/Office of Global Affairs
Visa and Immigration Services

Academic Training (AT) for J-1 Students

Academic Training (AT) allows you to gain off-campus work experience that is directly related to your field of study. This option is available to J-1 students, including both degree-seeking and non-degree students.

You may participate in AT:

  • During your program (pre-completion), or
  • After you complete your program (post-completion)

You must receive written authorization from your program’s Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) before you begin any work.

What you can do on Academic Training?

Academic Training may include:

  • Paid or unpaid work
  • More than one position at the same time

All Academic Training is counted as full-time, even if you work only a few hours per day.

Remote Work Limits

If you are on Academic Training:

  • You may work remotely no more than 1–2 days per week
  • You must work in person at your training site on all other days

Post-Completion Academic Training

If you apply after completing your program:

  • You must begin work within 30 days of your program end date
  • You remain in active J-1 status

You must:

  • Maintain required health insurance
  • Report any change of address
  • Follow all J-1 regulations

How long you can participate?

  • You may receive up to 18 months of Academic Training
  • Your AT cannot be longer than your academic program
Examples
  • If your program is 12 months, you may receive up to 12 months of AT
  • Master’s students may receive up to 18 months
  • Ph.D. students may qualify for up to 36 months total (18 months plus an additional 18 months after completion)
Important notes
  • There is no difference between part-time and full-time. Each month counts the same.
  • Your total AT time is cumulative across all J-1 programs.

How to Apply

Submit your request at least 5–7 business days before your start date.

You cannot begin working until you receive authorization from Visa and Immigration Services (VIS).

Your employer must provide a signed offer letter on official letterhead. The letter must include:

  • Start and end dates
  • Number of hours per week
  • Pay details (if applicable)
  • Work location (full address)
  • Supervisor’s name and contact information
  • Description of your duties

You must have health insurance that meets J-1 requirements for your entire Academic Training period.

Your insurance must include:

  • At least $100,000 in medical coverage per accident or illness
  • $25,000 for repatriation of remains
  • $50,000 for medical evacuation
  • A deductible of no more than $500

If your employer does not provide this coverage, you must purchase it yourself.

If you do not maintain required insurance, your J-1 program may be terminated.

Complete the Academic Training request in accessVIS and upload:

  • Your signed offer letter
  • Proof of health insurance

Make sure all documents are complete and accurate.

VIS will review your request. If your request is approved:

  • You will receive a work authorization letter
  • You may receive an updated Form DS-2019

Processing time is typically 5–7 business days.

If your position is paid, you must apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) after you receive authorization.

You must have an SSN before you can be paid.

Fees

If you apply for Post-Completion Academic Training, a $100 International Student Fee will be charged to your SOLAR account. This SUNY-approved fee supports the processing of your request.

You must pay this fee even if you later decide not to use your Academic Training authorization.

If you do not pay the fee, your account may be referred to collections.

Proof of Authorization

If your request is approved:

  • Your Academic Training details will be recorded in SEVIS
  • You will receive an authorization letter
  • You may receive an updated DS-2019

You must keep these documents for your records.

Changes to your Academic Training

You must take action in the following situations:

If you end your training early
You must notify your International Student Advisor immediately.

If you want to extend your training
You must request an extension before your current authorization ends.

If you want to change employers
You must submit a new Academic Training request.

Need Help?

If you have questions or need clarification, contact vis@stonybrook.edu