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  7. J-1 Academic Training (AT)

J-1 ACADEMIC TRAINING (AT)

(This page has a friendly link that's easy to remember: at.ucsd.edu)
 

Academic Training (AT) is a period of authorized off-campus employment directly related to a student’s field of study. J-1 students may participate in AT either before or after graduation. Review all steps below to understand how to request AT and how it may affect your status.

 

Before Applying for Academic Training

Overview

  • AT is required for both paid positions and unpaid internships.
  • AT is not required for volunteering. Volunteering is defined as donating time with an organization whose primary purpose is charitable or humanitarian in nature, without remuneration or any other type of compensation.
  • J-1 students sponsored by another program (i.e Fulbright, CONACYT, etc.) should contact their program sponsors regarding Academic Training eligibility requirements.

Check your Academic Training (AT) Eligibility: Pre-Degree Completion

Am I Eligible for Pre-Completion Academic Training (AT)?

  • Open to J-1 degree-seeking, Education Abroad Program (EAP), and Global Exchange (GE) students.
  • Must be in valid J-1 status and have a valid passport and DS-2019.
  • Must have completed at least one quarter in J-1 status.
  • Required to maintain full-time (12 units) enrollment during the academic year.
    • Note: If you have an approved Reduced Course Load (RCL) for a specific academic term, your enrollment in that term is considered to be full-time for the purposes of this AT requirement.
  • Required to enroll in an internship course (includes summer for undergraduates).
    • Typical course numbers for undergraduates are: 191, 196, 197, 198 or 199.
    • Typical course numbers for graduate students are: 291, 297, 298, or 299.
  • Note: Graduate students are not required to enroll in internship units during the summer, but they are required to complete the Post-Academic Training Report in iPortal by the first day of Fall Quarter.

What is required of my job while I am on Pre-Completion AT?

  • Must have a job offer in hand before applying for AT.
  • Must be related to your field of study.
    • EAP / GE students may pursue AT in any field of study, so long as it is a substantial activity which allows students to gain valuable work experience as well as continue their cultural exchange and educational knowledge. The AT should consist of bona fide training activities that are connected to a substantial academic framework and are designed to expose participants to the operations of a specific field or industry. 
  • Can be a paid or unpaid internship or a job off-campus.
  • Can be part-time during the academic year (fall, winter, and spring quarters) or full-time in the summer.
    • Note: Graduate students who have advanced to candidacy may pursue full-time AT during the academic year, with approval from their department. 

What if I also have a J-1 On-Campus Work Authorization?

  • Employment under AT is not counted in the cumulative 20-hour per week limit for J-1 On Campus Work Authorizations. However,  ISPO and your college / department must consider the impact that all employment have on a student’s studies, as the primary objective of a J-1 degree seeking student is ultimately their academic degree program, not employment. 
  • If you are interested in the combination of your Pre-Completion AT and J-1 On Campus Employment exceeding 20 hours per week during the academic year: 
    • Undergraduate Students: Please consult with your academic advisor and ISPO.
    • Graduate Students:  Please consult with your graduate coordinator and ISPO. Policies set by the Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA) may prevent you from exceeding a combined total of 20 hours per week.
    • EAP / GE Students: Please consult with ISPO.

Check your Academic Training (AT) Eligibility: Post-Degree Completion

Am I Eligible for Post-Completion Academic Training (AT)?

  • Open to J-1 degree-seeking, Education Abroad Program (EAP), abd Global Exchange (GE) students.
  • Must be in valid J-1 status and have a valid passport and DS-2019.
    • IMPORTANT! J-1 SEVIS records automatically change to Inactive status the day after the DS-2019 end date. In order to be eligible for Post-Completion Academic Training, you must submit your application to ISPO a minimum of 10 business days before your program completion date and before your DS-2019 program end date in order to extend it in a timely manner.
  • Must have completed at least one quarter in J-1 status.

Important: If you have received a recommendation for a waiver of the two-year home residency requirement, you are not eligible for an extension of your DS-2019 to participate in post-completion AT. However, you may still participate in pre-completion AT.

What is required of my job while I am on Post-Completion AT?

