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Immigration: Employment for Students

Academic Training for J-1 Students

Academic Training (AT) Before OR After Graduation:

J-1 students may participate in off-campus training that is directly related to their major field of study. There are time limitations as to when AT may begin and how long it may last.

  • Bachelor’s/Master’s degree: Maximum of 18 months pre/post completion combined
  • Ph.D.: Maximum of 36 months pre/post completion combined (Initial period is equal to 18 months)

Once you have secured a job offer, you must collect the following letters:

  • Letter #1: Academic Advisor Letter
  • Letter #2: Full time Status Letter from Student Services/Graduate School (for pre-completion AT) or
  • Letter #3: Graduation Confirmation from Student Services/Graduate School (for post-completion AT)

Once you have both letters, meet with your I-Center advisor and bring the following documents:

  1. Letters described above
  2. Your Form DS-2019
  3. Your Form I-94 (small, white card in your passport)
  4. Your passport
  5. Proof of income that meets or exceeds the Estimate of Expenses found here.

Please note: If you are in the U.S. with family, please be sure to bring Items #2,3,4 listed above, for all family members.

Letter #1: Academic Advisor Letter

  • The goals and objectives of your academic training work experience
  • Description of the work experience, including location, name and address of your direct supervisor, number of hours per week, the start and end dates of the position 
  • How the training relates to your major field of study
  • Why this training is an integral part of the academic program

Deadline for post-completion AT:

Please allow 2 weeks for the I-Center to process your AT application.

Apply for Academic Training no later than 30 days after graduation. If you fail to do so, you will not be eligible for Academic Training and are required to either leave the U.S. or begin a new academic program.

Please also note: If your Form DS-2019 was issued by another sponsor (for example, I.I.E., Amideast etc.) then you will need to apply to your program sponsor for Academic Training permission, not to the International Center.