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updated 7/25/14
Academic Training (J-1)
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Overview
Academic Training is a period of authorized, off-campus employment directly related to a student’s field of study for J-1 students.
J-1 students may participate in Academic Training prior to graduation or after their completion of study for a total maximum of 18 months or the period of their full course of study, whichever is shorter.
Students may work part-time (20 hrs. or less) or full-time on Academic Training. Full-time is only allowed during vacation periods or after graduation. Part-time Academic Training is deducted from the available Academic Training at a full-time rate (e.g., if you were to work half-time for two months before you graduate, you are left with 16 months of employment eligibility remaining after you graduate).
Students must apply for work authorization prior to engaging in Academic Training by submitting on-line application in Axess if Stanford is the J-1 sponsor. Processing time is approximately 5-10 business days
If Stanford is not the J-1 sponsor (e.g. if your sponsor is Fulbright, LASPAU, etc.), students must contact their sponsoring organization for more information. If you do not know your sponsoring organization, please contact the I-Center.
Please note:
As a J-1 student you are eligible for a variety of work opportunities in the U.S., but employment without proper authorization is a serious violation of your status. Remember that before you start any kind of employment, you must first consult your J-1 Responsible Officer (International Student Advisor), whose written approval is required in advance.
Thanksgiving week is part of the academic fall quarter, and all policies and limits regarding on-campus and off-campus employment as well as assistantship appointments remain in effect during this time.
Student Eligibility Conditions
- The student is primarily in the U.S. to study rather than engage in academic training.
- The training opportunity is directly related to the student’s major field of study.
- The student is in good academic standing.
- The student has received written approval in advance from the I-Center (or their J-1 sponsor).
- The student has a job offer. (Note: Academic Training cannot be used for self-employment.)
- The student is in valid J-1 status.
- The student has health insurance coverage for themselves and any J-2 dependents.
- The student's SEVIS (US) address in Axess is kept up-to-date.
The student also needs to report any personal information changes to the I-Center within 10 days.
Academic Training Before Graduation
Full-time employment is only allowed during official school breaks. If school is in session, students can only work part-time (20 hours or less). Note that part-time employment for Academic Training counts against the 18 or 36-month limit the same as full-time employment. However, doctoral students who have completed their course requirements may be authorized for full-time Academic Training prior to degree conferral.
Academic Training After Graduation
Students must apply for their Academic Training before they complete their studies (the program end date on the DS-2019) or they will lose their eligibility. The employment start date must begin with 30 days of completing their program. Since a job offer is required, students should start their job search early. The I-Center recommends that students apply for Academic Training as soon as they have a job offer.
The Academic Training period approved will be reduced by any prior periods of Academic Training.
If a student plans to leave the U.S. after they complete their program of study and reenter the country for J-1 Academic Training, they must obtain employment authorization before they leave or risk having trouble reentering. Consult the I-Center (or your J-1 Responsible Officer) for advice.
Application and Authorization Procedures
Academic Training is authorized by I-Center. To apply for Academic Training, please submit on-line application in Axess.
Instruction for On-line Academic Training application (PDF)
Once your Academic Training application is approved, the International Student Advisor will issue you (and your dependent/s) a new DS-2019.
You will be notified by email when the letter and new DS-2019 is ready for pick-up
Limitations – general
- Your employment may be authorized for the length of time necessary to complete the goals and objectives of the training, provided that is approved by [both] the academic dean or advisor and an International Student Advisor (or your responsible officer). The time period may not exceed the period of full course of study or 18 months, whichever is shorter.
- Additional Academic Training, beyond the 18 or 36-month (for PhD students only) limit, is allowed only if it is required for the degree.
- Earning more than one degree does not increase your eligibility for Academic Training.
PhD Students – Extended Period of Academic Training
PhD students are eligible for Academic Training that may last as long as 36 months. This extended period is seen as "post-doctoral training".
Students who qualify for the second 18 months of Academic Training (based on post-doctoral work) must apply for the second period separately from the first. Academic Training can only be authorized for a maximum of 18 months at a time.
Students may apply any time prior to the current Academic Training expiration date.
To approve this second period of Academic Training, the I-Center will issue a new form DS-2019.