  • Must have a job offer in hand before applying for AT.
  • Must be related to your field of study.
    • EAP / GE students may pursue AT in any field of study, so long as it is a substantial activity which allows students to gain valuable work experience as well as continue their cultural exchange and educational knowledge. The AT should consist of bona fide training activities that are connected to a substantial academic framework and are designed to expose participants to the operations of a specific field or industry. 
  • The employment must be a minimum of 20 hours per week and it can be paid or unpaid.
  • Employment must begin within thirty (30) days of the program completion date. 
  • You can have multiple employers at one time, as long as all are related to your field of study and separate AT request forms are submitted for each employer.

What other considerations should I keep in mind?

  • Students must have health insurance at all times. For example, if your UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP) coverage ends today, your new non-UC SHIP coverage needs to begin tomorrow. 
  • For more information regarding J-1 health insurance requirements, please see here.

Determine Duration of your Academic Training

  • Available for a total of eighteen (18) months or for a period equal to the length of the study program, whichever is shorter.
    • Example: If you are on a 6-month program, then you are eligible for only 6 months of AT. If you are in a 24-month graduate program, then you are eligible for only 18 months of AT.
  • Doctorate (PhD) students in J-1 status are allowed to apply for a maximum total of thirty-six (36) months of AT, or for a period equal to the length of the study program, whichever is shorter. Prior to degree completion, PhD students are limited to 18 months of AT. After degree completion, PhD students may apply for the full 36 months (or maximum) of Post-Completion AT.
  • AT is cumulative. The duration of approved Pre-Completion AT will subtract against your available Post-Completion AT. 
    • Example: If you eligible for up to 18 months of AT and are approved for 8 months of Pre-Completion AT, you will have 10 months of Post-Completion AT available.
  • Part-time employment is still counted on a full-time basis when calculating the duration of your AT  (e.g., 6 months of work at 20 hours per week is still counted as 6 months of AT used, not 3 months of AT used).

Length of Academic Training
Student Type Amount of Academic Training Notes
Bachelor's or Master's Degree-Seeking Student Eligible for up to 18 months of AT Total training period (including both pre-completion and post-completion) must not exceed 18 months.
Doctorate Degree-
Seeking Student		 Eligible for up to 36 months of AT. Eligible for a total of 36 months of AT including both pre-completion and post-completion. Limited to 18 months of AT prior to degree completion.
Non-degree Student
(EAP Reciprocity or Global Exchange)

Total training period is equal to duration of program:

  • 1 quarter = 3 months of AT
  • 2 quarters = 6 months of AT
  • 3 quarters = 9 months of AT
 Total training period includes both pre-completion and post-completion AT

 

Academic Training - Immigration News Highlight

01/21/2022: Opportunity for Academic Training Extensions for J-1 College and University Students in STEM Fields

  • The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announced that through December 31, 2024, a temporary initiative will allow J-1 bachelors' and masters' students currently enrolled in a STEM field of study to pursue Academic Training for up to 36 months in total. Previously, all J-1 bachelor’s and master’s students were limited to a maximum of 18 months of Academic Training.
    • To be eligible, your degree program as listed on your DS-2019 must be present on the DHS’s STEM Designated Degree Program List. 
    • This J-1 STEM AT is available for a total of 36 months  or for a period equal to the length of the study program, whichever is shorter. 
    • ISPO will consider students eligible for the extension if they are in a STEM field and are in Active J status (either studying under a degree program or on post-completion AT).
      • If currently studying, degree program must be completed by December 2024.
    • ISPO cannot guarantee the additional STEM AT since approval for the extension must be requested directly from the U.S. Department of State.
    • If you are interested in J-1 STEM AT, please contact ISPO.

Review the Application Timeline

  • Applications must be submitted to ISPO 10 business days (2 weeks) before the program completion date
    • Undergraduate students/EAP students: completion date is the last day of the quarter
    • Graduate (Masters or PhD) students:
      • The last day of enrollment in their final graduating quarter, OR
      • The last day of eligible on-campus employment as outlined by GEPA, OR
      • If required to pay filing fee, date of Comprehensive Exam/Thesis Defense. 
  • IMPORTANT! J-1 SEVIS records automatically change to Inactive status the day after the DS-2019 end date. In order to be eligible for Post-Completion Academic Training, you must submit your application to ISPO a minimum of 10 business days (2 weeks) before your program completion date and before your DS-2019 program end date in order to extend it in a timely manner.
  • Applications submitted after the DS-2019 program end date will not be considered.

