Academic Training (J-1 Students)

Academic Training for J-1 students is intended to provide practical work experience which complements the academic program. It must be an integral part of the student’s academic goals. Academic Training may be undertaken before or after completion of studies.

Students in J-1 status (other than non-degree students) may apply for Academic Training authorization from their Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) (generally, the person of your sponsoring program which issued and signed your DS-2019). The employment must be in the student’s field of study, must be recommended by their academic advisor, and must be authorized in writing by the RO or ARO of their Sponsoring Program before they begin the employment.

J-1 students are eligible for up to eighteen months of Academic Training (AT) throughout their J-1 status. However, the total training period may not exceed the amount of time spent in the full course of study. AT may be taken in one period after completion of their program, or students may divide it by doing some in the summers, some part-time while they are still taking classes, and the remainder after graduation. If students use up all eighteen months after obtaining your bachelor’s degree, they will not have any left during or after a graduate program. An additional eighteen months may be possible for those in a “Post-doctoral” research position at a university.

Applications and information about Academic Training (AT) are available at International Student and Scholar Services. Students who want to apply for AT should submit the application materials to the RO or ARO of their J-1 program sponsor at least 2 weeks prior to the end of your program.