Can foreign exchange students work in high school?

I'm hosting a foreign exchange student, and they're interested in getting a part-time job while they're here. Is this allowed, and are there any special considerations or legalities we need to be aware of?

Foremost, it's excellent your foreign exchange student is eager to engage more deeply with the culture and gain more of a typical American high school experience. However, the employment regulations of foreign exchange students can be quite tricky.

Exchange students come to the U.S on a J-1 visa, designed explicitly for educational and cultural exchange purposes, not for employment. The Department of State regulates this type of visa, and work is generally not permitted under it. They do allow students to accept occasional work, such as babysitting or yard work, but there can be restrictions for traditional part-time jobs.

Moreover, the visa holder's primary purpose should always be the completion of their study program. Any kind of employment shouldn't interfere with their academic pursuits or their intended cultural exchange.

It would be best to consult with the exchange program your student is participating in or an immigration expert. The exchange program that facilitated the student's visa should be more than capable of providing specific rules and guidelines about their participant's allowable activities. By being aware of these regulations, your student can avoid unwittingly violating the terms of their visa, which could lead to severe consequences, including deportation and barring from future U.S visas.

And lastly, remember to consider if juggling school, possibly extracurriculars, cultural immersion, and a job might be too overwhelming. It's crucial to balance these experiences to ensure the most positive and enriching experience for your student.