Working after Graduating
- F-1 OPT
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J-1 Academic Training (AT)
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.
Check your Academic Training (AT) Eligibility: Pre-Degree Completion
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.
Additionally, some students will need to submit the following:
Submit another “J-1 Academic Training DS-2019 Request” or an “EAP Academic Training DS-2019 Request” (if you are an EAPR student) in iPortal at least 30 days prior to your current authorization end date if you would like to:
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:
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:
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.
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 (i.e. one or two classes) as long as their primary purpose in the U.S. continues to be full-time employment.
As a J-1 student, you are required to have adequate health insurance during your stay in the U.S. If you will be continuing with AT beyond the end of your UC SHIP coverage, please refer to the Health Insurance Requirement Form for guidance on how to purchase health insurance through Garnett-Powers & Associates, or to purchase your own and obtain a waiver.
Spring graduates only: If you are enrolled in the UC SHIP for spring quarter and complete your academic program in the spring quarter, you are eligible for continued coverage through the summer, up to the start of fall quarter.
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.
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 the International Tax Help page.
Students on post-completion Academic Training are still in J-1 student status. To reenter the U.S., you must have:
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.
All students are required to submit the Post-Academic Training Report in iPortal within 30 days of completing your Academic Training.
If you are completing post-completion Academic Training, you have a 30-day grace period to remain in the U.S. and do one of the following: