Academic Training for J-1 Students

• Overview

  
  Overview

  Academic Training (AT) is off-campus work, training, or practical experience directly related to your field of study. It is available to J-1 students during their program (pre-completion) or after completing their studies (post-completion).

  ⚠️ All Academic Training requires written authorization from your program's Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) before you begin.

  Eligible Activities

  Academic Training may include:

  • Paid or unpaid work
  • Multiple activities at the same time (simultaneous roles)

  Note: All Academic Training is counted as full-time, even if you work just one hour per day.

  Remote Work Restrictions

  Per Department of State guidance, J-1 students on Academic Training:

  • May work remotely no more than 1–2 days per week
  • Must work in person at the training site the remaining days

  Post-Completion Academic Training

  • Must begin within 30 days after your program end date
  • You remain in active J-1/SEVIS status and must:
    • • Maintain health insurance that meets J-1 requirements
      • Report any change of address
      • Comply with all J-1 regulations

  Time Limits and Exceptions

  J-1 students may receive up to18 months of Academic Training.

  Exceptions & Special Cases

  • Your AT duration cannot exceed your academic program length. Example: A 12-month program = max 12 months of AT
  • Master’s students: Eligible for up to 18 months
  • Ph.D. students: May qualify for a second 18 months (total of 36 months), but only for post-completion Academic Training

  Additional Notes

  • There is no distinction between full-time and part-time: each month of authorization counts the same.
  • Academic Training time is cumulative across J-1 programs:
    • • If you used 18 months of AT after a bachelor's or master’s program, you would have no additional time available after a future master’s program.
      • If you used 18 months at the undergraduate level, you'd have only 18 months remaining toward the doctoral-level 36-month limit.

   

  • 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.
• Application Process

  
  Application Process

  To apply for Academic Training, follow the directions below. We recommend submitting your application at least 5-7 business days before your expected employment start date.

  If you are submitting a last minute request, it is your responsibility to notify your department AND VIS that you have submitted this request, and ask if expedited processing is possible.

  Important: Submission of this request in accessVIS does NOT authorize you to begin working. You must not begin working (with or without pay) until you have received authorization from VIS in the form of an updated Form I-20.

  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

  Complete the J-1 Academic Training request in accessVIS being sure to upload a copy of your official offer letter from the employer, and evidence of health insurance coverage.

  The offer letter must be signed (handwritten or official digital signature) and printed on company letterhead detailing the following points:

  • Dates of employment (begin and end dates)
  • Number of hours of work per week
  • Physical address of the employment (do not use P.O. Box). If the work is remote, that must be indicated in the letter.
  • Job Description/Objective: Briefly describe duties and how the role relates to the student's major/field of study
  • Supervisor's name, title, and contact information

  If you are applying for an SSN, your letter must indicate that it is a paid position.

  For a template letter, click here

  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

  • 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.