J-1/J-2 Employment Overview - University of Houston
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International Student and Scholar Services Office

International Faculty & Scholars

J-1/J-2 Employment Overview

J-1 Exchange Visitor: Student

  1. J-1 students may be employed on the campus of the school in which they are enrolled to a maximum of 20 hours per week with prior written authorization from the Responsible Officer (RO) of their Designated Program.
  2. They may only work off-campus under limited circumstances provided they have obtained prior written authorization from the RO. Employment does not require additional permission from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or an EAD.
  3. J-1 students are eligible for 18 months of academic training following completion of their program (36 months for postdoctoral training).

J-1 Exchange Visitor: Short-term Scholar/Professor/Researcher/Specialist

This category refers to individuals who are in the U.S. as visiting researchers or professors under the auspices of the US Department of State and a Designated Program Sponsor. Professors or researchers are permitted to work as described on the DS-2019 for the period of validity as stated on the DS-2019. Under limited circumstances, may receive compensation from other institutions provided prior written authorization from the RO of their Designated Program has been secured. The DS-2019 authorizes the above-stated employment. An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card is not required.

NOTE: For more information, please make an appointment to see an International Student Counselor. When making your appointment please identify yourself as a J-1 visa holder.

J-2 Dependent of J-1 Visa Holder

Eligible to apply to DHS for work authorization. Once the EAD is issued by DHS, the J-2 may work for any employer. The employer must re-verify employment authorization after the expiration date on EAD. Employment to be approved cannot be needed for the financial support of the J-1 visa holder. It must be for purposes unrelated to basic support.

For more information, please click this J-2 Work Authorization and make an appointment to see an International Student Counselor. When making your appointment please identify yourself as a J-2 visa holder.