J-1/J-2 Visa Employment Overview

J-1 Exchange Visitor; Student: J-1 students may be employed on the campus of the school in which they are enrolled to a maximum of 20 hours per week with prior written authorization from the Responsible Officer (RO) of their Designated Program. They may only work off-campus under limited circumstances provided they have obtained prior written authorization from the RO. Employment does not require additional permission from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or an EAD. J-1 students are eligible for 18 months of academic training following completion of their program (36 months for postdoctoral training).

For more information, please make an appointment to see the International Student Advisor. When making your appointment please identify yourself as a J-1 visa holder.

J-1 Exchange Visitor; Short-term Scholar/ Professor/ Researcher/ Specialist: This category refers to individuals who are in the U.S. as visiting researchers or professors under the auspices of the U.S. Department of State and a Designated Program Sponsor. Professors or researchers are permitted to work as described on the DS-2019 for the period of validity as stated on the DS-2019. Under limited circumstances, they may receive compensation from other institutions provided prior written authorization from the RO of their Designated Program has been secured. The DS-2019 authorizes the above stated employment. An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card is not required.

For more information, please make an appointment to see an International Student Advisor. When making your appointment please identify yourself as a J-1 visa holder.

J-2 Dependent of J-1 Visa Holder: Eligible to apply to DHS for work authorization. Once the EAD is issued by DHS, the J-2 may work for any employer. Employer must re-verify employment authorization after expiration date on EAD. Employment to be approved cannot be used for the financial support of J-1 visa holder. It must be for purposes unrelated to basic support.

For more information, please make an appointment to see an International Student Advisor. When making your appointment please identify yourself as a J-2 visa holder.