INFORMATION FOR ACADEMIC TRAINING for J-1 STUDENTS
ELIGIBILITY:
Academic Training may be taken during or after a course of study. It allows part-time work while classes are in session and full-time during vacation periods. In certain circumstances, the student may interrupt study to work full-time, for example while the student is writing a thesis.
J-1 students in non-degree programs are eligible. The following conditions must be met:
- * 1. The primary purpose of the student’s stay in the United States must be study rather than Academic Training.
2. The student must be in good academic standing at the school named on the Form IAP-66. 3. The proposed employment must be directly related to the major field of study
4. Throughout the Academic Training, the student must maintain permission to stay in the United States, and apply for extensions as necessary.
5. The student must maintain health insurance coverage for him/herself and any J-2 dependents throughout the Academic Training.
Limitations:
- 1. The employment may be authorized for the length of time necessary to complete the goals and objectives of the training, provided that the amount of time is approved by BOTH the academic dean or advisor AND the J-1 Responsible Officer. It may not exceed the period of the full course of study or 18 months, whichever is shorter. If the student receives a Ph.D., the post-doctoral training may last as long as 36 months. Additional Academic Training, beyond the 18- or 36-month limit, is allowed only if it is required for the degree.
2. Part-time employment for Academic Training counts against the 18- or 36-month limit the same as full-time employment.
3. Earning more than one degree does not increase the student’s eligibility for Academic Training.
After Completion of the student’s program of study:
- 1. Academic Training approved after completion of the program must be reduced by any prior periods of academic training.
2. Academic Training following completion of the program of study mus involve paid employment.
3. The student must obtain a written offer of appropriate employment and present a copy to the J-1 Responsible Officer no later than 30 days after the end of the program, or will lose eligibility for Academic Training after completion.
4. If the student plans to leave the United States after completion of the program and reenters the country for J-1 Academic training, the employment authorization must be obtained to insure reentrance before departure. Consult your J-1 Responsible Officer for advice.
APPLICATION STEPS:
- Submit a request for Academic Training permission to the Office of International Students & Scholars, consisting of the following documents:
1. Request for Academic Training Authorization (this is a fillable PDF document)
2. An offer letter from your prospective employer that includes:
- a) your job title
b) a brief description of the “Goals and Objectives” of the “Training program” (employment)
c) the dates and location of the employment
d) the number of hours per week
e) the name and address of the “training supervisor.”3. A letter from your academic advisor or dean, on Department letterhead, stating:
a) the goals and objectives of the specific training program
b) A description of the training program, including its location, the name and address of the training supervisor, number of hours per week, and dates of the training
c) how the training relates to the student's major field of study
d) why it is an integral or critical part of the academic program of the exchange visitor student