Academic Training

Exchange students on J-1 visas have the ability to apply for off-campus work authorization in ways that are both similar to and different from that of F-1 students. Off-campus employment is for J-1 students is called academic training. 

The Basics

• Academic training is available only to J-1 students.
• J-1 students are immediately eligible to apply for academic training.
• Employment must relate directly to your major field of study.
• You can use academic training before or after the completion of your academic program.
• You are eligible for an amount of academic training equal to the length of your program—ie 4 months for single-semester students and 8 months for full-year students.

Applying for academic training

Timing

• There is no waiting period, so you technically could being academic training as early as the first day of classes.

How to apply

1. The first step is to obtain an offer of employment. 
2. Submit to OIS an employment letter, which must:
   • be on official company letterhead
   • include a specific start date and a specific end date
   • have your supervisor’s name, title and contact information
   • include the complete street address where your work will be performed
   • have the number of hours per week you will work
   • describe what it is you will be doing
   • be signed and dated by your employer
3. Submit to OIS a letter of support from your academic advisor.  This letter should include:
   • The goals/objectives of your proposed employment
   • A description of the employment
   • How employment relates to your major field of study
   • Why it is an integral or critical part of your academic program
4. Once approved, OIS will update your SEVIS record with the details of the academic training and will print a new DS-2019 reflecting this experience.
5. If your academic training will occur after your program has ended, eg during the summer, OIS will also extend the program end dates on your SEVIS record.

FAQs for Academic Training

What is Academic Training?

Academic training is the ability of J-1 students to be able to do paid internships either while classes are in session or after their program end dates.

What is the waiting period?

None! You are eligible to do academic training as of the first day of classes.

How much time can I work?

One semester exchange students can work for four months. Full-year exchange students can work for eight months.

Are there examples of this happening at Vassar?

Yes! One student worked as a docent at the DIA museum in Beacon every Friday for one semester. Another got a summer internship.

How many hours per week can I work?

You can work a combined 20 hours per week, including on-campus employment, while classes are in session. There is no restriction during academic breaks such as the summer.

Does it cost anything to apply?

No!

How long after my program ends must I begin my authorized employment?

You must start employment within 30 days of your program completion date.

My DS-2019 ends at the end of the semester. Can I stay longer?

• Once your academic training is approved, OIS will extend your program end dates to include the period of employment.
• You will be issued a new DS-2019 with these dates.

Does the internship have to be paid?

No.

What if I depart the US before completing my post-completion internship?

Notify OIS and we will update your record accordingly.

How long can I stay in the US after my post-completion internship ends?

You will have a 30-day grace period following the end date of your academic training experience.