J-1 Visa Employment

J-1 employment benefits are available to students who have maintained active and lawful J-1 student status and meet the following basic eligibility requirements:

• Student is in good academic standing;
• Student continues to engage in a full course of study, except during Teachers College's annual vacation period;
• Employment totals no more than 20 hours per week, except during Teachers College's annual vacation period; and
• The OISS has provided prior approval to the specific employment in advance. 

Students should not work without prior authorization from either the OISS or their sponsoring agency. Failure to obtain prior authorization constitutes a serious violation of U.S. immigration regulations.

J-1 students are eligible for the following employment options and can explore our website for further information.

• Employment pursuant to the terms of a scholarship, fellowship, or assistantship
• On-campus employment at Teachers College, Columbia University, or Columbia Affiliates
• J-1 Academic Training
• Employment based on severe and unforeseen economic hardship

NOTE: The information on this web site is intended for J-1 students sponsored by Teachers College. J-1 students may be sponsored either by Teachers College's Exchange Visitor Program or by an external organization, such as the Institute of International Education (IIE), LASPAU, or AMIDEAST. If you are a J-1 student sponsored by an external organization, you must contact your sponsor to request information about your employment benefits and/or authorization for any specific job offer. Even though you are enrolled as a Teachers College student, authorization for employment (including on-campus employment) is granted by your visa sponsor, not by Teachers College.