J-1 Students

On-Campus Employment

J-1 students may engage in employment if:

1. Student is in good academic standing
2. Student continues to engage in a full course of study while school is in session
3. The Office of International Programs has approved the specific employment in advance and in writing.

On campus employment is defined as employment which occurs at UTEP. Positions could include teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and hourly employment (Food Services, Library, etc).

J-1 students are eligible to work on campus a maximum of 20 hours per week during the Fall and Spring academic semesters. During semester breaks, official school vacation days, and summer vacation, J-1 students are eligible to work full-time on campus. A student who has a valid DS-2019 and intends to enroll for next regular term may work on-campus incident to status.

Please note that on-campus employment is not permitted after completion of a degree program unless the student has been issued a DS-2019 to begin a new academic program or has been granted Academic Training.

How to Apply

Please review the on-campus employment request form for instructions.

Academic Training (AT)

Academic Training is work, training, or experience related to a student’s field of study. Training may be paid or unpaid, with several employers, U.S. or foreign employer, involving sequential or simultaneous activities as long as approval procedures are followed for each employer and the time limits are not exceeded.

Students in degree programs are permitted an overall limit of 18 months, includes all academic training, whether before or after completion of studies. The total training period may not exceed the amount of time spent in full course of study. The overall limit is 36 months for postdoctoral training after completion of a U.S. PhD degree. A new DS-2019 must be issued for the second 18 months.

The following criteria must be met by the student:

• Must be in good academic standing
• Must be in the U.S. primarily to study rather than engage in academic training.
• Academic training must be done with a specific employer or training site and be directly related to the major field of study listed on DS-2019
• Must receive approval from academic advisor
• Must receive written approval in advance from OIP for the duration and type of academic training.

When to Apply for Academic Training

A student may request work authorization at any time during and/or after the academic program. For academic training after completion of studies, students need to apply and be authorized before their DS-2019 program end date or at least two weeks before the end of the 30 day grace period.

How to Apply

Please review the Academic Training request form for instructions.

Economic Hardship

Off-campus employment may be possible because of serious, urgent and unforeseen economic circumstances arising since acquiring exchange visitor status. Student must be in good academic standing, continue to engage in a full course of study while school in session.

How to Apply

Please speak with an International Student Advisor for more information.

J-1 Scholars and Professors

Scholars and professors are only permitted to work as described on their Form DS-2019. However, they may accept additional employment only as authorized by The Office of International Programs in accordance with the federal regulations.

Possible employment options:

       1. Changing or adding sites of activity (options are very limited)

       2. Occasional Lectures and Short-term Consultations

How to Apply

Please schedule an appointment with an International Student Advisor to discuss any opportunities before accepting any offers. Prior written authorization is required for additional employment.

Office of International Programs
203 Union East Bldg * (915) 747-5664 * oip@utep.edu * Hours: Monday-Tuesday 8-6 Wednesday-Friday 8-5
Monday-Friday 8-5 when classes are not in session.