J-1 Student Employment
If you encounter an E-Form access issue and have tried accessing the E-form in multiple web browsers, please email iss[at]umass[dot]edu.
Students holding J-1 visa status may work in the United States, both on and off-campus, but may only do so with prior authorization from their visa sponsor. The following information describes policies and procedures for individuals who have J-1 visa sponsorship from the University of Massachusetts Amherst (the DS-2019 must have been issued by UMass). If your visa sponsor is not UMass - for example IIE - you must obtain authorization directly from that sponsor. Our office cannot authorize employment for any student not sponsored by UMass.
Dependents (spouse, children 15-21) of J-1 holders are eligible to work with special permission. The IPO cannot advise on J-2 applications as they are personal application. More information is available here.
On-Campus
Students may work anywhere on the UMass campus and must report assistantships, fellowships, scholarships, and on-campus employment. Employment is limited to 20 hours per week (including assistantships) while school is in session, 40 hours a week during vacation periods (Winter Break, Spring Break, and Summer). Employment at one of the other Five Colleges requires Academic Training approval.
Authorization is employer and date specific. For example, if you are authorized to work at Dining Services for August 27-December 13, you cannot work for another employer or outside those dates without additional authorization. Resubmit the J-1 Student Employment Authorization Form for additional authorization.
If you have already requested a full year authorization for your assistantship in the fall term, you do not need to submit a request again for the same assistantship in the following spring term. For example, you requested authorization for your teaching assistantship in fall 2021 and was approved for fall 2021 and spring 2022, you do not need to submit a new E-Form in spring 2022.
To apply, submit the J-1 Student Employment Authorization E-Form.
Please note that it will take 10 to 12 business days to process your application.
Off-Campus
Please note that it will take 10 to 12 business days to process your application. Academic Training (AT) is off-campus training related to a J-1 student's field of study at UMass.
Academic Training is designed to provide J-1 students with employment experience to complement their programs of study in the United States. Therefore, the work done during Academic Training must be directly related to the student's field of study, and it must be commensurate with their level of education. Students may engage in Academic Training during their academic program and/or after the completion of the program as long as the total amount of training does not exceed the prescribed time limitations indicated below. Please note that Academic Training cannot be authorized for permanent employment.
AT Workshops: You can find our AT Workshops on our events page. Please refer to our AT Presentation along with the information below for more information. If you have any additional questions, please email your IPO advisor.