Employment, Teaching & Study on J-1 Status

Guide

While holding J-1 visa status in the U.S., your activities must center on your program objectives, and most work opportunities will need your RO/ARO's prior written approval. Here's the framework, with real scenarios.

Written by Robin Catmur-Smith, Managing Director of the International Student Resource Center

Last updated: July, 2026

An overview of J-1 Status employment, teaching and study

Working on J-1

You can work with a J-1 visa only with prior written authorization from your RO/ARO and only if the work is directly related to your program objectives on your DS-2019. Never begin any work (paid or unpaid) before you're authorized. Unauthorized employment can result in a termination of your J-1 status.

Permitted vs. prohibited employment

Typically permitted work (with prior approval): teaching/research described on your DS-2019; occasional lectures or short-term consultations in your field; incidental activities that support your program.

Not permitted work: work unrelated to your program; regular outside employment; self-employment/freelance/side jobs; any work before authorization.

Studying while on J-1

J-1 Research Scholar/Professor status doesn’t allow for degree-seeking study. Research or teaching must remain your primary purpose. "Incidental study" (limited, part-time, non-degree coursework consistent with your objectives) is generally allowed, and you may audit courses or take an English class if it stays secondary to your main program objectives. To pursue a degree, you should change to an F-1 student status or depart the U.S. and apply for a student visa.

Common scenarios

• J-1 Research Scholar (Engineering) offered an assistant soccer-coach job on campus? No — unrelated to your research objectives, so it's unauthorized employment.

• J-1 Professor asked to give a paid guest lecture elsewhere? Possibly — only with prior RO/ARO written approval, if it's in your field, incidental, and doesn't delay your program.

• Always check with your RO/ARO before accepting any opportunity.