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Office of International Education
Academic Training

Academic Training (AT) is employment, training, or experience related to a student's major field of study as indicated on their DS-2019. 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, Academic Training authorization is granted by the Office of International Education; for sponsored students (e.g., Fulbright), Academic Training is authorized by your J-1 Program Sponsor.

To be eligible for 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 Academic Training Eligibility

Earning more than one degree does not increase your eligibility for Academic Training.

Undergraduate and Pre-Doctoral Training (Pre and Post-Completion)

  • Academic Training cannot exceed 18  months or the period of the full course of study (whichever is less) inclusive of any prior 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 academic training is counted as full time, even if employment is on a part-time basis.
  • Academic Training before completion of studies will be deducted from the total 18 or 36 months of Academic Training eligibility.

Post-Doctoral Training

  • 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 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 academic training authorization period.

Part-Time Academic Training Is Deducted at the Full-Time Rate

All 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 Academic Training, you must submit the following to the Office of International Education: