J-1 ACADEMY TRAINING

What is it? –

Academic Training is an opportunity for J-1 students to participate in temporary professional training activities (paid or unpaid) related to their academic program. It is available during or after the completion of the period of study. 


Eligibility –

  1. You must be primarily in the US to study rather than to engage in Academic Training. 
  2. The academic training must be directly related to your major field of study as listed on your DS-2019. 
  3. You must be in good academic standing (at least 2.0 cumulative ESU GPA for undergraduates and 3.0 for graduates). 
  4. You must receive written approval for Academic Training in advance from the OIE. 


Time Limits –

You can be authorized to participate in Academic Training for the length of time necessary to complete the goals and objectives of the training, provided that: 

  • Undergraduate or graduate training does not exceed 18 months (including any prior academic training in the U.S.). 
  • You cannot receive Academic Training for a period longer than you have spent pursing a full course of study in the U.S.). 
  • Non-degree seeking students cannot stay in the US more than a total of 24 months (including all study and academic training). 


When to Apply? –

  • You can request it at any time during the academic program or within 30 days after the completion of studies. 
  • The employment must be authorized no later than 30 days after the date studies are completed; but the training does not need to begin within 30 days. For example, you may complete the semester on May 15, but have a job that does not start until July 1. The authorization needs to be obtained by June 15. 
  • The clock starts counting the maximum time limitation of 18 months either on the day employment begins or on the 30th day after the completion of studies, whichever begins first. In the example above, if you have 18 months of Academic Training, the 18-months clock starts running on June 15, even though you haven’t worked the full 18 months. 


How to Apply?  –

  1. Consult your J-1 program sponsor (on line #2 of your DS-2019). Your sponsor must authorize the training. 
  2. If ESU is your sponsor: 
  3. First, schedule a meeting with OIE 
  4. Then, log into emporia-isss.terradotta.com. Select Start New Request and find Add Academic Training. Start Request and complete the required fields. 
  5. Receive response from OIE. 


Post-Completion Academic Training –

If you are participating in Academic Training after your semester ends, read the following information: 


Insurance –

  • You must have the required level of health insurance for yourself and your J-2 dependents. 
  • Minimum requirements: 
  • Medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness 
  • Repatriation at least $7,500 
  • Medical evacuation at least $10,000 
  • Deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness 


Reporting Requirements –

  • Notify your J-1 Visa sponsor by email within ten days after any change of your name or address. 
  • The completion date on your DS-2019 is adjusted to match the information provided by your academic advisor or dean on their Academic Training Recommendation. 
  • If you have not already been authorized for your entire period of Academic Training eligibility and wish to extend the period of your employment to take advantage of any remaining balance, you must apply for a program of extension prior to the current completion date. You will be in violation of your status if you fail to do so. 


Employment –

  • Do not work before receiving your new DS-2019 with Academic Training authorization, before the authorization start date, or after the authorization expires. 
  • Do not promise an employer you can start on a specific date or sign an employment contract with a specific start date unless you already have your new DS-2019 with Academic Training authorization. 
  • Keep the original DS-2019 with the Academic Training authorization. Your employer should make a copy if they need one. 
  • If you wish to change employers, you must first receive Academic Training authorization for the new employer from your J-1 program sponsor. This process will involve obtaining a new recommendation from your academic advisor or dean. Do NOT begin working for a different employer before you receive the new authorization. Working without proper authorization is a violation of your J-1 status. 


Travel –

  • Get a travel signature from your J-1 visa sponsor prior to traveling outside of the U.S. during Academic Training. 
  • If you are leaving the country and you do not have a valid J-1 visa, you will need to apply for a new one while abroad if you plan to return while still on Academic Training. 
  • It may be more difficult to obtain a J-1 student visa while on Academic Training since your degree is already completed and you are only returning to work. 
  • In addition, all new visas require a security check that could take months. Carefully consider these risks before traveling out of the country. 
  • To reenter the U.S. while on Academic Training you will need to have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of reentry, a valid J-1 visa, and a valid DS-2019 showing your Academic Training authorization with a current program sponsor travel signature. The basis for re-entry to the U.S. while on Academic Training is for the purpose of resuming employment, so you should also carry a letter from your employer or a copy of your job contract to verify employment. 
  • Special Registration travel requirements, if you are subject, still apply while on Academic Training. 



Completion –

  • Notify OIE and your program sponsor (if not ESU sponsored) in writing if you are terminating Academic Training and leaving the country more than 30 days prior to the expiration date on your DS-2019. 
  • You are allowed 30 days following the expiration of the Academic Training to remain in the U.S. for the purpose of preparing to leave the country. 
  • Depending upon the conditions of your particular program and whether or not you are subject to the 2-year home country residency requirement, you might also be able to apply for a change of status or to enter a new academic program during this period, but you may not continue to work. 
  • An OIE advisor can provide you with guidance on your possible options.