Can i change my J1 Visa Job without problems?

Question

I am currently in the United States for a 3 month period on a J1 Visa. My employer makes me work 72 hours a week and i am paid 1300 dollars a month. I arrived in the middle of june so i was paid about half of 1300. I want to quit my current job to look for another one so that i can reap the money i invested to come to the United States. Can i do that? i feel i'm being exploited by my current employer is there i way i can ask to be paid more for the hours i work a week.my contract said 6.75 dollars pay per hour and 10.25 dollars for overtime hours worked.It also promised free accommodation and meals.I however found out that i'm paying for accommodation and meals.Can i take legal action?

Answer 1

Aw shoot. They're really exploited you.

Based of the law is you can't change the Job because of they are your sponsor.

But in this special condition you must take legal action!

Be brave man!

Visit our forum http://www.seasonalworker.us

Answer 2

Foreign nationals participating in exchange visitor programs may only engage in activities authorized for their program. You are bound to the employment described in the program. A J-1 classification is not a catch-all category that permits employment in any field of endeavor in which the J-1 has an interest.

It sounds like you are enrolled in a short summer work program. Designated sponsors of summer and/or work travel exchange programs are obligated to pre-arrange employment. If you find the employment unsatisfactory, you are free to terminate the employment, but you are not free to work somewhere else.

An exchange visitor who engages in unauthorized employment shall be deemed to be in violation of his or her program status and is subject to termination as a participant of an exchange visitor program.

You can change jobs if you are on a 4 month J-1 work visa but first you must contact your sponsor--the org. that arranged for your J-1 work/travel visa and let them know that you want to change jobs. They will advise you if the new employment can be a part of the program that you're in.