Off-campus employment

J-1 employment authorization

Over the course of your studies or immediately following your program completion, you may decide to participate in an off-campus training/employment opportunity. The purpose of the J-1 exchange visitor program for students is primarily education and cultural exchange. That being said, you are permitted to engage in “hands-on” training/employment opportunities provided you receive prior authorization. This section address that authorization, your eligibility, and the application process. Never engage in any off-campus employment without prior authorization. Please make an appointment with an ISSS advisor for additional information and to discuss your application.

Academic Training (AT)

Academic Training is permission through the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program that allows J-1 students to participate in unpaid or paid, part-time or full-time training, that is directly related to their major field of study during their program or beginning up to 30 days after the completion of their program. Authorization for academic training can only be approved during active DS-2019 validity dates, but is available at any stage of your program of study.

Please note: You must apply for and receive authorization in advance of the program end-date on your DS-2019 if you are applying for a position that begins at least within 30 days of your program end-date. It is highly advisable to contact the ISSS well in advance of the end of the semester to arrange for academic training approval.

Eligibility

• Authorization must be received in writing from ISSS prior to engaging in any Academic Training opportunity
• Currently maintaining valid J-1 status
• Attending a full-time program as a non-degree or degree-seeking student
• Obtain an offer letter prior to applying for Academic Training
  • Training must take place with a specific employer at a specific location, to be noted in the offer letter
• Apply and be approved prior to your program completion date
• The AT must be approved by your academic adviser, who will confirm that the opportunity is directly related to your major field of study