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  4. 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 (pre-completion) or after (post-completion) graduation. AT is required for both paid positions and unpaid internships. AT is not required for volunteering.

J-1 students sponsored by a program (i.e Fulbright, CONACYT, etc.) should contact their program sponsors regarding Academic Training eligibility requirements. Find job-searching resources on our How to Find Internationally Friendly Employers website.

Before Applying for AT

Pre-Degree Completion Eligibility

Pre-Degree Completion Academic Training (AT) Eligibility:

Pre-completion AT is open to J-1 degree-seeking, Education Abroad Program (EAP), and Global Exchange (GE) students. To be eligible, the student must:
  • Be in valid J-1 status and have a valid passport and DS-2019
  • Have completed at least one quarter in J-1 status
  • 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 requirement.
  • Enroll in an internship course
    • Typical course numbers for undergraduates are: 191, 196, 197, 198 or 199
    • Typical course numbers for graduate students are: 291, 297, 298, or 299
    • Summer Term: Undergraduates must enroll in the summer term. Graduate students are not required to enroll in internship units during the summer term, but they are required to complete the Post-Academic Training Report in iPortal by the first day of the Fall Quarter.
  • Must apply while physically present within the U.S.

Employment Requirements:

  • 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, if they receive approval from their department
  • Due to updated Department of State guidance released in June 2023, J-1 students may not work remotely (from a residential address) for their employer/organizations for more than 40% per week (e.g., no more than two days out of a five-day work week).
    • IMPORTANT NOTE: J-1 students in active status with a start date of June 30, 2023 or prior on their DS-2019 have until December 31, 2023 to adhere to the above regulations.

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,  ISEO 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 ISEO.
  • Graduate Students:  Please consult with your graduate coordinator and ISEO. 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 ISEO.

Post-Degree Completion Eligibility

Post-Degree Completion Academic Training (AT) Eligibility:

Post-completion AT is 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.
    • 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 ISEO 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.
  • Must apply while physically present within the U.S.

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.

Employment Requirements:

  • 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.
  • Due to updated Department of State guidance released in June 2023, J-1 students may not work remotely (from a residential address) for their employer/organizations for more than 40% per week (e.g., no more than two days out of a five-day work week).
    • IMPORTANT NOTE: J-1 students in active status with a start date of June 30, 2023 or prior on their DS-2019 have until December 31, 2023 to adhere to the above regulations.

Health Insurance:

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. 

Duration of AT

AT is available for a total of eighteen (18) months or for a period equal to the length of the study program, whichever is shorter.
  • Example: f 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 are 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

09/16/2024: U.S Department of State has extended the Academic Training STEM Extension until June 30, 2026.

  • ISEO 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 June 2026.

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. 
    • ISEO 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.
    • ISEO 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 ISEO.

Application Timeline

Applications must be submitted to ISEO 10 business days (2 weeks) before the program completion date.
  • Undergraduate students/EAP/GE students: Completion date is the last day of the quarter
  • Graduate (Master's 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 ISEO 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.

 Applying for AT

ISEO Fee Increases for OPT / AT / STEM OPT and Extension AT Applications

Note that effective September 1, 2024, the ISEO Post-Completion Administrative Processing Fees for employment applications will increase. This includes F-1 OPT and STEM OPT as well as J-1 Academic Training and Academic Training initial and extension requests. These fees do not apply to pre-completion F-1 or J-1 employment applications. The new fees are as follows:

  • OPT and Academic Training fee: $150
  • STEM OPT and Academic Training Extension fee: $475

The Post-Completion Administrative Processing Fees are required for ISEO to comply with mandatory federal regulations and to maintain U.S. Department of Homeland Security systems for F-1 and J-1 SEVIS records for students who are no longer enrolled at UC San Diego, and who therefore no longer pay student fees in support of these compliance efforts. After leaving these fees unchanged since 2017, ISEO is now increasing them in order to maintain the highest level of support and services for our students as they pursue post-degree employment opportunities.

