J-1 Student Employment Options

J-1 Students

The following employment options are available to students in J-1 status, provided the student is in good academic standing and is enrolled in a full course of study. Employment totals no more than 20 hours per week except during school breaks and the annual vacation quarter. The specific employment must be authorized in advance and in writing by the advisor in International Programs & Exchanges. If the exchange visitor sponsor is an outside agency (for example, ISEP) the student will need to obtain written authorization for employment from that agency.)

• Employment pursuant to the terms of a scholarship, fellowship, or assistantship.
• Employment on the campus of the school the student is authorized to attend.
• Employment off-campus which is necessary because of serious, urgent and unforeseen economic circumstances that have arisen since acquiring exchange visitor status. (Employment due to economic circumstances may be authorized up to a maximum of 12 months at a time.)
• Employment for Academic Training. Academic Training is work related to the student's field of study and may be paid or unpaid. The student may be authorized to participate in academic training during his or her studies or commencing not later than 30 days after completion of studies. Employment for academic training has an overall limit of 18 months, which includes training both before and after completion of studies. However, the total training period may not exceed the amount of time spent in the full course of study. All Academic Training is counted as full-time, even if employment is on a part-time basis.

If you would like to apply for Academic Training, review the information below and contact International Programs & Exchanges if you have questions.

J-2 Dependents

Dependents in J-2 status may request employment authorization from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Income from the J-2's employment may be used to support the family's customary recreational and cultural activities and related travel, among other things. Employment will not be authorized if the income is needed to support the J-1.

The application for employment authorization is Form I-765, and may take up to 90 days to be processed. Instructions are included with the form and should be read carefully. Required documentation include photographs, copies of all DS-2019 forms, proof of the J-2's relationship to the J-1 (for example, copy of the marriage certificate), and a letter explaining why employment authorization is sought. If approved, the J-2 will be issued an employment authorization card. The card will have an expiration date, and may be renewed annually. During the period of authorized employment the J-2 may accept any kind of employment, full-time or part-time. The J-2s employment authorization is valid only while the J-1 is maintaining status.

For more information about J-1 or J-2 employment opportunities, contact International Programs & Exchanges.