J-1 Postdocs: J-1 postdocs may only be employed in a position on the Johns Hopkins campus for which their DS-2019 was issued.  Any potential change in employment must be approved by OIS prior to the commencement of the new employment and, in many cases, a new DS-2019 must be obtained.

J-1 postdocs may receive permission to receive payment for an occasional lecture at another educational institution.  This permission must be obtained from OIS and must be received prior the lecture; we cannot backdate an approval.  Advisors in OIS can assist with this process.

F-1 Postdocs: F-1 postdocs who are on an initial period of OPT may be employed in any position which relates to the degree for which OPT was recommended.  Postdoctoral Fellows who are employed under the terms of a STEM extension may only work for employers who participate in the government’s E-Verify system.

Maximum Lengths of Employment

Postdoctoral Fellows in J-1 status may hold that status, and thus employment, for a maximum of 5 years.  OPT for F-1 status is limited to one year for holders of non-STEM degrees.  If certain requirements are met, OPT for those with STEM degrees may be extended for an additional 17 months.