International Student and Scholar Services

J-1 Academic Training/Off-Campus Employment

J-1 Academic Training (AT) is defined as paid employment and/or unpaid internships that are designed to complement a J-1 student's program of study. A J-1 student may be authorized to participate in AT programs while enrolled in school and/or immediately following completion of the program of study. Please note: prior to beginning any AT, a student must obtain written approval from both the academic advisor and the Responsible Officer of his/her J-1 program.

A student may be authorized to engage in AT if the following conditions are met:

• The student is primarily in the United States to study rather than to engage in AT;

• The employment is directly related to the major field of study, as listed on the Form DS-2019;

• The student is in good academic standing;

• The student has received advance written approval from the Responsible Officer for the specific position; and

• Post-completion AT must begin within 30 days of completion of studies.

Time Limitations
AT for most degree-seeking J-1 students may not exceed 18 months. If the program of study is shorter than 18 months, the AT may not exceed the program length. For example, a student who completes an MS degree in 12 months would be eligible for no more than 12 months of AT.

Doctoral students may receive up to 36 months of AT if they are engaged in postdoctoral research under the supervision of an academic or research institution.

Applying for Academic Training
Please note that written requests for AT must be received prior to the requested start date of employment.  If you are graduating and plan to leave the United States for a short trip abroad, you must apply for AT before you leave. You will not be eligible for AT once you return and you may not return in J-1 status unless you have been approved for AT, have secured a job, and have a valid J-1 visa stamp in the passport.

Extending the DS-2019 Form for Academic Training
In order to be granted an extension of status for post-completion AT, students must apply for AT before the program end date on the DS-2019 Form.  Please allow OIP ten days to complete the program extension.  The period of post-completion AT must begin within 30 days following completion of the program of study. 

Should you move while on AT, you must notify OIP of a change of address within 10 days so that we may update your address in SEVIS, as required by law. To change your address, go to the OIP Online Address Update Form. 

Travel Outside the United States while on Academic Training
If you are traveling outside the United States during post-completion AT, you must carry your employment authorization letter, the DS-2019 Form signed for re-entry within the last 6 months, a valid J-1 visa, a valid passport and a letter from your employer stating that you are returning to the United States to resume employment.

Should you leave the United States while on AT and need a new J-1 visa in order to return to the United States, please speak with your IS Advisor about the risks inherent in J-1 visa renewals during the AT period.  Consular Officers may reject J-1 visa renewal applications during post-completion AT because working in the United States may be seen by the Consular Officer as a step towards permanent residency. The law prohibits issuing a J-1 visa to anyone who demonstrates immigrant intent.

J-1 Employment Due To Economic Necessity
With written authorization from the Responsible Officer of the J-1 program, J-1 students may engage in off-campus employment due to economic necessity. For information on obtaining employment authorization due to economic necessity, please consult directly with your IS Advisor.