Academic Training

Academic Training is a type of employment authorization granted to eligible J-1 students for employment related to their field of study. It is authorized by theirJ-1 program sponsor and does not require further permission from the Department of State. If the University of Arkansas is your J-1 program sponsor, i.e. the University of Arkansas issued your DS-2019, an ISS advisor will review your application and authorize your employment under Academic Training. If your DS-2019 was not issued by the University of Arkansas, you must contact your J-1 program sponsor.  Academic Training is available during your academic program and/or upon its completion. To be eligible for Academic Training, you must be in good academic standing and the proposed employment must be temporary and related to your major field of study.

Length of Academic Training

The length of Academic Training permitted is based on degree level and the length of your program of study. Note that any Academic Training used prior to completion of studies is deducted from the total time allowed. Part-time employment (less than 20 hours a week) counts at the same rate as full-time employment.

  • Undergraduate programs: 18 months or the length of the academic program whichever is less.
  • Graduate and Professional School programs longer than 18 months: 18 months.
  • Graduate and Professional School programs less than 18 months: Academic Training must be less than or equal to your program length. Example: If your academic program is 9 months, you can only have 9 months of Academic Training.
  • PhD programs: Up to 36 months, but only 18 months may be used before the completion of study. A maximum of 18 months of Academic Training can be authorized at a time.
  • Non-degree programs: Academic training can be granted for the same length of time as the program of study. However the total time in J-1 status (study and work) cannot exceed 24 months.

Applying for Academic Training

When to Apply

Academic Training can be used prior to graduation during school breaks, or after graduation as an extension of the J Exchange Visitor Program. For post-completion Academic Training (employment after graduation), you must apply and obtain authorization BEFORE the end date on your DS-2019 and before you begin the employment. For pre-completion Academic Training (during your period of full-time study) you must apply and obtain authorization before you begin the employment.

How to Apply (for students sponsored by the University of Arkansas)

Contact your ISS advisor to begin the process, which will be a request completed in ISSLink. Review the documents listed below to prepare for the request. If eligible, your ISS advisor will approve your Academic Training and issue a new DS-2019 form.

  • The Academic Training Request Form completed by you and your academic advisor or academic dean (this form is completed in ISSLink)
  • The offer letter from your employer
  • Post-completion Academic Training only
    • Proof of sufficient insurance coverage for student and any J-2 dependents.
    • Proof of funding to demonstrate adequate financial support. The minimum funding necessary for Academic Training is $1716 per month and an additional $535 per month for an accompanying spouse and each accompanying child in J-2 status.

Reporting Requirements while on Academic Training

  • You will need to report any changes in your living address or U.S. phone number to ISS through UAConnect.
  • If you change employers, you will need to apply for a new period of Academic Training per the instructions above.
  • You must maintain health insurance coverage for yourself and any J-2 dependents throughout your Academic Training.

Evaluation of Academic Training

You will need to submit an Academic Training evaluation every nine months. If the Academic Training is less than nine months, the evaluation is due at the end of the Academic Training period. The evaluation is used to assess the effectiveness and appropriateness of the Academic Training in achieving the stated goals and objectives described in the initial application. By completing the evaluation the student is also confirming enrollment in insurance coverage that meets the J-1 Exchange Visitor program requirements.

Submit an Academic Training Evaluation Now

Extending Academic Training

In order to extend your period of Academic Training you must complete a new set of the documents listed above and submit them to your ISS advisor (through ISSLink) at least one week prior to the expiration of your current Academic Training. Your Academic Training work permission must be approved before the end of the current Academic Training period. 

After Academic Training

Once your post-completion Academic Training is completed, you have a thirty day grace period to depart from the U.S. If you plan to remain in the U.S. you will need to plan in advance to secure alternate work permission. You may want to contact your ISS advisor to discuss the two-year home-residency requirement, as well as the “12 Month Bar.”