J-1 Academic Training

J-1 Academic Training

J-1 Academic Training is work, training or experience related to a J-1 Student’s major field of study. The work, training or experience may be paid or unpaid.

Who is eligible for Academic Training?

To be eligible for Academic Training, you must document that you:

•  Are currently in valid J-1 student status
•  Are in good academic standing
•  Have been offered a job or experience that is directly related to your major field of study.

How long is Academic Training?

Bachelor’s and master’s level students are eligible for up to 18 months of Academic Training or the length of their program, whichever is shorter (ex: 9 month program = 9 months of academic training eligibility).

PhD students are eligible for 18 months, plus an additional 18 months following degree conferral, for a total of 36 months. If the PhD student does not use the 18 months pre-completion they may use all 36 months post completion. PhD students may only apply for 18 months of Academic Training at a time.

When can I participate in Academic Training?

You can participate in Academic Training during any of the below listed situations as long asyou have a job offer and your Academic Training has been authorized by ISSS.

• During the semester
• During winter break or summer vacation
• After completion of all required course work for the degree, while working on one’s thesis, dissertation or equivalent
• Starting no later than 30 days after the completion of studies

How is part-time Academic Training counted?

Part-time Academic Training (20 hours per week or less) is counted the same as full-time Academic Training.

When should I apply for Academic Training?

If you are currently enrolled and are requesting academic training to occur during the course of your academic program then there is no specified time period during which applications for Academic Training must be made.

If you are applying for Academic Training to take place after completion of studies your request must be submitted and approved before your program completion date and the training position must commence within 30 days of the program completion date. The program completion date is the last date of your final semester in your program.

How is Academic Training authorized?

ISSS will review your application and authorize your Academic Training. (No additional authorization from the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services is required.) You will receive a DS-2019 with Academic Training authorization and a letter for your records. It takes at least five-7 business days (one week) to process your request.

How do I maintain my status while on Academic Training?

• Only work in a position directly related to your major field of study.
• Apply to extend your DS-2019 prior to the expiration date.
• Maintain adequate health insurance for yourself and your dependents and keep ISSS informed about your coverage.

Steps to Request J-1 Academic Training

1. Obtain an offer letter from your prospective academic training employer/supervisor containing the following information: job duties; proposed start and end date; hours per week. You can use this sample employer letter.
2. Obtain a recommendation from your academic advisor. Discuss with your academic advisor your plans to apply for Academic Training. Your academic advisor must support your request. When you submit your EForm (Step 3) your academic advisor will need to provide details of your academic training, including: employer name; hours per week; proposed start and end date; the goals and objectives of your training program; how the training program directly relates to your major/field of study; and how the proposed training experience is integral to your academic program.  Please share your offer letter with your advisor and let them know they will be asked to provide the above information if they support your request.
3. Submit the J-1 Academic Training EForm to ISSS
   • EForms can be submitted through the AccessISSS web portal or through the AccessISSS app from Sunapsis, available on the App store and Google Play (made by Indiana University). Watch this recording if you need help navigating on the web portal.
   • Select the "J-1 Academic Training" request from the EForm menu.
   • This EForm will ask you to upload supporting documents. If you need assistance, please review the file upload instructions.
   • All updates related to your EForm will be communicated over email. Please allow up to 5-7 business days for processing.