Office of International Education
J1 Academic Training
J1 Academic Training is employment, training, or experience related to a student's major field of study as indicated on their DS-2019. J1 Academic Training may involve sequential or simultaneous activities, either paid or unpaid, with several employers, occurring before or after degree completion, provided that all eligibility requirements are met and approval procedures are followed for each employer and activity, and the maximum eligibility time limits are not exceeded.
For students whose DS-2019's were issued by ESF, J1 Academic Training authorization is granted by the Office of International Education; for sponsored students (e.g., Fulbright), J1 Academic Training is authorized by your J-1 Program Sponsor.
To be eligible for J1 Academic Training, you must:
- be in good academic standing;
- obtain a letter of recommendation from your academic department (see " Advisor Recommendation Letter Templates");
- have a job offer for a position directly related to your J-1 program of study as indicated on your DS-2019 that will begin no later than 30 days after your program completion; and
- maintain health insurance coverage that meets the Department of State's minimum requirements for yourself and any dependents staying with you in the U.S.
Maximum Period of J1 Academic Training Eligibility
Earning more than one degree does not increase your eligibility for J1 Academic Training.
Undergraduate and Pre-Doctoral Training (Pre and Post-Completion)
- J1 Academic Training cannot exceed 18 months or the period of the full course of
study (whichever is less) inclusive of any prior J1 Academic Training in the U.S.
at the current or previous degree level.
- Exception: if the training is mandatory and required for completion of the degree program.
- Students may work part-time while school is in session and full-time during the summer and winter breaks; All J1 Academic Training is counted as full time, even if employment is on a part-time basis.
- J1 Academic Training before completion of studies will be deducted from the total 18 or 36 months of J1 Academic Training eligibility.
Post-Doctoral Training
- J1 Academic Training may not exceed the amount of time it took for you to complete your full course of study, or 18 months, whichever is shorter. If you receive a Ph.D., however, your post-doctoral training may last as long as 36 months (inclusive of any prior J-1 J1 Academic Training in the U.S.), provided you have a postdoctoral position in an academic institution.
- A new DS-2019 must be issued for each 18 month J1 Academic Training authorization period.
Part-Time J1 Academic Training Is Deducted at the Full-Time Rate
All J1 Academic Training is counted as full time, even if employment is on a part-time basis.
To apply for initial authorization or renewal of your J1 Academic Training, you must submit the following to the Office of International Education:
- Academic Advisor Recommendation Form
- Job offer letter from employer that includes salary information
- J1 Academic Training Request Form
- Proof of funding equivalent to the cost of living for the DS-2019 extension/J1 Academic
Training period as calculated based on the J-1 Student Financial Worksheet
- Financial support can be in the form of salary/stipend/personal bank statement/sponsorship
- Proof of current and continuous health insurance that meets Department of State’s minimum requirements (for you and dependents)
- Copies of your: previous DS-2019s, passport, visa, and I-94 card