Academic training 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 his or her studies or commencing 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 academic training 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 academic training 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. A new form DS-2019 must be issued for each 18-month training period of academic training for PhDs.
Note: In 2022 the U.S. announced a new initiative for bachelor's and master's level students in J-1 status who are completing a degree in a STEM field. J-1 students who complete a STEM degree before June 30, 2026 may be eligible for an additional 18 months of Academic Training, for a total of 36 months of AT. This option does not apply for non-degree students (including exchange students) or doctoral students. If you believe you may be eligible for this extension, speak with an ISSS advisor during advising hours or email intlwork@binghamton.edu for additional information.
Any academic training granted prior to completion of studies shall be deducted from the amount of academic training available after graduation. Therefore, students are well advised to consider their goals carefully before applying for academic training.
Students sponsored by Fulbright or other USAID agencies may be subject to shorter time limits for academic training. Such students may wish to 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.
