Off-Campus Work Authorization for Urgent & Unforeseen Economic Circumstances

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J-1 students may be eligible for off-campus employment if they are experiencing severe economic hardship caused by unforeseen circumstances which have arisen since acquiring exchange visitor status.

In order to be eligible for off-campus work authorization due to urgent and unforeseen economic circumstances, you must be able to demonstrate that you have a serious, urgent and unforeseen financial need.

Note: You must be in good academic standing, and you must continue to enroll in a full course of study during the academic year.

If you apply for and are granted this type of authorization, you will be eligible to work up to 20 hours per week (inclusive of all employment held on- and off-campus) during the academic year, and full time during university vacation periods.

This authorization must be approved in writing by the Office of International Services in advance of any employment that you plan to begin.

You may not begin working without authorization.

To apply for this authorization, please make an appointment to see a J-1 student advisor at the OIS by calling 855-9086.

Attention!  If your DS-2019 is not issued through IU, you must discuss with your program sponsor to find out if you can apply for off-campus work!