Employment
It is essential that J-1 students understand and comply with Department of State restrictive employment regulations. Ignorance of employment regulations does not excuse a student from the serious ramifications of unauthorized employment. Unauthorized employment can result in a J-1 student having to depart the U.S. A J-1 student who needs to be employed on-campus or off-campus should read the following information carefully and meet with the J Student Advisor
Definition of Employment
"Employment" is any work performed or services provided (including self-employment) in exchange for money or other benefits or compensation (for example, free room and board in exchange for babysitting).
On-Campus Employment
An exchange visitor may receive compensation from the sponsor (institution or entity that issued the DS-2019) for employment when such activities are part of the exchange visitor’s program (i.e. a teaching or research assistantship), J-1 students may be employed part-time (20 hours per week or less) on the campus of the school the student is authorized to attend with the permission of their J program sponsor. On-campus employment includes teaching and research assistantships; therefore, graduate students on teaching or research assistantships may not be employed elsewhere on campus for additional hours.
The State of Washington limits the total number of hours in a calendar year for temporary employees. Check with WSU Human Resource Services if you wish to work in excess of 20 hours per week during summer, winter or spring vacation to determine your eligibility.
The student must be in good academic standing and engage in a full course of study. During official breaks and the student’s annual vacation, full-time employment is permitted. The RO/ARO has to approve the specific employment in advance and in writing. The approval may be valid up to 12 months but is automatically withdrawn if the student’s program is terminated.
Off-Campus Employment
All off-campus employment must be authorized in advance and in accordance with specific procedures outlined in the federal regulations. Do not work off-campus without prior permission. Talk with the International Student Advisor.
Academic Training
Academic training authorization permits a J-1 student to be employed temporarily at a job directly related to his or her major field of study. To be authorized to engage in academic training employment, a J-1 student must have received written approval in advance from the RO/ARO for the duration and type of academic training.
A detailed explanation of academic training and forms to apply are available in International Programs or down load forms and instructions:
- J-1 Academic Training
- J-1 Academic Advisor Recommendation Form
- J-1 Academic Training Employment Form
Economic Hardship
Students may receive authorization for off-campus employment when necessary due to serious, urgent, and unforeseen economic circumstances that have arisen since acquiring exchange visitor status.
Eligibility
- Students must submit to the Responsible Officer (RO or ARO) a detailed description of the circumstances resulting in the need for employment, including the seriousness of the situation, when they occurred and how they were unforeseen.
- Students must also submit a detailed budget of their current income and expenses.
This type of employment authorization must be granted in writing by the Responsible Officer (or Alternate Responsible Officer ARO) before employment begins.
Off-campus employment is also available from the same 20-hour per week pool available for on-campus employment (e.g., if a student is working 10 hours on campus per week, he or she could be authorized for only 10 additional hours off-campus.)
J-2 Employment
Individuals with J-2 status can apply for employment authorization from USCIS. Employment will not be authorized if this income is needed to support the J-1 student. USCIS must receive an application for an extension of employment authorization before the expiration date of the current employment authorization. Employment is permitted only after USCIS authorization and issuance of the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is received by the J-2. The period of authorized employment is tied to the validity dates of the DS-2019 for the J-1 student.
Social Security Number
Individuals who are authorized to be employed in the U.S. must have a Social Security Number (SSN) in order to be paid. Prior to applying for a SSN, you must have the following documents:
- Letter from OISS verifying your employment eligibility
- DS-2019
- Valid passport
- Visa, and
- I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
Application should be submitted to a Social Security Administration Office.
Lewiston Social Security Office
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 am - 4 pm
Phone: (208) 746-2995
1617 19 th Avenue, Lewiston , ID 83501
Page Updated: February 29, 2008