Explore Job Search Resources

There are many resources to help you find a job for AT, such as those below:

  • Review our How to Find Internationally Friendly Employers webpage.
  • The Career Center on campus has experienced advisors to help you find a job in your field of study!
  • GoinGlobal: provides information on companies sponsoring H-1B visas, work permit & visa requirements, and job/internship postings. Access: initial access through Handshake, under Career Center and selecting Resources from the drop down menu.
  • See ISPO’s map for where UCSD international alumni have worked on AT in the past. There is also a map of where all H-1B employees were sponsored in the past year (not just UCSD) in the U.S.

 

Applying for Academic Training

Review the Application Process

  • STEP 1: Gather all documents for the Academic Training request.

  • STEP 2: Submit your Academic Training request to ISPO for review.

  • STEP 3: Receive updated DS-2019 and Employment Authorization Letter from ISPO. Begin employment after you receive your updated DS-2019 and Employer Verification Letter. Show your updated DS-2019 and Employment Verification Letter to your employer to verify your work authorization in the U.S.

  • STEP 4: Submit J-1 Academic Training Verification Reporting Form in iPortal within 30 days of Employment Start Date.

  • STEP 5: After Completing AT, Submit Required Post-Academic Training Report

Step 1: Compile your AT Application

Application Materials at a Glance
Pre-Completion AT Post-Completion AT
  • Job offer letter
  • Enrollment in an internship course
    • Summer enrollment required for undergraduate students
    • Summer enrollment not required for graduate students
  • Job offer letter
  • "Post-Completion Academic Training Administrative Processing Fee" payment confirmation
  • Evidence of Health Insurance Confirmation Form
  • Proof of Financial Support

Pre-Completion AT

  • Obtain a job offer letter containing the following information:
    • Company logo / letterhead
    • Description, goals, and objectives of the training program
    • Location
    • Name and address of training supervisor
    • Salary
    • Number of hours per week
    • Dates of the training
      • If AT will take place entirely during the Winter or Spring break, you must enroll in an internship course in either the preceding or following quarter. 
  • Enrollment in an internship course (includes summer for undergraduates).
    • Typical course numbers for undergraduates are: 191, 196, 197, 198 or 199.
    • Typical course numbers for graduate students are: 291, 297, 298, or 299.
  • Note: Graduate students are not required to enroll in internship units during the summer, but they are required to complete the Post-Academic Training Report in iPortal by the first day of Fall Quarter.

Post-Completion AT

  • Obtain a job offer letter containing the following information:
    • Company logo / letterhead
    • Description, goals, and objectives of the training program
    • Location
    • Name and address of training supervisor
    • Salary
    • Number of hours per week
    • Dates of the training
      • Employment start date must be within 30 days of completing your program.
  • Confirmation of payment for the $100 Post-Completion Academic Training Administrative Processing Fee (Additionally, a $3.00 credit card processing fee may apply. Fees subject to change without prior notification.
    • For students who have not been offered a Postdoctoral Scholar position at UC San Diego for your Post-Completion AT period, submit payment for AT Administrative Processing fee
    • For students who have accepted a Postdoctoral Scholar position at UC San Diego for your Post-Completion AT, your department will pay the fee for you. Please direct your hiring department to Employing International Students for instructions for how to complete this fee payment on the postdoc's behalf.
    • Note: If requesting post-completion AT authorization for multiple employers at the same time, the $100 Post-Completion Academic Training Administrative Processing Fee must only be paid once.
  • Complete the Evidence of Health Insurance Confirmation 
    • Proof of either Garnett-Powers & Associates (Gallagher) insurance coverage OR waiver approval will be collected after beginning Post-Completion AT via Step 4 of the AT application process. 
  • Proof of financial support
    • Funding requirements are equal to the living expenses found on our DS-2019 Funding Requirements webpage. 
    • If your Post-Completion AT employer is unpaid / does not meet the funding requirements, you may also provide a current bank statement or financial support letter from your sponsor.

