J Student Visa

J-1 Student Visa - Employment Permission

The following information provides an introduction to how employment is defined by the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS). Click the links below for information on J-1 employment authorization options.

Employment Options
On Campus Employment	Off Campus Employment	Academic Training	Academic Training Form

Employment Defined
Employment is defined as any type of work performed or services provided in exchange for money, tuition, fees, books, supplies, room, food, or any other compensation. Therefore, USCIS has restrictive employment regulations for on-campus employment and particularly for off-campus employment. Be sure to check with the HIO before accepting any employment offers.

Harvard Sponsored J-1 Student Work Permission
The HIO advisors may authorize work permission to those whose J-1 visa is sponsored by Harvard University.

Other J-1 Student Sponsored Work Permission
Students on J-1 visa sponsored by Fulbright, LASPAU, etc, must contact a representative of that organization and inquire about their eligibility for work authorization.

Note: J-1 students should not assume they are automatically eligible to work in the United States. The USCIS considers unauthorized employment to be the most serious violation of J-1 status.