Employment for J-1 Visa Students
As a J-1 visa student, you may engage in certain forms of employment once you receive authorization to work in the US. Programs like academic training or scholarship-based funding may be available to you.
Employment requirements
J-1 students in the US may engage in on-campus employment while maintaining visa status. On-campus employment is limited to 20 hours per week during the academic term. J-1 students may work full-time during official school breaks. The employment must take place on the school’s premises, and students must obtain a Social Security Number before receiving wages. Employment at Brown University is does not qualify as on-campus employment.
On-campus employment requires prior authorization from us through the J-1 Student Employment Authorization Request form. We must approve the employment before you begin working.
You can find more information about international student employment from the Student Employment office, including how to obtain a Social Security Number if this is your first time working in the US.
Unauthorized income and activities
International students with J-1 status are not permitted to sell artwork or receive compensation for creative work unless they have prior employment authorization from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Selling artwork online or at a craft fair does not qualify as on-campus employment.
J-1 students should always consult with us prior to engaging in any volunteer work, sales, or anything that can be understood as a form of employment or is income generating. Engaging in such activities without authorization could result in a violation of your visa status which could involve having to depart the US.
Academic training
Academic training refers to work, training, or practical experience that is directly related to a student’s field of study. The specific types of activities allowed depend on the academic discipline. It may be paid or unpaid and can take place either during the program or after completion. You may work full-time or part-time, as long as you remain within the allowed time limits.
Academic training may occur pre-completion (while you are a student) or post-completion (after graduation). However, you must request academic training before the program end date on your DS-2019. Due to the short-term duration of non-degree seeking J-1 programs at RISD, academic training may only be appropriate for degree-seeking students.
If you are interested in pursuing academic training as a J-1 student (either pre-completion or post-completion), please schedule a meeting with one of our International Student and Scholar Affairs (ISSA) advisors at least 30 days before your program end date, and complete the J-1 Academic Training form no less than 14 business days before the end date on your DS-2019.
Eligibility
You are eligible for Academic Training as a student on a J-1 visa if:
- Your primary purpose in the US is to study rather than participate in Academic Training.
- You are in good academic standing.
- The proposed employment is directly related to your major field of study.
- You can receive written approval in advance from the Responsible Officer (RO) for the type and duration of the Academic Training.
- You are able to maintain health insurance coverage for yourself and any J-2 dependents throughout your Academic Training.
Do not start any employment without prior written approval from our office. Engaging in employment without proper authorization is a serious violation of your status.
Duration
Undergraduate and graduate students are eligible for up to 18 months of Academic Training, or the period of a full course of study in the US, whichever is less time overall. This is inclusive of any prior Academic Training in the US.
Any prior experience you have participating in Academic Training counts against the 18-month limit. Advancing to a higher degree does not provide additional time. If you plan to remain in J-1 status, factor this in when deciding how much Academic Training to use.
Applying for Pre-Completion Academic Training
Pre-completion Academic Training allows J-1 students to participate in training directly related to their field of study before completing their academic program. It provides structured practical experience that complements their academic goals. To apply, you will need to:
- Obtain a formal offer letter from your prospective employer that includes:
- Your job title
- A brief description of the goals and objectives of your training program
- Employment start and end dates
- Work location
- Number of hours per week
- Name and address of your training supervisor
- Ensure all of the above details are clearly stated in the letter. The letter is printed and signed on a letterhead.
- Provide a copy of your employer’s letter to your academic adviser or dean for use in writing your Academic Training recommendation. They may refer to the sample letter.
- Submit a J-1 Academic Training Request.
Your International Student Advisor in ISSA will evaluate the Academic Training and determine whether it is justified or suitable. If approved, you will receive a written letter of approval.
Applying for Post-Completion Academic Training
Post-completion Academic Training allows J-1 students to participate in training directly related to their field of study after completing their academic program. It enables graduates to apply their academic training in a practical, career-focused setting for a limited period of time.
Post-completion Academic Training must begin no later than 30 days after the completion of your studies. To apply, you will need to:
- Submit a J-1 Student Program Extension Request if your academic training end date is later than your current DS-2019 end date. This extension must be completed prior to your program end date as shown on your DS-2019, and the request must be submitted at the same time as the academic training request.
- Obtain a formal offer letter from your prospective employer that includes:
- Your job title
- A brief description of the goals and objectives of your training program
- Training start and end dates – start date must be within 30 days of your program completion date.
- Work location
- Number of hours per week
- Name and address of your training supervisor
- Ensure all of the above details are clearly stated in the letter. The letter is printed and signed on a letterhead.
- Provide a copy of your employer’s letter to your academic advisor or dean for use in writing your Academic Training recommendation. They may refer to the sample letter.
- Submit a J-1 Academic Training Request
Your International Student Advisor at ISSA will evaluate the Academic Training and DS-2019 extension request to determine whether it is justified or suitable. If approved, you will receive an extended DS-2019 and a written letter of approval.
Academic Training post-evaluation
A J-1 program sponsor must have a process for evaluating Academic Training participation to ensure it met the goals and objectives that were stated when the training was authorized. Please submit the J-1 Academic Training Evaluation Form at the conclusion of your Academic Training program.
Additional employment documents
Social Security Number (SSN)
Your employer will need your Social Security number to add you to the payroll. If you have not yet received a Social Security Number, you can follow the instructions from the Social Security Administration (SSA). When applying, bring to the SSA office your passport, I-94 card, your DS-2019 form, and your J-1 Responsible Officer’s written work authorization.
Form I-9
When starting a new job, both you and your employer are required to fill out an I-9 form, an Employment Eligibility Verification, which involves providing proof of your identity and authorization to work as outlined in the instructions on the reverse side of the form. Please note this form is completed through your employer (typically through their Human Resources office).