- You may work and earn compensation only in the capacity described on your Form DS-2019 during your J-1 program.
- Incidental employment: Research Scholars and Professors may participate in occasional lectures and short-term consultations outside campus that are incidental to the primary program activities. Incidental employment must also be directly related to the objectives of your program and must not delay the program completion date. If you receive payment for these lectures/consultations, you must act as an independent contractor, not an employee.
- If you engage in unauthorized employment, you fall out of legal status, and you could be subject to deportation. This could have long-term immigration consequences.
- If you have any questions about your eligibility to engage in an activity or receive compensation that is not specifically noted on the Form DS-2019, it is your responsibility to contact an OIS advisor before the decision is made. Even if an activity is unpaid, this does not necessarily mean that it is considered volunteering, and may require authorization. The UT Health San Antonio does not allow individuals to volunteer in order to perform duties which usually would be performed by a paid employee. It is allowable to participate in traditional volunteer opportunities on campus, such as those available at the Cancer Therapy & Research Center for patient guides, special event volunteers, Wellness Center volunteers, etc.
- Please remember that patient contact by physicians on the University’s J-1 program is strictly forbidden.
