Employment
The J-1 is a cultural and intellectual exchange visa, not an employment visa. Therefore, you may only work within the parameters of the activities described on your UF invitation letter.
If you engage in unauthorized employment, you will fall out of legal status, and this could have long-term immigration consequences.
Employment Guidelines
As a J-1 exchange visitor, you are permitted to work within the parameters of the activities described on your UF invitation letter. This means that you are only permitted to work with your specific UF department. Any change to your program activities, host department, supervisor, funding, or site of activity must be requested in advance by your department.
In very limited cases, EVS can approve participation in work or work-like activities that are not listed on your invitation letter. In order to be approved, outside activities must be very short-term, enhance your program, and cannot hinder your program activities. All outside activities are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Conference Participation
You are welcome to attend conferences during your J program. If you will not be paid or receive travel reimbursement for your participation, then you do not need EVS approval.
If you will receive an honorarium, travel reimbursement, or other payment for your participation in a conference in the US, then you must obtain prior approval from EVS before participating. To request this approval, email your EVS advisor with the details of the event.
If the conference is not in the US, then you do not need prior approval from EVS, even if you will receive payment. However, ensure your travel documents are in order.
Other Outside Activities
In very limited cases, EVS can approve participation in work or work-like activities that are not listed in your invitation letter. In order to be approved, outside activities must be very short-term, enhance your program, and cannot hinder your program activities.
|
Scenario |
Permissibility |
|---|---|
|
Giving a seminar at another university |
Likely permitted, with prior EVS approval |
|
Conducting research at another US institution |
May be permitted with prior EVS approval, depending on duration |
|
Short-term consulting |
May be permitted with prior EVS approval, depending on duration |
|
Long-term consulting |
Likely not permitted |
|
Teaching a semester-long class at another US institution |
Never permitted |
All outside activities are considered on a case-by-case basis. To request approval for an outside activity, email your EVS advisor.
Volunteering
Volunteering is often considered employment for immigration purposes. J-1 exchange visitors and their J-2 dependents may engage in certain forms of volunteering while in the US but must comply with all visa regulations.
When considering volunteering, ask these questions first:
- Are the services performed for civic, charitable, or humanitarian purposes?
- Are the services entirely voluntary, with no direct or indirect pressure by the employer, with no promise of advancement and no penalty for not volunteering?
- Does the proposed service impair the employment opportunities of others by performing work that would otherwise be performed by paid employees?
- Is there any expectation of compensation either now or in the future for these services? (Gift card, wages, cash, etc.)
- Are fundraising activities involved, such as selling art or food?
- Are the activities within your professional expertise?
You should be able to answer “yes” to questions 1 and 2, and “no” to questions 3-6. Otherwise, it is likely that the proposed volunteer activity is actually unpaid employment and could subject both you and the employer to heavy penalties.
You must consult your EVS advisor before you begin any volunteering that may fall within your professional expertise, even for charitable purposes. If you could list an activity on your resume, or if you are unsure if something qualifies as volunteering, consult EVS.