J-1 Academic Training

J-1 Academic Training is a type of authorization for training, work or another off-campus academic experience that's related to a J-1 student’s major field of study. The training, work or experience may be paid or unpaid.

Who is eligible for Academic Training?

To be eligible for Academic Training you must provide evidence 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.

When can I participate in Academic Training?

You can participate in Academic Training:

During the semester
During winter break or summer vacation
After completion of all required coursework for the degree while working on thesis, dissertation or equivalent. 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.
Starting no later than 30 days after the completion of studies
Starting September 15, 2026: If the J-1 academic training will extend the DS-2019 program end date, you will also need to extend your Admit Until Date (AUD). Contact ISSS for more information.

Allowable Duration for 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 academic program = up to 9 months of academic training eligibility). Students in STEM fields may be eligible for additional time; please contact ISSS for case by case assistance.

PhD students are eligible for up to 18 months, plus an additional 18 months following degree conferral, for a total of 36 months. If the PhD student does not use any part of the 18 month of pre-completion academic training, they may use the remainder in the post-completion period for up to 36 months total of academic training. PhD students may only apply for 18 months of Academic Training at a time.

Steps to Request J-1 Academic Training

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.
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.
Submit the J-1 Academic Training EForm to ISSS
- EForms can be submitted through the AccessISSS web portal. 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.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this web site/form is provided as a service to international students, faculty and staff at the University at Albany. It does not constitute legal advice. We try to provide useful information, but we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this web site or any associated site or form.

Neither the University at Albany nor ISSS is responsible for any errors or omissions contained in this website, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. Nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of competent legal counsel; students may wish to consult an immigration attorney on the specifics of their case as needed.