Read this First!
J-1 students always need to receive written authorization from their OIPS J-1 advisor before they begin any work while they are physically located in the United States.
Unauthorized employment is grounds for termination of your J-1 program and your SEVIS record. It has a negative impact on your US immigration record.
Important: J-1 students must request authorization for each on-campus position in advance through International Hub.
J-1 Student On-Campus Employment Eligibility
- J-1 Student On-Campus Employment Eligibility
J-1 students may work at any of George Mason’s three U.S. campuses:
- Fairfax
- Mason Square
- Science and Technology (SciTech)
Work limits:
- Up to 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters
- Full-time during official university breaks (summer, winter, and spring break) unless required summer enrollment by academic program or if summer is final term.
Employment may be:
- Paid by George Mason (for example, Mason Recreation, OIPS, or a Graduate Assistantship) or
- With an on-campus business that has a storefront on campus and serves Mason students (for example, the bookstore, bank, or food services)
Important: Knack Tutoring positions are not eligible for J-1 on-campus employment authorization.
- New Students: Employment authorization cannot begin before the start date on a DS-2019 form, the student has completed their J-1 International Student Check-In request and has an ACTIVE SEVIS record.
- Employment authorization ends on the earliest of these dates: end date on DS-2019 form, day of last final exam or final submission of dissertation.
Got a Job Offer?
- Review the on-campus employment requirements listed above.
- Submit your J-1 On-Campus Employment Certification (OCEC) Request through International Hub.
- Read the “International Employee Hiring Guidance.” Follow the required steps with:
- Office of International Programs and Services (OIPS)
- Social Security Administration (if you do not yet have a Social Security Number)
- International Tax Office
After your International Hub request is processed:
- You will receive an email confirmation when your employment is approved and updated in your SEVIS record.
- An OIPS employment authorization letter will be provided which you will need for your Social Security appointment and International Tax Appointment.
- If you have an assistantship, you will also receive an updated DS-2019 showing your revised funding in Box 5.