As a J-1 student, you are required to have authorization for any type of employment that you wish to undertake. To remain in status, it is extremely important that you follow the federal regulations about employment.
In many cases, you must contact our office to get work authorization before beginning employment. Never work without getting authorization first.
This information is intended for J-1 students on the Indiana University J program. If you are a J-1 student but your DS-2019 is issued by an agency or institution other than Indiana University, you must contact your program sponsor to gain authorization for on-campus work or for Academic Training.
On-campus employment is a job on the IU campus where you are paid by IU. As a J-1 student, you may be employed in a student hourly position or hold an assistantship.
Learn about on-campus employmentAcademic Training is practical work experience that is integral to your academic program, such as an internship or fieldwork, and can be done before or after completion of studies.
Learn about Academic TrainingThe U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has finalized changes to the Duration of Status (D/S) policy affecting many F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors.
September 17, 2026 update: Implementation of the expected regulatory changes that were set to take effect on September 15 has been delayed. At this time, the existing Duration of Status framework remains in effect, with no changes at this time for F-1 and J-1 students and J-1 scholars. Further information will be posted on IU Global's Duration of Status updates page as it becomes available.
You can be granted authorization for off-campus employment by OIS if you encounter severe, unexpected economic hardship.
Learn about severe economic hardship and employment