INFORMATION FOR SCHOLARS/RESEARCH/SPECIALISTS IN J-1 STATUS
General
You must not be employed in any capacity unless the specific employment is authorized in writing in advance by your J-1 Program Sponsor. If employment authorization is granted, the nature, amount, and duration of work must be in accord with that which the Program Sponsor has authorized and in no case may exceed 20 hours per week while school is in session.
- Employment Due to Economic Necessity: While you have the right to request that your Program Sponsor authorize employment off-campus if you experience urgent financial need, you must not be employed without having written permission.
- Academic Training Employment:
- Definition: Academic Training is work that is directly related to your major field of study, which is engaged in during or after completion of your program of study, and which may take place anywhere in the US for up to 18 months or 36 months for post-doctoral training.
- Application and Authorization: You must make the application and be granted written authorization for Academic Training before beginning employment.
Immigration regulations allow J-2 dependents to apply for work permission, as long as the money they earn will be used to support the J-2 and/or their children