Academic Training (AT) is defined as training or employment directly related to the J-1 student's major area of study. The employment may be paid or unpaid and full- or part-time.
A student in J-1 status may be authorized to participate in Academic Training during their studies or starting no later than 30 days after completion of studies provided that:
- the student is in good academic standing
- the student has a job offer from a U.S. employer
- the student is recommended for academic training by the department advisor
- the training is an integral or critical part of the student's academic program
- the student receives written approval in advance from the Responsible Officer of the J-1 program
- the training is predominantly in person, with no more than 40% of the training time (two days out of five) consisting of remote work.
If a student does not have a job offer by the time 30 days after completion is reached, then Academic Training is forfeited. The actual employment may begin after the 30-day limit.
J-1 students may obtain AT authorization prior to completion of studies as well as after completion of studies, within the 18-month limit. Academic Training cannot exceed 18 months, including any prior AT in the United States. Students who have received their PhD and are engaged in post-doctoral training may apply for an additional 18 months of Academic Training.
Any Academic Training granted prior to completion of studies will be deducted from the amount of AT available after graduation. Students need to consider their goals carefully before applying for Academic Training.
Students sponsored by Fulbright or other agencies may be subject to shorter time limits for Academic Training. These students should check with their sponsoring agencies for further information.
Academic training must be recommended by the department and authorized by the J-1 sponsor. If a student has a DS-2019 issued by Binghamton University, then the Office of International Student and Scholar Services authorizes Academic Training. A student with a DS-2019 issued by an organization other than Binghamton University must obtain authorization for Academic Training from that organization.
Since an offer of employment is required to obtain approval for Academic Training, the following information must be provided on the Academic Advisor's Recommendation Form for Academic Training:
- A description of the academic training
- Name and location of the employer
- Name and address of the training supervisor
- Number of hours to be worked per week
- Beginning and ending dates of the training
- How the training relates to the student's field of study
- Why the training is integral or critical to the student's academic program
Once the application for Academic Training is completed, the Office of International Student and Scholar Services will issue an updated DS-2019 and a letter authorizing the specific employment.
Students who are authorized for Academic Training must complete an evaluation near the end of each period of AT authorization. The Academic Training Evaluation Form must be completed and signed by the student and their supervisor, and it must be submitted to ISSS within 10 days of ending an Academic Training experience.