Office of International Programs Homepage

Calendar of Events

For International Students and Scholars:
 • For New Students
 • For New Scholars
 • For Current Students and Scholars

Study Abroad:
 • General information
 • Study-Abroad Guide (51-page PDF)
 • Approved Programs
 • Summer Programs
 • Nairobi Exchange Program
 • BMC Study-Abroad Application Form (80K Word document)

You should always consult with the Office of International Programs (OIP) before beginning any employment. Please note that it is your responsibility to comply with all immigration regulations which apply to students in J-1 status, including employment regulations. Working without the proper authorization is a serious violation of your status; it renders you illegally present in the United States . Any illegal employment—even for one day, even if you did not know it was illegal—poses a grave threat to your ability to remain in or return to the U.S. Make sure that you have the necessary employment authorization before you begin work.

Eligibility Requirements

Different requirements exist for each type of employment, but there are basic requirements which must be met for any employment for students in J-1 status:

•  You must be enrolled for a full course of study (or have recently completed study, for academic training).

•  You must obtain written approval from the responsible officer in advance.

Bryn Mawr College 's J-1 program (P-1-0278) is administered by OIP. If you are under the visa supervision of another exchange visitor program (e.g., IIE, AMIDEAST, or ACTR) you should contact your program sponsor for instructions on how to proceed.

Once employment is authorized you must maintain eligibility or you may lose your right to continue employment, even if it was authorized in writing.

Definition of “Employment”

“Employment” is any type of work performed or services provided in exchange for money, tuition, fees, books, supplies, room, food or any other benefit. If you receive no pay or other benefit for the work performed, this activity is not defined as employment, but is considered to be volunteer work.

Categories of J-1 Student Employment

•  On-Campus Employment

Bryn Mawr students in valid J-1 status are permitted to work on campus for a total of 17.5 hours per week when school is in session and 35 hours during the annual vacation * .

Type 1: Employment by BMC.

Any work performed through the College's campus employment program, whether work in the dining rooms, the library, offices, or labs, is always acceptable. Work required by a fellowship or assistantship is also acceptable.

Type 2: Other Employment on Bryn Mawr College 's Premises.

This includes work performed on campus for an outside contractor or firm if this work provides direct services to students.

•  Off-Campus Employment

To be eligible for off-campus employment, you must have been in J-1 status for one academic year. For a student who has changed to J-1 status, after registered as a full-time student in another visa status which permits a student to study (not including B1/B2) , the time in other status will count toward the nine-month requirement.

Type 1: Off-Campus Work Based on Financial Need.

Type 2: Academic Training.

You are eligible to participate in academic training (AT) that is directly related to your major field of study. It may, in certain circumstances, be full or part time and may take place anywhere in the U.S. You may apply to use AT during your vacation periods, during the academic year, or when you complete your studies. AT requires authorization from the OIP before you can start to work.

Social Security Numbers and Taxes

If you plan to work in the U.S. (including on-campus) you must have a Social Security Number. Please visit OIP for instructions on how to apply for a Social Security Number. The Social Security Administration will process your application and a number will be sent to you in about two weeks.

In general, students in J-1 status who have been in the U.S. for less than five years are exempt from social security (also known as FICA) and Medicare taxes. You should be sure to bring this to the attention of your employer because many employers are not familiar with this provision of the tax laws. If you need more information about the J-1 social security and Medicare tax exemption, please contact OIP. You are subject to all other taxes that may apply: federal, state and local.

* Although the U.S. Department of State regulations permit on-campus employment up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during the annual vacation, Bryn Mawr College procedures limit on-campus employment to 17.5 hours per week while school is in session and 35 hours per week during the annual vacation.