Generally, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) regulations require J-1 holders to work for their program sponsors. In some situations, however, J-1 holders may work for non-sponsor employers provided they meet eligibility requirements, which vary depending on the applicable category.
J-1 research scholars are eligible to work for a non-sponsor employer in a closely related research program for a maximum duration of six months provided that the program has been approved (written authorization required) by the original sponsor. This allows J-1 scholars to lecture and consult at institutions not listed on their IAP-66.
An alternative available for J-1 students is the Practical Training Program. J-1 college students or graduate students (baccalaureate or master’s) and doctoral students are eligible to receive relevant practical training upon graduation, up to eighteen (18) months and up to thirty-six (36) months, respectively. Practical Training Program participants do not need to obtain Department of State or USCIS approval. Rather, a completed Practical Training Program application includes an approval letter from a designated exchange program officer, along with the J-1 Visa holder's passport, completed Forms IAP-66 and I-94.
For more information about J-1 visa, please refer to the following links:
Description
Work for Non-Sponsor Employer
Duration
Extension
Benefits
Limitations
Procedure to Get a J-1 Visa
J-1 Waiver
No Objection Waiver
Independent Government Agency Waiver
Independent Government Agency Waiver for Physicians
IGA Listing
Exceptional Hardship Waiver
Fear of Persecution Waiver
State Health Agency Waiver (For Physicians only)
State Health Agency Listing
Green Card
Services that We Provide
Frequently Asked Questions about J-1/J-2 Visa
Frequently Asked Questions about J-1 two-year rule
Frequently Asked Questions about J-1 Waiver
Attorney's Fees
Articles & News on J-1
| 
