program of study
- Return Home
Failure to Comply with Responsibilities
If you do not comply with your immigration responsibilities, regardless of intent, you may lose your student status and thus not be eligible for benefits normally granted to F-1 students.
Further Information
Additional information is available. We are pleased to offer information, counseling and assistance on all federal regulations related to maintaining your student status, and we wish you much success in your academic pursuits.