Step 2: Submit your AT Application

Which iPortal Request Should I Submit?
J-1 Academic Training DS-2019 Request – For AIP J-1 Academic Training DS-2019 Request
  • Select if enrolling in Academic Internship Program (AIP 197 for undergraduate students only) for Pre-Completion AT
  • Select if NOT enrolling in AIP for Pre-Completion AT.
  • Select if applying for Post-Completion AT.

Step 3: Receive Your AT DS-2019

  • Your new DS-2019 reflecting your new AT employment authorization and an Employment Authorization Letter will be issued within 10 business days.
  • You can check the status of your request anytime by logging in to iPortal and clicking on "My Requests" tab.
  • A notification email will be sent to you when your document is ready.
  • Sign your new DS-2019 when you receive it, and keep your previous DS-2019 for your records, do NOT throw it away.
  • Begin employment after you receive your updated DS-2019 and Employer Verification Letter. 
  • Show your updated DS-2019 and Employment Verification Letter to your employer to verify your work authorization in the U.S.

Step 4: Submit J-1 Academic Training Verification Reporting Form in iPortal within 30 days of Employment Start Date

Within 30 days of the start date of your employment, submit the J-1 Academic Training Verification Reporting Form in iPortal to remain in compliance with the J-1 regulations. You will be required to:

  • Verify your employment start date and employer address.
  • Verify your address is correct in Tritonlink. You are required to update address within 10 days of moving.
  • Upload verification of adequate health insurance (for post-completion AT only, see chart below).
    • Note: Students must have health insurance at all times. For example, if your UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP) coverage ends today, your new non-UC SHIP coverage needs to begin tomorrow. 
    • For more information regarding J-1 health insurance requirements,  please see here .

Post-Completion AT Health Insurance Verification
  • To comply with J-1 health insurance requirements, you must upload either:
    • Proof of Garnett-Powers & Associates insurance (Gallagher) coverage OR 
    • Proof of Garnett-Powers & Associates (Gallagher) waiver approval
  • You will notice terminology like, “visiting scholar,” and “waive the UC San Diego Visiting Scholar Benefit Plan.” This waiver process is primarily used for visiting scholars. However, your use of this service as a student applying for post-completion AT is permitted.
Option 1: Students may purchase health insurance from Gallagher and submit proof of coverage. Coverage details and dates of coverage must be specified. 

To do so, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the UCSD Visiting Visiting Scholar Benefit Plan Portal.
  2. Select "Begin Enrollment."
  3. After applying for insurance, Gallagher will directly contact ISPO to confirm that you are a J-1 student.
  4. After receiving ISPO confirmation, Gallagher will email you confirmation of your insurance coverage. You will submit this document in the J-1 Academic Training Verification Reporting Form in iPortal.
Option 2: Student may purchase insurance from a different provider, but must have the plan vetted through Gallagher to make sure it meets the Department of States' minimum insurance requirements.

To do so, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the UCSD Visiting Visiting Scholar Benefit Plan Portal.
  2. Select "Waive Coverage."
  3. Complete the checklist. If your insurance meets the requirements, you will be directed to "Create Waiver Login Account."
  4. Create your Waiver Login Account and follow instructions for submitting your insurance policy for review.
  5. You will receive a "Waiver Application" email with a confirmation of satisfactory coverage - submit this document in the J-1 Academic Training Verification Reporting Form in iPortal.

Step 5: After Completing AT, Submit Required Post-Academic Training Report

All students are required to submit the Post-Academic Training Report in iPortal within 30 days of completing your Academic Training.

You will be asked to provide feedback on your Academic Training experience. The information you provide will NOT be shared with the employer.

Extending or Making Updates to Your AT

Submit another “J-1 Academic Training DS-2019 Request” or an “J-1 Academic Training DS-2019 Request - for AIP” (if you are enrolled in AIP) in iPortal at least 30 days prior to your current authorization end date if you would like to:

  • Extend your Academic Training with your current approved employer and are eligible for an extension.
  • Add another employer to an existing segment of your approved Academic Training.
  • Extend your Academic Training dates with a new employer (If requesting Post-Completion AT, this requires payment of the $100 Post-Completion Academic Training Processing Fee through Aventri).
    • If changing employers while on Post-Completion AT, your next employment start date must be within 30 days of your last employment end date.
Note: If you have received a recommendation for a waiver of the two-year home residence requirement, you are not eligible for an extension of your DS-2019.