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 Application Materials:

Obtain a job offer letter containing the following information: 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 the Fall Quarter.

Post-Completion AT Application Materials:

Obtain a job offer letter containing the following information: Confirmation of payment for the Post-Completion Academic Training Administrative Processing Fee:
  • A 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 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. 
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 or does not meet the funding requirements, you may also provide a current bank statement or financial support letter from your sponsor.

Step 2: Pay the Post-Completion AT Administrative Processing Fee

The Post-Completion AT Administrative Processing Fee is a one-time payment required for ISEO to comply with mandatory federal regulations and maintain U.S. Department of Homeland Security systems for J-1 SEVIS records while students are no longer enrolled at UC San Diego. Note that there is no Processing Fee for Pre-Completion AT.

  • The Post-Completion AT Administrative Processing Fee is $150.00
  • An additional $5.00 credit card processing fee may apply.
  • Fees subject to change without prior notification.
  • The fee is a non-refundable except in cases where ISEO is unable to recommend the AT due to student ineligibility.
  • Any refunds will be minus credit card service fees.

If you do not have a Postdoctoral Scholar offer at UC San Diego for your AT period:

pay your fee here

If you have accepted a Postdoctoral Scholar position at UC San Diego for your AT period:

YOUR HIRING DEPARTMENT CANPAY YOUR FEE HERE

Step 3: Submit your AT Application

Submit a "J-1 Academic Training DS-2019 Request – For AIP" or "J-1 Academic Training DS-2019 Request" on iPortal.

  • Upload a PDF copy of your job offer letter.
  • Post-Completion AT applicants also need to upload:
  • Your new DS-2019 reflecting your new AT employment authorization and an Employment Authorization Letter will be issued within 10 business days. 
  • You will be notified via email when the request is complete.
  • Print and sign the DS-2019, and keep a copy for your own records.

You may 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.


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 4: Submit J-1 AT 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 your address within 10 days of any change.
  • 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. 

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 ISEO to confirm that you are a J-1 student.
  4. After receiving ISEO 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: Submit Required Post-Academic Training Report AFTER Completing AT

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

Pay the Post-Completion AT Extension Administrative Processing Fee

Extensions of Post-Completion AT require the payment of the Post-Completion AT Administrative Processing Fee. This is a one-time payment required for ISEO to comply with mandatory federal regulations and maintain U.S. Department of Homeland Security systems for J-1 SEVIS records while students are no longer enrolled at UC San Diego. Note that there is no Processing Fee for Pre-Completion AT Extensions.

  • The Post-Completion AT Extension Administrative Processing Fee is $475.00
  • An additional $14.00 credit card processing fee may apply.
  • Fees subject to change without prior notification.
  • The fee is a non-refundable except in cases where ISEO is unable to recommend the AT due to student ineligibility.
  • Any refunds will be minus credit card service fees.

If you do not have a Postdoctoral Scholar offer at UC San Diego for your AT period:

pay your fee here

If you have accepted a Postdoctoral Scholar position at UC San Diego for your AT period:

Your hiring department can
pay your fee here

 Maintaining J-1 Status during AT

Report any Employment Changes to ISEO

SEVIS Reporting Requirements:

While on AT, you are in J-1 student status and must continue to report certain information about your stay. Please contact ISEO 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.

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. 

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

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.

Social Security Numbers 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 on how to apply.

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 our Taxes website.

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 ISEO.
  • 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 ISEO 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.

Ending your AT Early

If you plan to withdraw from your post-completion AT with no intention to return to the U.S. to continue employment, submit the "Termination or Completion of Status Reporting Form" on iPortal and upload a PDF copy of your airline ticket or flight itinerary showing the date of your planned departure from the U.S.

Your request will be processed right after your departure from the U.S., or within 5 business days if you are already outside the U.S. Students withdrawing from post-completion AT must depart the U.S. within the appropriate grace period. Contact ISEO if you are unsure of what your grace period is.