Your J-1 status permits you to work on campus at the university that issued your DS-2019 with prior authorization in SEVIS while you are enrolled in a full course of study. Your Tulane DS-2019 and letter of the work being authorized in SEVIS is your proof of work eligibility for on-campus employment at Tulane University only. You must maintain J-1 status to be eligible for this employment benefit; maintaining status means that you are a full-time registered student (except for approved exceptions) in good academic standing with a DS-2019.
Finding a Campus Job
Set up an account at tulane.joinhandshake.com/login This database advertises on-campus jobs. You can find tips about setting up your Handshake account here. On-campus jobs are also advertised on flyers posted around campus, in elevators, office bulletin boards, etc. Some of the biggest on-campus employers are the Reily Center, the LBC, the Athletics Department and the Howard Tilton Memorial Library. Human Resources and OISS has compiled a list of departments across campus that tend to hire more international students as well.
Definition of On-Campus Employment
- Employment for Tulane University. Examples: teaching assistant, research assistant, library student worker, etc.
- Work performed at a campus location for a commercial firm providing direct services to students (P.J.’s.).
- Employment at an off-campus location which is educationally affiliated with Tulane University and either associated with your established curriculum or related to contractually funded projects at the graduate level. Please consult OISS for guidance.
Time Limits
- Part-time (20 hours per week or less) during regular full-time semesters (academic semester dates are set by the TULANE academic calendar and include finals week). The 20-hour limit includes any Academic Training hours as well.
- Full-time (more than 20 hours per week) during university official breaks (such as winter, summer, and spring breaks) is permitted only after your on-campus work authorization has been adjusted by the OISS.
- Graduate students: if you have a teaching or research assistantship, this reaches the 20-hour-per-week limit to on-campus employment. If you have the opportunity for additional employment on campus, you must contact Dessa Crum about additional work authorization.
- A change in your work hours must be reported and updated in SEVIS. Contact Dessa Crum to confirm your schedule change before changing your work hours.
Expiration of On-Campus Employment Eligibility
Your on-campus employment eligibility is valid until:
- Your DS-2019 program end date, so long as you are maintaining your J-1 status.
- You transfer to another university before your program end date; your work authorization expires on the day of your SEVIS record release date.
Request Work Authorization from OISS
Your on-campus work will usually be authorized in SEVIS by OISS staff when you request a Social Security letter. If you already have a Social Security number, you must submit your employment letter (view sample letter) to OISS at oiss@tulane.edu to request approval. You will be given written confirmation of this approval.
Work Study
Some campus jobs are designated as "work study" positions. This job description might include a statement such as: "position only open to Tulane University students who qualify for (federal) work study awards." Work study awards are part of federal financial aid packages and are only available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. As a J-1 exchange visitor, you are not eligible for a work study position and should not apply.
Your Responsibility: Know the Rules!
It is your responsibility to research and understand your on-campus work eligibility. Staff outside of OISS do not know the immigration regulations. It is possible that you will be offered employment that you are not eligible to accept or for your employment eligibility to expire without your payroll coordinator notifying you. Be sure to review all information provided by OISS staff and consult OISS if you have concerns or questions.
Spring 2025 On Campus Employment Info Session Recording
Applying for a Social Security Number
