Employment Authorization

J-1 students under WCU’s J-1 sponsorship (i.e., J-1 students whose DS-2019 forms were issued by WCU), are permitted to work on campus only if the employment is part of a scholarship, fellowship, etc. connected to the course of study. No other work is permitted unless specifically authorized in writing by the IPS Office. Students sponsored by other agencies (refer to Item #2 on the DS-2019 to identify your sponsor), must obtain permission in writing from their J-1 visa sponsors prior to working on campus. On-campus employment is limited to 20 hours a week when school is in session and to 40 hours a week during holidays and school vacations. Other J-1 students can obtain authorization to work off campus for the purpose of academic training.

J-1 scholars (i.e., researchers, professors, short-term scholars, specialists, alien physicians, trainees) are authorized only for the employment associated with the activities described in the addendum to the cover letter accompanying the DS-2019, with the activities ending on the date listed in Item #3. NO outside employment is permitted unless the IPS Office specifically authorizes it in advance and in writing.

J-2 dependents must apply to the US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) for work authorization by filing Form I-765 with the appropriate fee and supporting documents. If work authorization is granted, then any work is permitted until the employment termination date indicated on the I-765, Employment Authorization card (EAD), as long as the J-1 principal remains in status. If the J-1 violates status, changes from J-1 to some other nonimmigrant class, or leaves the J program altogether, the work authorization for the J-2 dependent ceases to be valid.

Extending Employment Authorization

J-1 students authorized for academic training can extend their work authorization through the IPS Office. The maximum time allowed varies based upon the previous study and the kind of work.

J-1 scholars automatically extend their work authorization when they extend their stays. It is important to note that a J-1 scholar is authorized to work only to the date on the DS-2019 unless a timely application for an extension has been filed.

J-2 dependents may extend their work authorizations after their stays have been extended with the J-1 principal’s extension. The J-1 must follow the same filing procedures as before by submitting a Form I-765 to USCIS with the appropriate fee and supporting documentation.