J-1 Student Employment
What Types of Employment Are Allowed for J-1 Students?
When it comes to employment, J-1 students have several options, depending on their situation.
On-Campus Employment
On-campus employment is limited to 20 hours per week when school is in session during the fall and spring semesters and 40 hours per week during university vacations and summer vacation.
Off-Campus Employment
There are two types of off-campus employment allowed for J-1 students: Academic Training and off-campus employment based on economic hardship.
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Academic Training is a benefit available to J-1 students that allows them to gain practical experience related to the field of study indicated on their DS-2019.
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Off-campus employment authorization is available to J-1 students experiencing severe economic hardship due to an unforeseen change in their financial circumstances.
Students who wish to obtain such authorization should consult with a J-1 advisor to submit the J-1 Student Employment Request, along with documentation of the unforeseen change in economic circumstances. OIS will evaluate the application and issue a written employment authorization.
Students may use this authorization to work up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session and 40 hours per week during winter and summer breaks. However, this limit is cumulative of all types of J-1 student employment, including assistantship and other on-campus employment.
Receiving this type of employment authorization does not affect eligibility for Academic Training.
To be eligible for off-campus employment authorization based on economic hardship, students must:
- Have completed one academic year in J-1 status at USC.
- Maintain a full course of study.
- Have documentation of the unforeseen change in financial circumstances that necessitates off-campus employment.
Students are encouraged to seek on-campus employment before applying for this type of off-campus employment authorization.