 

Maintaining J-1 Status during Academic Training

Report any Employment Changes to ISPO

SEVIS Reporting Requirements

While on Academic Training, you are in J-1 student status and must continue to report certain information about your stay. Please contact ISPO within 10 business days if you:

  • Change your name.
  • Change your address in the U.S.
  • Complete your training early.
  • Enroll in a new degree program or transfer to another academic program.
  • Decide to return home permanently.
  • Complete and submit the Post-Academic Training Report in iPortal at the end of your Academic Training.

Changing Employers

If changing employers while on an approved segment of AT, the next start date of employment with your new employer must begin within 30 days of your previous employment end date.

Enrolling in Classes

Students on post-completion Academic Training are not allowed to pursue a full course of study with a degree or certificate objective. Gaining admission to another school in the U.S. or enrolling full-time will end your Academic Training period because your SEVIS record will be transferred to the new school. However, students can enroll in classes that are incidental or vocational (i.e. a certification program or one or two classes which will not contribute towards a degree) as long as their primary purpose in the U.S. continues to be full-time employment.

Maintain Health Insurance

As a J-1 student, you are required to have adequate health insurance at all times during your stay in the U.S. For example, if your UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP) coverage ends today, your new non-UC SHIP coverage needs to begin tomorrow.

While we do not endorse one company over another, we do want to provide you with a resource list of different companies that students will often use. It is up to the student and their family to decide which company and plan is right for them.  

If you will be continuing with AT beyond the end of your UC SHIP coverage, you may purchase health insurance through Garnett-Powers & Associates (Gallagher), or purchase your own and obtain a waiver from Gallagher.

You may review our International Student Health Insurance Webpage for the minimum health insurance requirements and for a list of potential alternate insurance companies. Please note that we do not endorse one company over another. It is up to you and your family to decide which company and plan is right for you. 

Recently graduated students who were covered by UC SHIP during the prior quarter are eligible to enroll in continued UC SHIP coverage for the following quarter.

Learn about Social Security Number and Taxes

Social Security Number (SSN)

You must have a Social Security number (SSN) to be employed in the U.S. This is not the Campus ID number assigned by UC San Diego. Visit our Social Security page for more information.

 If you do not have an SSN and need to apply for one, an SSN Support Letter can be included as part of your AT Application Request. Please indicate that you must apply for an SSN when submitting your AT Application Request in iPortal.

Taxes

Students in J-1 status are exempt from Social Security tax (FICA), however they are generally subject to federal and state income taxes. Tax forms are available from February through April of each year.

Check the Internal Revenue Service website at irs.gov for federal tax information and the CA Franchise Tax Board at ftb.ca.gov for California tax information. For general tax guidance, visit ISPO's tax webpage or the International Tax Help page.

Travel while on Post-Completion AT

Students on post-completion Academic Training are still in J-1 student status. To reenter the U.S., you must have:

  • Current passport that is valid up to six months after reentry date.
  • Valid J-1 visa.
  • Current DS-2019 with valid travel signature on page 1.
  • Original Employment Authorization Letter issued by ISPO.
  • Original job offer letter or verification of employment from employer.

When you receive post-completion Academic Training, you are extending your J-1 student status in the U.S. It does not include an extension of your J-1 visa stamp in your passport. Students will need to apply for a J-1 visa renewal if they plan to travel outside of the U.S. and their current visa has expired. 

Important Note: Students with expired visas on post-completion Academic Training may find it difficult to renew their J-1 visa for academic training purposes. You are required to establish non-immigrant intent every time you apply for a non-immigrant visa. Contact ISPO before planning a trip abroad while on AT.

Understand your End Date and Grace Period

Students may pursue one of the following options after post-completion Academic Training. Requests must be made at least 10 days before the DS-2019 end date:

 

Students completing post-completion Academic Training have a 30-day grace period to remain in the U.S. During this time:

  • You can remain in the U.S. and make preparations to depart
  • You cannot work in the U.S. unless you obtain additional employment authorization under another visa status.
  • Once you depart the U.S., your grace period ends - even if you had time remaining.
    • To reenter the U.S., you must have a valid visa and visa status that corresponds with your primary purpose in the country.
  • All students are required to submit the Post-Academic Training Report in iPortal within 30 days of completing your Academic Training.