Academic Training for J-1 Students

• Overview

  Academic training for J-1 students is work, training or experience related to your field of education, and may be used during your program (pre-completion) or after graduation (post-completion).  As with ALL employment, written authorization from a Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO)  is required.

  This training may include a number of paid and unpaid opportunities, and may even include simultaneous activities. 

  ALL academic training is counted as full-time, even if it is only one hour per day.

  Post-completion academic training must begin no later than 30 days following the completion of studies, which is defined as your “end of program." During the post-completion academic training period you will continue to be in the SEVIS system and  are responsible for maintaining all aspects of your J-1 status, including the insurance requirement, reporting changes of address, etc.

  Due to updated Department of State guidance, J-1 Students engaging in Academic Training may only work remotely/through telework up to one to two days per week. The remainder of the work week must be in person at their site of activity.

• Academic Training Details

  
  Academic Training (AT) Details

  • J-1 students are granted up to 18 months of academic training to be used on a pre-completion and/or post-completion basis.

    Please note the following exceptions:

    • The length of your academic training may not exceed the length of your program's classroom time. For example, if your J-1 program is only 12 months, you cannot receive more than 12 months of Academic Training.
    • Students seeking or completing a master’s degree are eligible for 18 months of AT.
    • Ph.D. students may be eligible for a second 18 months of academic training, for a total of 36 months. The second 18 months can only be applied toward post-completion Academic Training, i.e., for qualified positions following completion of all requirements for the degree.
    • There is no distinction between "part-time" or "full-time" academic training. Every month that you are authorized is deducted as a month used, regardless of whether or not the position is part-time or full-time.

  Academic training time limits counted cumulatively across programs of study. The academic training time limitations at 22 CFR 62.23(f)(4) are "inclusive of any prior academic training in the United States." This means that a student who engages in academic training for 18 months at the undergraduate or master's level would have only 18 months left for academic training at the doctoral level's 36-month maximum eligibility.

  Likewise, a student who uses 18 months of academic training at the bachelor's degree level would not have any academic training time available after completing a master's degree in J-1 status.

  • Early termination
    If you resign from your Academic Training or are terminated prior to the expiration of your authorized period, you must notify your International Student Advisor immediately.
  • Extensions
    If you wish to extend your Academic Training, you must speak to an International Student Advisor prior to the expiration of your current authorized period.
  • Changing employers
    If you wish to change jobs during your Academic Training, you must submit a completely new Academic Training application in accessVIS.
• How to Apply

  
  How to Apply

  Step 1: Obtain an offer letter from your employer

  The offer letter from your employer should be on official letterhead and must detail the following:

  • Start and end dates of employment
  • Number of hours per week
  • Terms of remuneration (unless a volunteer opportunity)
  • Location(s) of the activity (complete address)
  • Name, address, and contact information of supervisor
  • Description of duties

  Step 2: Ensure you have health insurance coverage

  The United States Department of State requires that all J-1 students and their J-2 dependents have health insurance while in the United States.  

  Minimum insurance coverage must provide:

  1. Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness.
  2. Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000.
  3. Expenses associated with medical evacuation to your home country in the amount of $50,000.
  4. A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.

  If your employer does not provide adequate health insurance coverage, you must purchase it for yourself and your J-2 dependents for the entire period of your academic training.  If you are currently insured under Stony Brook University's Student Insurance Plan, you may extend your plan as long as there are no lapses in coverage. Please visit the Student Health Service's website for more details. 

  Failure to maintain adequate health insurance may result in termination of your J-1 program.

  Step 3: Submit the request in accessVIS

  In accessVIS, submit the "J-1 Academic Training" request.

  You must include the following:

  1. Your offer letter.
  2. Evidence of health insurance coveraged as required by J-1 regulations.

  Step 4: Receive your updated documents from VIS

  VIS will evaluate your application. If eligible, an advisor will issue a work authorization letter and issue a new DS-2019 if needed to extend your stay.

  Please allow 5-7 business days for processing.

  Step 5: Apply for a Social Security Number

  Once you have authorization for Academic Training, apply for a Social Security Number if you don't already have one. You must have a Social Security Number before you can be paid.

  Note: Social Security Number applications will not be accepted if there are less than 14 days of Academic Training remaining.

  Note: Students applying for Post-Completion Academic Training will be assessed a $100 International Student Fee, payable through SOLAR. This is a SUNY approved fee effective since Fall 2012 that is assessed based on the issuance of your authorization letter and updated DS-2019 regardless of whether you use the AT authorization or not. Failure to submit timely payment of this fee could result in the Bursar reporting your information to a collection agency.

   
• Proof of Authorization

  
  Proof of Authorization

  • If your request is approved, you will receive a letter of authorization for the specific opportunity and a new DS-2019 reflecting any extension of status that may be required. Information regarding your activity, location, and the duration of your approved academic training will be entered into SEVIS, but may not appear on your updated DS-2019.