J1 Students

Degree-seeking students maintaining J-1 status, good academic standing, and a full course of study are eligible to work for Caltech on campus or at JPL for a maximum of 20 hours per week while classes are in session and more than 20 hours per week during Institute breaks and holidays. Graduate stipends, teaching or research assistantships, and fellowships are typical of this type of employment, but may also include services provided directly to students.

AT is employment authorization available to J-1 students when the training, internship or employment is directly related to the student's field of study. Prior to participating in AT, you must obtain authorization from your international student advisor. Students not sponsored by Caltech should contact their program sponsor (Fulbright, AMIDEAST, or others).

• Must have an employment offer directly related to student's field of study
• Duration of AT is determined by the student's degree level or the amount of time in J-1 status while enrolled full time in a course of study, whichever is less
  • Undergraduate students may qualify for up to 18 months
  • Master's students may qualify for up to 18 months
  • PhD students may qualify for up to 18 months on a pre-doctoral basis and up to 36 months on a post-doctoral basis, inclusive of all prior academic training done at that or other levels of study
• Employment must begin within 30 days of program completion
• May be paid or unpaid
• All AT is counted as full time
• Multiple employers may be permitted sequentially and concurrently as long as all are related to the student's course of study
• AT is cumulative and inclusive of any AT previously completed at any academic level
• Must maintain appropriate level of medical insurance for self and all J-2 dependents

AT Application Process

• Submit Academic Training Request Form to ISP at least 30 days prior to your program completion date
• Submit Exchange Program Visitor Program Health Insurance Declaration along with your AT application
• No fee required
• Authorized by ISP

Remote Work for Exchange Visitors
The U.S. Department of State has amended their previous guidance and allows for remote work up to 2 days per week starting July 1, 2023. This is a retraction of their previous guidance that restricted all remote work after July 1, 2023. Please note that your hybrid work schedule is still subject to the approval of your supervisor.

Students experiencing serious, urgent, and unforeseen economic circumstances during their academic program may qualify to work off campus. Consult with your international advisor to discuss your situation and to seek approval prior to beginning any employment.