OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
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Academic Training (AT) allows J-1 students to engage in a work, training, or experience (usually off-campus) directly related to their major field of study during or after studies.
Students in valid J-1 status are generally eligible to apply for AT if they meet the following requirements:
Have the approval of the academic dean or advisor and the J-1 program sponsor's written approval in advance for the duration and type of academic training
Are in the United States primarily to study rather than engage in training and are in good academic standing
Will maintain health insurance coverage for J-1 and any J-2 dependents throughout the academic training
The proposed academic training is directly related to their field of study as listed on the DS-2019
Bachelor’s and master’s degree students are eligible for up to 18 months of academic training or a period equal to the length of the J-1 program, whichever is less. Doctoral students are eligible for up to 36 months of academic training or a period equal to the length of the J-1 program, whichever is less. If your AT application is approved, you will receive a new DS-2019 and an employment authorization letter to present as proof of employment eligibility before beginning the training.
NOTE: A special limited-time initiative for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 academic years will allow Bachelor's and Master's J-1 students in STEM fields to potentially extend their academic training for up to 36 months in total. Schedule an appointment with an International Student Advisor for more details.
1 hour
The letter should show the name, address, phone number, and email of the training supervisor; type of training; number of hours per week; salary information; dates of training; and address of training location.
from an employer
Once you've found an internship, meet with your academic advisor to discuss how it will fit into your academic program and course registration requirements. If your academic advisor determines that your training opportunity is an integral or required part of your academic program, they can complete a portion of the J-1 AT Application Form.
A J-1 student who participates in Pre-Completion Academic Training during an annual vacation term must be registered for at least 1 credit to verify that the training is part of the student’s academic program component and satisfy the evaluation requirements mandated by the J regulations.
in an appointment
Submit a complete application form and other required documents to our office. An advisor will issue a new DS-2019 and employment authorization letter which you must show to your employer before beginning your training.
7-10 business days
Students may not begin an internship until they have received written authorization from their J-1 program sponsor. You may be authorized for academic training during your studies or within 30 days after completion of your academic program. If you plan to apply for academic training following completion of studies, you may obtain written authorization from your program sponsor prior to the expiration date on your DS-2019 but not later than 30 days following your final term of registration.
All academic training is counted as full-time, even if it is on a part-time basis. If you have received an employment offer but do not plan to begin your employment immediately following completion of your studies, please consult an International Student Advisor to discuss how this may affect your total amount of academic training. If you plan to travel outside the U.S. during the 30 days following completion of your studies, you must apply for academic training before you leave the U.S.
AT must be at least 60% in person/no more than 40% remote (e.g., two days out of five) beginning July 1, 2023.
If your training will continue past the end date listed on your DS-2019, please remember to extend your employment authorization at least 2 weeks before reaching the original end date.