J-1 Academic Training
Basic Page Sidebar Menu ISSS
What is J-1 Academic Training (AT)?
J-1 Academic Training is designed to provide J-1 students with the opportunity to apply knowledge gained in the classroom to a practical work experience off campus.
Academic Training:
-
Should be directly related to the major field of study listed on your DS-2019 (refer to the Subject/Field code on your DS-2019).
-
Is available for full- or part-time employment to those in degree and non-degree programs.
-
Can be paid or unpaid.
-
Can be used before or after the completion of the academic program.
1. Academic Training (AT) Overview
To be eligible for academic training, written approval must be obtained in advance for the duration and specific employment. You must meet the following conditions to be eligible:
- You must be in valid J-1 status and in good academic standing.
- You must have a job offer letter from a specific employer (no self-employment permitted)
- The proposed employment must be directly related to your major field of study.
- If your post-completion academic training will be unpaid, you must prove you have adequate financial support for yourself and J-2 dependents
The duration of academic training depends on the type and duration of your academic program. Ask ISSS about your specific situation.
General limits which apply to all students:
- The duration of academic training may not exceed the length of the academic program.
- Academic training used before completion of the academic program is deducted from the total time allowed.
- Part-time and full-time academic training are counted the same against the total time allowed.
- Academic training should commence no later than 30 days after completion of his or her studies.
Specific limits include:
-
Non-degree students: Total J-1 program time for non-degree students is limited to 24 months, including both study and academic training time.
-
Degree students: Academic training is normally limited to a maximum of 18 months. However, students pursuing a STEM degree may qualify for a special extension during the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 Academic Year(s).
-
PhD students: Academic training may be available for a total of 36 months for “postdoctoral training” positions. Students may apply for up to 12-18 months initially with the option to extend if applicable. Please consult ISSS to discuss the criteria such positions.
2. Application Process
- Receive an Offer Letter: Obtain a copy of your official offer letter on company letterhead that is signed by the prospective employer. A photocopy is acceptable. The letter should include:
- the employer’s name,
- full address,
- position title,
- dates of employment,
- funding/salary (if applicable),
- and duties.
- Submit the AT E-form: The Academic Training electronic request form is available in iPenn. After you log in with your PennKey, you will find “Academic Training Request” under Student Services in the left menu. If your requested AT authorization dates will occur at any point after completion of your academic program, you will be prompted to pay the $205 Penn Internal Processing Fee ($200 if received before June 30th, 2024) after submitting the e-form in iPenn.
- Receive Academic Advisor approval: Your request will be sent to your Academic Advisor for approval. Your academic advisor will need to explain in 2-3 sentences how your employment is directly related to your field of study at Penn.
- Wait for ISSS approval: If the request meets all requirements, ISSS will issue an Academic Training Authorization letter and updated DS-2019 form documenting your AT approval. Our office takes approximately 3-5 business days to review the Academic Training request. We recommend submitting the request at least 3 weeks in advance to allow sufficient processing time in case any follow-up is needed. (See additional information about processing times below.)
3. Processing Timeline and Deadlines
You must receive written AT authorization from your ISSS Advisor before starting any employment. Please review below for expected processing timelines:
- Pre-completion (before graduation)
- Submit at least 3 weeks in advance of your requested Academic Training Start Date
- Processing takes approximately 3-5 business days if all AT requirements are met.
- Post-completion (after graduation)
- Submit at least 3 weeks before your DS-2019/program end date.
- Failure to submit your request in advance may result in the completion of your SEVIS record. All Academic Training Requests must be processed before your program ends and/or your DS-2019 form expires.
- Post-completion AT employment must begin within 30 days after your program completion.
- Processing takes approximately 3-5 business days if all AT requirements are met.
4. AT Evaluation Requirements
Penn is required to evaluate the effectiveness and appropriateness of the Academic Training in achieving the stated goals and objectives
Students will be required to submit feedback regarding their AT employment at the following times:
- When requesting an extension of their Academic Training,
- When changing their Academic Training employment,
- At the conclusion of their Academic Training period.
The AT Evaluation e-form is available in iPenn.
5. Important Considerations
-
If you plan to leave the US after completing your program of study and re-enter for AT, you must apply for work authorization with your RO/ARO before you leave.
-
If you leave the US before applying for AT, you have relinquished your ability to return to the US in J-1 student status and may no longer apply for AT.
-
To re-enter the US while on AT, you need a valid visa and DS-2019 endorsed for re-entry by ISSS within the past year.
-
Consult your RO/ARO for more information about travel on Academic Training.
Per Department of State Guidance Directive 2023-01 released on June 8, 2023, effective July 1, 2023, exchange visitors in the research scholar, professor, short-term scholar categories and J-1 Students on Academic Training must engage in their activities at the site of employment in-person a minimum of 60% of the time. This means that you may work remotely no more than 40% of your regular work hours (a maximum of 2 out of 5 regular work days per week). No mention of full time remote work should appear in offers of employment as the activity will not be approved for Academic Training.
-
If you are eligible for an extension of your academic training, please contact ISSS at least one month prior to the expiration of your current academic training authorization.
-
Any changes in terms and conditions of the authorized academic training must be reviewed and approved by ISSS in advance and in writing.
-
Please let us know if your dependents are in the US. They will also require updated DS-2019s.
-
ISSS is required to report in SEVIS any address changes for University-sponsored students, so you must continue to update your local address and other contact information in Penn InTouch (or email changes to ISSS) while on academic training.
-
Throughout your period of academic training, you must maintain permission to stay in the US in J-1 student status and apply for extensions as necessary.
-
You must maintain adequate health insurance coverage (per the US Department of State) for yourself and any J-2 dependents throughout your academic training period.
