Definition

Academic Training (AT) is training or employment related to a student's field of study.
Appropriate activities vary over disciplines. For example, postdoctoral training in biochemistry might consist of paid research at one location with one faculty advisor or academic training in music may involve a number of paid or unpaid teaching or performance opportunities at different locations.

Provided that the J-1 student applicant (1) maintains valid J-1 status, (2) follows the application and approval procedures for each employer and activity, and (3) does not exceed the time limits:

• AT is available at any stage of one’s academic program
• AT may begin while a J-1 student is enrolled in school or after completion of an academic program
• AT may involve sequential or simultaneous activities, either paid or unpaid, with several employers
• AT authorization must be processed before his/her official academic program completion date
• A program sponsor must also evaluate the effectiveness and appropriateness of the AT in achieving the stated goals and objectives

Criteria for Eligibility

1. Primary reason for U.S. presence is to study in a full-time academic program
2. Valid J-1 status
3. Good academic standing at a U.S. educational institution
4. Completion of at least one semester of study at Oakland University before AT
5. Submission of AT application before completion of academic program
6. Completion of application and approval procedures for each employer and activity
7. Direct relationship between AT and the major field of study
8. Receipt of written approval for the duration of AT prior to AT start date
9. AT application and training occur within designated time limits

Duration of Academic Training

• AT must begin within 30 days after the official academic program completion date
• Overall AT period of 18 months is available to J-1 students who complete a degree program
• Overall 18-month period includes all AT, whether before or after completion of studies
Source: 22CFR § 514.23(f)(4)
• AT period is no longer than the time spent in a full course of study
For example: Graduate students who complete an academic program in 12 months are only eligible for 12 months of AT
• Part-time and full-time AT count equally against total time allowed (i.e. part-time AT is not counted at half the rate of full-time AT)
• Second AT period of 18 months may be granted to J-1 students who (1) complete doctoral degrees in U.S. and (2) are offered post-doctoral positions

J-1 Student Application Process for Academic Training

1. Sponsorship must be through Oakland University (OU)
If the sponsor is not OU and is Amideast/Fulbright or another agency, the J-1 student must contact the sponsor to process AT. To determine sponsorship, please review section #2 of the J-1 student’s Form DS-2019.

2. Obtain an employer’s formal offer of AT employment, including the following:
1) Printed on company letterhead stationery
2) Current date
3) AT job title
4) Brief description of the goals and objectives of AT
5) Dates and location of AT
6) Number of AT hours per week
7) AT wage/salary and benefits
8) Name, title, and signature of AT supervisor

3. Provide an AT recommendation letter from academic advisor or dean
As the basis for recommendation, J-1 students need to provide the advisor/dean with a copy of the AT employment offer letter.
The advisor’s or dean’s AT recommendation letter must include:
 Description of the AT program, including specific goals and objectives
 Relationship of AT to J-1 student’s major field of study as critical part of student’s academic program
 Length of time necessary to complete the goals and objectives of AT

4. Complete the ISSO form “Academic Training Request Form for J-1 Students” (available in the ISSO or on the ISSO website).

5. Obtain an unofficial OU transcript (through SAIL or Registrar’s Office).

6. Obtain official proof of funding that shows sources of J-1 student financial support during AT (if AT is unpaid).

7. Schedule and bring all documents to an appointment with an ISSO advisor.
The ISSO appointment must be at least 20 working days before one’s official degree completion date or before the end date on the Form DS-2019, whichever is earlier.
NOTE: J-1 applicants will be ineligible for AT, if they fail to submit AT applications before either program completion or DS-2019 Form end date (whichever date is earlier).

8. After receiving ISSO approval, come to ISSO to pick up a new Form DS-2019 and authorization letter reflecting the AT period requested duration. The AT end date is also the new end date of the J-1 program. The employer will be listed on both documents.

9. Travel Outside the U.S.
J-1 students must obtain AT authorization from the ISSO before leaving the U.S. for travel following program completion.
NOTE: Travel outside of the US (except for the need to go to Canada or Mexico) will result in new visa from home country. When traveling with a DS-2019 be sure to have the DS-2019 updated prior to travel in travel validation section.