Immigration Information: Employment J-1
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As an international student in The United States, you have the benefit of certain employment options during and after your academic program. However, the rules governing these options are very strict, and the penalties for breaking these rules can be costly. If ever you have any questions about what you read in the Employment section of this site or elsewhere, please consult your International Student Advisor immediately for clarification.
The most important rule to remember is that all off-campus employment must be authorized in writing and in advance before it can begin. This rule applies to internships, practicum, co-operative education and other types of off-campus experiences, whether or not you are receiving college credit for it. Working off-campus without the appropriate authorization is considered illegal employment according to federal immigration law and is a potentially deportable offense. SEVIS regulations require that all unauthorized employment be reported. So, now more than ever, it's essential for international students to understand the off-campus employment rules that pertain to them.
Thanks to Binghamton University for guidance on the employment section of our website.
Below are details regarding on-campus employment, off-campus employment, and Academic Training for J-1 students:
1. On-Campus employment
- J-1 Students need authorization in writing before they may begin working in any on-campus position. J-1 students may work in any on-campus student position.
- J-1 students working on-campus may work part-time (20 hours per week) during regular school sessions, and full-time during school breaks and annual vacation periods (usually summer).
- On-Campus work authorization can be granted for a maximum period of 12 months at one time.
Eligibility
- Good academic standing (2.0 GPA or better).
- Student must continue to pursue a full course of study while working.
See your International Student Advisor to receive work authorization for off-campus employment.
2. Off-Campus employment
- Off-campus employment is only authorized for J-1 exchange visitors in cases of extreme unforeseeable economic hardship.
- J-1 students working off-campus because of extreme unforeseeable economic hardship may work part-time (20 hours per week) during regular school sessions, and full-time during school breaks and annual vacation periods (usually summer).
- Off-Campus work authorization can be granted for a maximum period of 12 months.
Eligibility
- Good academic standing (2.0 GPA or better).
- Student must continue to pursue a full course of study while working.
See your International Student Advisor to receive work authorization for on-campus employment.
3. Academic Training
- Academic Training is a period of professional training in a field related to the student's studies.
- Academic Training is a benefit for students whose primary activity in the United States is to study. Students are not allowed to work as their primary activity.
- Students may pursue Academic Training opportunities in paid or un-paid positions.
- Work may be part-time while the student is still pursuing coursework or full-time after completion of studies. Part-time AT is counted as full-time when calculating total time spent in AT.
- AT is permitted at any stage of the student's academic program.
- Student must receive written authorization from International Student Advisor before beginning Academic Training.
- Students in degree programs are eligible for a maximum of 18 months of AT.
- The amount of time doing AT may not exceed time spent in academic program.
Eligibility
- Good academic standing
- Training opportunity must be related to the field of study listed on the student's DS-2019.
