J1 visa can i work

However, most specialists are only granted 12 months on their J-1 visas. To maintain and renew your visa, you must take a full course load, and remain in good academic standing. Each sponsoring program has a responsible officer who oversees your progress. The J-1 exchange visitor visa allows visa holders to enter the U. If you would like to pursue one of the J-1 visa programs, here are some key parts of your application process:.

Start by researching approved sponsors for your category on the U. Many approved programs can place participants across the country. Once you have identified a sponsoring organization for your program of interest, research key application procedures and deadlines first. If you are a college student who wants to attend an academic program in the U.

After you have been accepted by the sponsoring organization, contact the responsible officer at your sponsoring institution or agency to receive the DS Form , the "Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor J-1 Status.

Once you receive this form, take it to the U. Department of Homeland Security. Some institutions include this fee as part of their program costs. Check with your program to find out whether you need to pay the fee directly or if the sponsoring institution will pay on your behalf.

If your sponsor pays the fee, ask for a receipt to confirm payment. State Department visa services website. If you are participating in a U. After you have received your DS Form from your sponsor, take it to the U. There are often long wait times for appointments, so be sure to schedule it soon after you receive your DS Form to ensure that you have enough time before the start of your program. If you plan to travel with your child or spouse, you should also arrange an appointment for them at this stage.

During your interview, the officer will ask you about your program, your post-program plans, and how you will pay for your expenses. The consular officer will be looking for evidence that you plan to complete the program and return home after it ends.

Bring documentation of your ties to your home country to show your intention to return home once your program is completed. Before attending your appointment, confirm which documents you must submit with your J-1 visa application with the U.

Generally speaking, however, these documents consist of the following:. If you are an exchange visitor trainee or an intern visa applicant, you will need to submit the DS Form, a training or internship placement plan. The Department of State has a chart explaining and comparing each of these programs so that you can choose the right one for you.

New to the U. Subscribe to our newsletter, Arrive, for newcomer news and guides to decoding life in the U. Some J-1 visas holders enter the U. If you come to the U. Similarly, if you come to the U.

If your J-1 visa is for a summer work program, you can generally work in a temporary or unskilled position at places like an amusement park, ski resort, or hotel during your stay. A specialist is allowed to work in a temporary position in his or her area of specialty for 3 weeks to 12 months. Some common categories of work popular among specialists include:. If you are a university student in the U.

Types of Employment As a J-1 student, you may qualify for the following types of employment: On-Campus Employment On-campus employment is defined as work done on the premises of the school.

A J-1 student may be authorized to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full time during summer and official University holiday breaks for on-campus employment. Students who already have assistantships considered to be equivalent to 20 hours a week are not eligible for additional on-campus employment. Once you complete your academic program, you are no longer eligible for on-campus employment unless you have obtained employment authorization based on academic training.

Source: [22 C. Academic Training in Your Field of Study Academic training is work, training, or experience related to a student's field of study. Although a J-1 student may work part-time or full-time, all academic training is counted full-time, even if the employment is on a part-time basis.

After graduation, the time limits are as follows:. Earning more than one degree does not increase your eligibility for AT. AT undertaken after completion of your program will be reduced by any prior periods of AT you may have used. Part-time employment counts against the AT limits the same as full-time employment. After completion of your program, AT must be remunerated, meaning you must receive a salary or other compensation for your services.

Post-completion AT must be approved no later than the program end date listed on your DS, or you will lose eligibility for AT. Spouses in J2 status are also eligible for work authorization. Money earned by a J2 visa holder cannot be used to support the principal J1 visa holder. Find a Student Loan in 3 Easy Steps!

Find My Student Loan. US Citizen: Edit. US Cosigner: Edit. Education Level: Edit. Graduation Date: Edit. Please fix the following errors:.

Are you a US citizen? Are you a US Citizen?